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Zheng D, Liu T, Yu S, Liu Z, Wang J, Wang Y. Antimalarial Mechanisms and Resistance Status of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:223. [PMID: 39330912 PMCID: PMC11435542 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9090223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is an endoperoxide sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Artemisia annua and is often used to treat malaria. Artemisinin's peroxide bridge is the key structure behind its antimalarial action. Scientists have created dihydroartemisinin, artemether, artesunate, and other derivatives preserving artemisinin's peroxide bridge to increase its clinical utility value. Artemisinin compounds exhibit excellent efficacy, quick action, and minimal toxicity in malaria treatment and have greatly contributed to malaria control. With the wide and unreasonable application of artemisinin-based medicines, malaria parasites have developed artemisinin resistance, making malaria prevention and control increasingly challenging. Artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium strains have been found in many countries and regions. The mechanisms of antimalarials and artemisinin resistance are not well understood, making malaria prevention and control a serious challenge. Understanding the antimalarial and resistance mechanisms of artemisinin drugs helps develop novel antimalarials and guides the rational application of antimalarials to avoid the spread of resistance, which is conducive to malaria control and elimination efforts. This review will discuss the antimalarial mechanisms and resistance status of artemisinin and its derivatives, which will provide a reference for avoiding drug resistance and the research and development of new antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zheng
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (D.Z.); (T.L.); (S.Y.); (Z.L.); (J.W.)
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (D.Z.); (T.L.); (S.Y.); (Z.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Shasha Yu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (D.Z.); (T.L.); (S.Y.); (Z.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Zhilong Liu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (D.Z.); (T.L.); (S.Y.); (Z.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (D.Z.); (T.L.); (S.Y.); (Z.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Tropical Medicine, College of Military Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; (D.Z.); (T.L.); (S.Y.); (Z.L.); (J.W.)
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
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Tran THT, Hien BTT, Dung NTL, Huong NT, Binh TT, Van Long N, Ton ND. Evaluation of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine Efficacy and Molecular Markers in Uncomplicated Falciparum Patients: A Study across Binh Phuoc and Dak Nong, Vietnam. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1013. [PMID: 38929629 PMCID: PMC11205605 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60061013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Malaria continues to be a significant global health challenge. The efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) has declined in many parts of the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Vietnam, due to the spread of resistant malaria strains. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of the Dihydroartemisinin (DHA)-Piperaquine (PPQ) regimen in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria and to conduct molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance in Binh Phuoc and Dak Nong provinces. Materials and Methods: The study included 63 uncomplicated malaria falciparum patients from therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) treated following the WHO treatment guidelines (2009). Molecular marker analysis was performed on all 63 patients. Methods encompassed Sanger sequencing for pfK13 mutations and quantitative real-time PCR for the pfpm2 gene. Results: This study found a marked decrease in the efficacy of the DHA-PPQ regimen, with an increased rate of treatment failures at two study sites. Genetic analysis revealed a significant presence of pfK13 mutations and pfpm2 amplifications, indicating emerging resistance to artemisinin and its partner drug. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the standard DHA-PPQ regimen has sharply declined, with rising treatment failure rates. This decline necessitates a review and possible revision of national malaria treatment guidelines. Importantly, molecular monitoring and clinical efficacy assessments together provide a robust framework for understanding and addressing detection drug resistance in malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Huyen Thi Tran
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (T.H.T.T.); (B.T.T.H.); (N.T.L.D.); (N.V.L.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Bui Thi Thu Hien
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (T.H.T.T.); (B.T.T.H.); (N.T.L.D.); (N.V.L.)
| | - Nguyen Thi Lan Dung
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (T.H.T.T.); (B.T.T.H.); (N.T.L.D.); (N.V.L.)
| | - Nguyen Thi Huong
- National Burn Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Tran Thanh Binh
- 103 Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;
| | - Nguyen Van Long
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (T.H.T.T.); (B.T.T.H.); (N.T.L.D.); (N.V.L.)
| | - Nguyen Dang Ton
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
- Institute of Genome Research, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
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Flegg JA, Kandanaarachchi S, Guerin PJ, Dondorp AM, Nosten FH, Otienoburu SD, Golding N. Spatio-temporal spread of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012017. [PMID: 38626207 PMCID: PMC11051648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Current malaria elimination targets must withstand a colossal challenge-resistance to the current gold standard antimalarial drug, namely artemisinin derivatives. If artemisinin resistance significantly expands to Africa or India, cases and malaria-related deaths are set to increase substantially. Spatial information on the changing levels of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia is therefore critical for health organisations to prioritise malaria control measures, but available data on artemisinin resistance are sparse. We use a comprehensive database from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network on the prevalence of non-synonymous mutations in the Kelch 13 (K13) gene, which are known to be associated with artemisinin resistance, and a Bayesian geostatistical model to produce spatio-temporal predictions of artemisinin resistance. Our maps of estimated prevalence show an expansion of the K13 mutation across the Greater Mekong Subregion from 2000 to 2022. Moreover, the period between 2010 and 2015 demonstrated the most spatial change across the region. Our model and maps provide important insights into the spatial and temporal trends of artemisinin resistance in a way that is not possible using data alone, thereby enabling improved spatial decision support systems on an unprecedented fine-scale spatial resolution. By predicting for the first time spatio-temporal patterns and extents of artemisinin resistance at the subcontinent level, this study provides critical information for supporting malaria elimination goals in Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Flegg
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Philippe J. Guerin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Francois H. Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Sabina Dahlström Otienoburu
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nick Golding
- Telethon Kids Institute and Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Sanmoung W, Sawangjaroen N, Jitueakul S, Buncherd H, Tun AW, Thanapongpichat S, Imwong M. Application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with lateral flow assay visualization of Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13 C580Y mutation for artemisinin resistance detection in clinical samples. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106998. [PMID: 37544396 PMCID: PMC10465885 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to the antimalarial drug artemisinin (ART) has emerged in Greater Mekong Subregion. The molecular marker predominantly used to identify ART resistance is the C580Y mutation in Pfkelch13 of Plasmodium falciparum. Rapid and accurate detection of ART resistance in the field is necessary to guide malaria containment and elimination interventions. Our study evaluates the PfC580Y by using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis visualization using a lateral flow assay (LAMP-SNP-LFA) method for detecting ART resistance in clinical samples collected from Thailand between 2014 and 2019. The optimized incubation condition for the reaction was determined as 45 min at 56 °C, followed by visual detection of positive amplicons using LFA. The assay demonstrated high analytical sensitivity and specificity, with a limit of detection of 16.8 copies of C580Y plasmid/µL of and 100% accuracy for C580Y mutation detection. The PfC580Y LAMP-SNP-LFA method is faster and simpler than conventional polymerase chain reaction/DNA sequencing and has the potential to support antimalarial management policies, malaria control, and global elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wannida Sanmoung
- Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Nongyao Sawangjaroen
- Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Suwannee Jitueakul
- Haematology Unit, Department of Medical Technology and Pathology, Suratthani Hospital, Surat Thani Province, Thailand
| | - Hansuk Buncherd
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Aung Win Tun
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Supinya Thanapongpichat
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 10400, Thailand; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Win KN, Manopwisedjaroen K, Phumchuea K, Suansomjit C, Chotivanich K, Lawpoolsri S, Cui L, Sattabongkot J, Nguitragool W. Molecular markers of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine resistance in northwestern Thailand. Malar J 2022; 21:352. [PMID: 36437462 PMCID: PMC9701414 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) combination therapy is the current first-line treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Thailand. Since its introduction in 2015, resistance to this drug combination has emerged in the eastern part of the Greater Mekong Subregion including the eastern part of Thailand near Cambodia. This study aimed to assess whether the resistance genotypes have arisen the western part of country. METHODS Fifty-seven P. falciparum-infected blood samples were collected in Tak province of northwestern Thailand between 2013 and 2019. Resistance to DHA was examined through the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of kelch13. PPQ resistance was examined through the copy number plasmepsin-2 and the SNPs of Pfcrt. RESULTS Among the samples whose kelch13 were successfully sequenced, approximately half (31/55; 56%) had mutation associated with artemisinin resistance, including G533S (23/55; 42%), C580Y (6/55; 11%), and G538V (2/55; 4%). During the study period, G533S mutation appeared and increased from 20% (4/20) in 2014 to 100% (9/9) in 2019. No plasmepsin-2 gene amplification was observed, but one sample (1/54) had the Pfcrt F145I mutation previously implicated in PPQ resistance. CONCLUSIONS Kelch13 mutation was common in Tak Province in 2013-2019. A new mutation G533S emerged in 2014 and rose to dominance in 2019. PPQ resistance marker Pfcrt F145I was also detected in 2019. Continued surveillance of treatment efficacy and drug resistance markers is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khine Nwe Win
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Khajohnpong Manopwisedjaroen
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Kanit Phumchuea
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Chayanut Suansomjit
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Kesinee Chotivanich
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Saranath Lawpoolsri
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Liwang Cui
- grid.170693.a0000 0001 2353 285XDepartment of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612 USA
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand ,grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand
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Kunasol C, Dondorp AM, Batty EM, Nakhonsri V, Sinjanakhom P, Day NPJ, Imwong M. Comparative analysis of targeted next-generation sequencing for Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance markers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5563. [PMID: 35365711 PMCID: PMC8974807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09474-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Well-defined molecular resistance markers are available for a range of antimalarial drugs, and molecular surveillance is increasingly important for monitoring antimalarial drug resistance. Different genotyping platforms are available, but these have not been compared in detail. We compared Targeted Amplicon Deep sequencing (TADs) using Ion Torrent PGM with Illumina MiSeq for the typing of antimalarial drug resistance genes. We developed and validated protocols to type the molecular resistance markers pfcrt, pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfmdr1, pfkelch, and pfcytochrome b, in Plasmodium falciparum for the Ion Torrent PGM and Illumina MiSeq sequencing platforms. With P. falciparum 3D7 and K1 as reference strains, whole blood samples (N = 20) and blood spots from Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) samples (N = 5) from patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from Ubon Ratchathani were assessed on both platforms and compared for coverage (average reads per amplicon), sequencing accuracy, variant accuracy, false positive rate, false negative rate, and alternative allele detection, with conventional Sanger sequencing as the reference method for SNP calling. Both whole blood and RDT samples could be successfully sequenced using the Ion Torrent PGM and Illumina MiSeq platforms. Coverage of reads per amplicon was higher with Illumina MiSeq (28,886 reads) than with Ion Torrent PGM (1754 reads). In laboratory generated artificial mixed infections, the two platforms could detect the minor allele down to 1% density at 500X coverage. SNPs calls from both platforms were in complete agreement with conventional Sanger sequencing. The methods can be multiplexed with up to 96 samples per run, which reduces cost by 86% compared to conventional Sanger sequencing. Both platforms, using the developed TAD protocols, provide an accurate method for molecular surveillance of drug resistance markers in P. falciparum, but Illumina MiSeq provides higher coverage than Ion Torrent PGM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanon Kunasol
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd., Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Batty
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vorthunju Nakhonsri
- National Biobank of Thailand (NBT), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), 144 Innovation Cluster 2 Building (INC) Tower A, Thailand Science Park, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Puritat Sinjanakhom
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd., Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Rajvithi Rd., Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Siddiqui FA, Liang X, Cui L. Plasmodium falciparum resistance to ACTs: Emergence, mechanisms, and outlook. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2021; 16:102-118. [PMID: 34090067 PMCID: PMC8188179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Emergence and spread of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum to the frontline treatment artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in the epicenter of multidrug resistance of Southeast Asia threaten global malaria control and elimination. Artemisinin (ART) resistance (or tolerance) is defined clinically as delayed parasite clearance after treatment with an ART drug. The resistance phenotype is restricted to the early ring stage and can be measured in vitro using a ring-stage survival assay. ART resistance is associated with mutations in the propeller domain of the Kelch family protein K13. As a pro-drug, ART is activated primarily by heme, which is mainly derived from hemoglobin digestion in the food vacuole. Activated ARTs can react promiscuously with a wide range of cellular targets, disrupting cellular protein homeostasis. Consistent with this mode of action for ARTs, the molecular mechanisms of K13-mediated ART resistance involve reduced hemoglobin uptake/digestion and increased cellular stress response. Mutations in other genes such as AP-2μ (adaptor protein-2 μ subunit), UBP-1 (ubiquitin-binding protein-1), and Falcipain 2a that interfere with hemoglobin uptake and digestion also increase resistance to ARTs. ART resistance has facilitated the development of resistance to the partner drugs, resulting in rapidly declining ACT efficacies. The molecular markers for resistance to the partner drugs are mostly associated with point mutations in the two food vacuole membrane transporters PfCRT and PfMDR1, and amplification of pfmdr1 and the two aspartic protease genes plasmepsin 2 and 3. It has been observed that mutations in these genes can have opposing effects on sensitivities to different partner drugs, which serve as the principle for designing triple ACTs and drug rotation. Although clinical ACT resistance is restricted to Southeast Asia, surveillance for drug resistance using in vivo clinical efficacy, in vitro assays, and molecular approaches is required to prevent or slow down the spread of resistant parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Amber Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Xiaoying Liang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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Compaoré YD, Zongo I, Somé AF, Barry N, Nikiéma F, Kaboré TN, Ouattara A, Kabré Z, Wermi K, Zongo M, Yerbanga RS, Sagara I, Djimdé A, Ouédraogo JB. Hepatic safety of repeated treatment with pyronaridine-artesunate versus artemether-lumefantrine in patients with uncomplicated malaria: a secondary analysis of the WANECAM 1 data from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Malar J 2021; 20:64. [PMID: 33514368 PMCID: PMC7847156 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03593-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of pyronaridine-artesunate (PA) has been associated with scarce transaminitis in patients. This analysis aimed to evaluate the hepatic safety profile of repeated treatment with PA versus artemether–lumefantrine (AL) in patients with consecutive uncomplicated malaria episodes in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Methods This study analysed data from a clinical trial conducted from 2012 to 2015, in which participants with uncomplicated malaria were assigned to either PA or AL arms and followed up to 42 days. Subsequent malaria episodes within a 2-years follow up period were also treated with the same ACT initially allocated. Transaminases (AST/ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin were measured at days 0 (baseline), 3, 7, 28 and on some unscheduled days if required. The proportions of non-clinical hepatic adverse events (AEs) following first and repeated treatments with PA and AL were compared within study arms. The association of these AEs with retreatment in each arm was also determined using a logistic regression model. Results A total of 1379 malaria episodes were included in the intention to treat analysis with 60% of all cases occurring in the AL arm. Overall, 179 non-clinical hepatic AEs were recorded in the AL arm versus 145 in the PA arm. Elevated ALT was noted in 3.05% of treated malaria episodes, elevated AST 3.34%, elevated ALP 1.81%, and elevated total and direct bilirubin in 7.90% and 7.40% respectively. Retreated participants were less likely to experience elevated ALT and AST than first episode treated participants in both arms. One case of Hy’s law condition was recorded in a first treated participant of the PA arm. Participants from the retreatment group were 76% and 84% less likely to have elevated ALT and AST, respectively, in the AL arm and 68% less likely to present elevated ALT in the PA arm. In contrast, they were almost 2 times more likely to experience elevated total bilirubin in both arms. Conclusions Pyronaridine-artesunate and artemether–lumefantrine showed similar hepatic safety when used repeatedly in participants with uncomplicated malaria. Pyronaridine-artesunate represents therefore a suitable alternative to the current first line anti-malarial drugs in use in endemic areas. Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry. PACTR201105000286876
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Daniel Compaoré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
| | - Issaka Zongo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Anyirékun F Somé
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Nouhoun Barry
- Groupe de Recherche Action en Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Frederick Nikiéma
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Zachari Kabré
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Kadidiatou Wermi
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Moussa Zongo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Rakiswende S Yerbanga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Issaka Sagara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye Djimdé
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jean Bosco Ouédraogo
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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Watts RE, Odedra A, Marquart L, Webb L, Abd-Rahman AN, Cascales L, Chalon S, Rebelo M, Pava Z, Collins KA, Pasay C, Chen N, Peatey CL, Möhrle JJ, McCarthy JS. Safety and parasite clearance of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum infection: A pilot and a randomised volunteer infection study in Australia. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003203. [PMID: 32822347 PMCID: PMC7444516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin resistance is threatening malaria control. We aimed to develop and test a human model of artemisinin-resistant (ART-R) Plasmodium falciparum to evaluate the efficacy of drugs against ART-R malaria. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted 2 sequential phase 1, single-centre, open-label clinical trials at Q-Pharm, Brisbane, Australia, using the induced blood-stage malaria (IBSM) model, whereby healthy participants are intravenously inoculated with blood-stage parasites. In a pilot study, participants were inoculated (Day 0) with approximately 2,800 viable P. falciparum ART-R parasites. In a comparative study, participants were randomised to receive approximately 2,800 viable P. falciparum ART-R (Day 0) or artemisinin-sensitive (ART-S) parasites (Day 1). In both studies, participants were administered a single approximately 2 mg/kg oral dose of artesunate (AS; Day 9). Primary outcomes were safety, ART-R parasite infectivity, and parasite clearance. In the pilot study, 2 participants were enrolled between April 27, 2017, and September 12, 2017, and included in final analyses (males n = 2 [100%], mean age = 26 years [range, 23-28 years]). In the comparative study, 25 participants were enrolled between October 26, 2017, and October 18, 2018, of whom 22 were inoculated and included in final analyses (ART-R infected participants: males n = 7 [53.8%], median age = 22 years [range, 18-40 years]; ART-S infected participants: males n = 5 [55.6%], median age = 28 years [range, 22-35 years]). In both studies, all participants inoculated with ART-R parasites became parasitaemic. A total of 36 adverse events were reported in the pilot study and 277 in the comparative study. Common adverse events in both studies included headache, pyrexia, myalgia, nausea, and chills; none were serious. Seven participants experienced transient severe falls in white cell counts and/or elevations in liver transaminase levels which were considered related to malaria. Additionally, 2 participants developed ventricular extrasystoles that were attributed to unmasking of a predisposition to benign fever-induced tachyarrhythmia. In the comparative study, parasite clearance half-life after AS was significantly longer for ART-R infected participants (n = 13, 6.5 hours; 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3-6.7 hours) compared with ART-S infected participants (n = 9, 3.2 hours; 95% CI 3.0-3.3 hours; p < 0.001). The main limitation of this study was that the ART-R and ART-S parasite strains did not share the same genetic background. CONCLUSIONS We developed the first (to our knowledge) human model of ART-R malaria. The delayed clearance profile of ART-R parasites after AS aligns with field study observations. Although based on a relatively small sample size, results indicate that this model can be safely used to assess new drugs against ART-R P. falciparum. TRIAL REGISTRATION The studies were registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12617000244303 (https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372357) and ACTRN12617001394336 (https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=373637).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anand Odedra
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Louise Marquart
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lachlan Webb
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Laura Cascales
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Maria Rebelo
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Zuleima Pava
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Cielo Pasay
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nanhua Chen
- Australian Army Malaria Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - James S. McCarthy
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
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10
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Mathieu LC, Cox H, Early AM, Mok S, Lazrek Y, Paquet JC, Ade MP, Lucchi NW, Grant Q, Udhayakumar V, Alexandre JS, Demar M, Ringwald P, Neafsey DE, Fidock DA, Musset L. Local emergence in Amazonia of Plasmodium falciparum k13 C580Y mutants associated with in vitro artemisinin resistance. eLife 2020; 9:51015. [PMID: 32394893 PMCID: PMC7217694 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimalarial drug resistance has historically arisen through convergent de novo mutations in Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations in Southeast Asia and South America. For the past decade in Southeast Asia, artemisinins, the core component of first-line antimalarial therapies, have experienced delayed parasite clearance associated with several pfk13 mutations, primarily C580Y. We report that mutant pfk13 has emerged independently in Guyana, with genome analysis indicating an evolutionary origin distinct from Southeast Asia. Pfk13 C580Y parasites were observed in 1.6% (14/854) of samples collected in Guyana in 2016-2017. Introducing pfk13 C580Y or R539T mutations by gene editing into local parasites conferred high levels of in vitro artemisinin resistance. In vitro growth competition assays revealed a fitness cost associated with these pfk13 variants, potentially explaining why these resistance alleles have not increased in frequency more quickly in South America. These data place local malaria control efforts at risk in the Guiana Shield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana C Mathieu
- Laboratoire de parasitologie, Centre Nationale de Référence du Paludisme, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana.,Ecole Doctorale n°587, Diversités, Santé, et Développement en Amazonie, Université de Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Horace Cox
- Ministry of Public Health, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Angela M Early
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
| | - Sachel Mok
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Yassamine Lazrek
- Laboratoire de parasitologie, Centre Nationale de Référence du Paludisme, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Jeanne-Celeste Paquet
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Maria-Paz Ade
- Department of Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health, Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, Washington, United States
| | - Naomi W Lucchi
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States
| | - Quacy Grant
- Ministry of Public Health, Georgetown, Guyana
| | - Venkatachalam Udhayakumar
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, United States
| | | | - Magalie Demar
- Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, Cayenne, French Guiana.,Ecosystèmes Amazoniens et Pathologie Tropicale (EPAT), EA3593, Université de Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Pascal Ringwald
- Global Malaria Program, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Neafsey
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States
| | - David A Fidock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Lise Musset
- Laboratoire de parasitologie, Centre Nationale de Référence du Paludisme, World Health Organization Collaborating Center for surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance, Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana
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11
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Hassett MR, Roepe PD. Origin and Spread of Evolving Artemisinin-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum Malarial Parasites in Southeast Asia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:1204-1211. [PMID: 31642425 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we provide an epidemiological history of the emergence and ongoing spread of evolving Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin resistance (ARTR). Southeast Asia has been the focal point for emergence and spread of multiple antimalarial drug resistance phenomena, and is once again for evolving ARTR, also known as the "delayed clearance phenotype" (DCP). The five countries most impacted, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, each have complex histories of antimalarial drug use over many decades, which have in part molded the use of various artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) within each country. We catalog the use of ACTs, evolving loss of ACT efficacy, and the frequency of pfk13 mutations (mutations associated with ARTR) in the Greater Mekong Subregion and map the historical spread of ARTR/DCP parasites. These data should assist improved surveillance and deployment of next-generation ACTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Hassett
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Paul D Roepe
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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12
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Khammanee T, Sawangjaroen N, Buncherd H, Tun AW, Thanapongpichat S. Molecular Surveillance of Pfkelch13 and Pfmdr1 Mutations in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Southern Thailand. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2019; 57:369-377. [PMID: 31533403 PMCID: PMC6753301 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.4.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) resistance is widespread throughout the Greater Mekong Subregion. This raises concern over the antimalarial treatment in Thailand since it shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar where high ACT failure rates were reported. It is crucial to have information about the spread of ACT resistance for efficient planning and treatment. This study was to identify the molecular markers for antimalarial drug resistance: Pfkelch13 and Pfmdr1 mutations from 5 provinces of southern Thailand, from 2012 to 2017, of which 2 provinces on the Thai- Myanmar border (Chumphon and Ranong), one on Thai-Malaysia border (Yala) and 2 from non-border provinces (Phang Nga and Surat Thani). The results showed that C580Y mutation of Pfkelch13 was found mainly in the province on the Thai-Myanmar border. No mutations in the PfKelch13 gene were found in Surat Thani and Yala. The Pfmdr1 gene isolated from the Thai-Malaysia border was a different pattern from those found in other areas (100% N86Y) whereas wild type strain was present in Phang Nga. Our study indicated that the molecular markers of artemisinin resistance were spread in the provinces bordering along the Thai-Myanmar, and the pattern of Pfmdr1 mutations from the areas along the international border of Thailand differed from those of the non-border provinces. The information of the molecular markers from this study highlighted the recent spread of artemisinin resistant parasites from the endemic area, and the data will be useful for optimizing antimalarial treatment based on regional differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thunchanok Khammanee
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Nongyao Sawangjaroen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Hansuk Buncherd
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Aung Win Tun
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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13
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Tirrell AR, Vendrely KM, Checkley LA, Davis SZ, McDew-White M, Cheeseman IH, Vaughan AM, Nosten FH, Anderson TJC, Ferdig MT. Pairwise growth competitions identify relative fitness relationships among artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum field isolates. Malar J 2019; 18:295. [PMID: 31462253 PMCID: PMC6714446 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2934-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Competitive outcomes between co-infecting malaria parasite lines can reveal fitness disparities in blood stage growth. Blood stage fitness costs often accompany the evolution of drug resistance, with the expectation that relatively fitter parasites will be more likely to spread in populations. With the recent emergence of artemisinin resistance, it is important to understand the relative competitive fitness of the metabolically active asexual blood stage parasites. Genetically distinct drug resistant parasite clones with independently evolved sets of mutations are likely to vary in asexual proliferation rate, contributing to their chance of transmission to the mosquito vector. Methods An optimized in vitro 96-well plate-based protocol was used to quantitatively measure-head-to-head competitive fitness during blood stage development between seven genetically distinct field isolates from a hotspot of emerging artemisinin resistance and the laboratory strain, NF54. These field isolates were isolated from patients in Southeast Asia carrying different alleles of kelch13 and included both artemisinin-sensitive and artemisinin-resistant isolates. Fluorescent labeled microsatellite markers were used to track the relative densities of each parasite throughout the co-growth period of 14–60 days. All-on-all competitions were conducted for the panel of eight parasite lines (28 pairwise competitions) to determine their quantitative competitive fitness relationships. Results Twenty-eight pairwise competitive growth outcomes allowed for an unambiguous ranking among a set of seven genetically distinct parasite lines isolated from patients in Southeast Asia displaying a range of both kelch13 alleles and clinical clearance times and a laboratory strain, NF54. This comprehensive series of assays established the growth relationships among the eight parasite lines. Interestingly, a clinically artemisinin resistant parasite line that carries the wild-type form of kelch13 outcompeted all other parasites in this study. Furthermore, a kelch13 mutant line (E252Q) was competitively more fit without drug than lines with other resistance-associated kelch13 alleles, including the C580Y allele that has expanded to high frequencies under drug pressure in Southeast Asian resistant populations. Conclusions This optimized competitive growth assay can be employed for assessment of relative growth as an index of fitness during the asexual blood stage growth between natural lines carrying different genetic variants associated with artemisinin resistance. Improved understanding of the fitness costs of different parasites proliferating in human blood and the role different resistance mutations play in the context of specific genetic backgrounds will contribute to an understanding of the potential for specific mutations to spread in populations, with the potential to inform targeted strategies for malaria therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R Tirrell
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Katelyn M Vendrely
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Lisa A Checkley
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Sage Z Davis
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | - François H Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Michael T Ferdig
- Eck Institute for Global Health, Dept. of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA.
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14
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de-Dios T, van Dorp L, Gelabert P, Carøe C, Sandoval-Velasco M, Fregel R, Escosa R, Aranda C, Huijben S, Balloux F, Gilbert MTP, Lalueza-Fox C. Genetic affinities of an eradicated European Plasmodium falciparum strain. Microb Genom 2019; 5. [PMID: 31454309 PMCID: PMC6807384 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria was present in most of Europe until the second half of the 20th century, when it was eradicated through a combination of increased surveillance and mosquito control strategies, together with cross-border and political collaboration. Despite the severe burden of malaria on human populations, it remains contentious how the disease arrived and spread in Europe. Here, we report a partial Plasmodium falciparum nuclear genome derived from a set of antique medical slides stained with the blood of malaria-infected patients from Spain’s Ebro Delta, dating to the 1940s. Our analyses of the genome of this now eradicated European P. falciparum strain confirms stronger phylogeographical affinity to present-day strains in circulation in central south Asia, rather than to those in Africa. This points to a longitudinal, rather than a latitudinal, spread of malaria into Europe. In addition, this genome displays two derived alleles in the pfmrp1 gene that have been associated with drug resistance. Whilst this could represent standing variation in the ancestral P. falciparum population, these mutations may also have arisen due to the selective pressure of quinine treatment, which was an anti-malarial drug already in use by the time the sample we sequenced was mounted on a slide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni de-Dios
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucy van Dorp
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Pere Gelabert
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Carøe
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marcela Sandoval-Velasco
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rosa Fregel
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Genetics, Universidad of La Laguna, 38206 La Laguna, Spain.,Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Raül Escosa
- Consorci de Polítiques Ambientals de les Terres de l'Ebre (COPATE), 43580 Deltebre, Spain
| | - Carles Aranda
- Servei de Control de Mosquits, Consell Comarcal del Baix Llobregat, 08980 Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Silvie Huijben
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - François Balloux
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) University Museum, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway.,Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Evolution and Genetic Diversity of the k13 Gene Associated with Artemisinin Delayed Parasite Clearance in Plasmodium falciparum. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.02550-18. [PMID: 31085516 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02550-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum k13 (Pfk13) gene are linked to delayed parasite clearance in response to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Southeast Asia. To explore the evolutionary rate and constraints acting on this gene, k13 orthologs from species sharing a recent common ancestor with P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax were analyzed. These comparative studies were followed by genetic polymorphism analyses within P. falciparum using 982 complete Pfk13 sequences from public databases and new data obtained by next-generation sequencing from African and Haitian isolates. Although k13 orthologs evolve at heterogeneous rates, the gene was conserved across the genus, with only synonymous substitutions being found at residues where mutations linked to the delayed parasite clearance phenotype have been reported. This suggests that those residues were under constraint from undergoing nonsynonymous changes during evolution of the genus. No fixed nonsynonymous differences were found between Pfk13 and its orthologs in closely related species found in African apes. This indicates that all nonsynonymous substitutions currently found in Pfk13 are younger than the time of divergence between P. falciparum and its closely related species. At the population level, no mutations linked to delayed parasite clearance were found in our samples from Africa and Haiti. However, there is a high number of single Pfk13 mutations segregating in P. falciparum populations, and two predominant alleles are distributed worldwide. This pattern is discussed in terms of how changes in the efficacy of natural selection, affected by population expansion, may have allowed for the emergence of mutations tolerant to ACTs.
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16
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Association of mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum Kelch13 gene (Pf3D7_1343700) with parasite clearance rates after artemisinin-based treatments-a WWARN individual patient data meta-analysis. BMC Med 2019; 17:1. [PMID: 30651111 PMCID: PMC6335805 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1207-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum infections with slow parasite clearance following artemisinin-based therapies are widespread in the Greater Mekong Subregion. A molecular marker of the slow clearance phenotype has been identified: single genetic changes within the propeller region of the Kelch13 protein (pfk13; Pf3D7_1343700). Global searches have identified almost 200 different non-synonymous mutant pfk13 genotypes. Most mutations occur at low prevalence and have uncertain functional significance. To characterize the impact of different pfk13 mutations on parasite clearance, we conducted an individual patient data meta-analysis of the associations between parasite clearance half-life (PC1/2) and pfk13 genotype based on a large set of individual patient records from Asia and Africa. METHODS A systematic literature review following the PRISMA protocol was conducted to identify studies published between 2000 and 2017 which included frequent parasite counts and pfk13 genotyping. Four databases (Ovid Medline, PubMed, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection) were searched. Eighteen studies (15 from Asia, 2 from Africa, and one multicenter study with sites on both continents) met inclusion criteria and were shared. Associations between the log transformed PC1/2 values and pfk13 genotype were assessed using multivariable regression models with random effects for study site. RESULTS Both the pfk13 genotypes and the PC1/2 were available from 3250 (95%) patients (n = 3012 from Asia (93%), n = 238 from Africa (7%)). Among Asian isolates, all pfk13 propeller region mutant alleles observed in five or more specific isolates were associated with a 1.5- to 2.7-fold longer geometric mean PC1/2 compared to the PC1/2 of wild type isolates (all p ≤ 0.002). In addition, mutant allele E252Q located in the P. falciparum region of pfk13 was associated with 1.5-fold (95%CI 1.4-1.6) longer PC1/2. None of the isolates from four countries in Africa showed a significant difference between the PC1/2 of parasites with or without pfk13 propeller region mutations. Previously, the association of six pfk13 propeller mutant alleles with delayed parasite clearance had been confirmed. This analysis demonstrates that 15 additional pfk13 alleles are associated strongly with the slow-clearing phenotype in Southeast Asia. CONCLUSION Pooled analysis associated 20 pfk13 propeller region mutant alleles with the slow clearance phenotype, including 15 mutations not confirmed previously.
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17
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Konstat-Korzenny E, Ascencio-Aragón JA, Niezen-Lugo S, Vázquez-López R. Artemisinin and Its Synthetic Derivatives as a Possible Therapy for Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 6:medsci6010019. [PMID: 29495461 PMCID: PMC5872176 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To assess the possibility of using the antimalarial drug artemisinin and its synthetic derivatives as antineoplastic drugs. A Pubmed and Google Scholar (1983–2018) search was performed using the terms artemisinin, cancer, artesunate and Artemisia annua. Case reports and original research articles, review articles, and clinical trials in both humans and animals were evaluated. Both in vitro and in vivo clinical trials and case reports have shown promising activity of the artemisinin drug derivatives in treating certain types of cancer. However, the reported articles are few, and therefore not statistically significant. The minimal toxicity shown in clinical trials and case reports, along with the selective cytotoxic activity of the compounds, make them possible cancer therapies due to the emerging evidence of the drug’s effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Konstat-Korzenny
- Departamento de Microbiología del Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA) Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte. Av. Universidad Anáhuac 46 Col. Lomas Anáhuac Huixquilucan, Estado de México 52786, México.
| | - Jorge Alberto Ascencio-Aragón
- Departamento de Microbiología del Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA) Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte. Av. Universidad Anáhuac 46 Col. Lomas Anáhuac Huixquilucan, Estado de México 52786, México.
| | - Sebastian Niezen-Lugo
- Departamento de Microbiología del Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA) Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte. Av. Universidad Anáhuac 46 Col. Lomas Anáhuac Huixquilucan, Estado de México 52786, México.
| | - Rosalino Vázquez-López
- Departamento de Microbiología del Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA) Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac México Campus Norte. Av. Universidad Anáhuac 46 Col. Lomas Anáhuac Huixquilucan, Estado de México 52786, México.
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