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Jeang B, Zhong D, Lee MC, Atieli H, Yewhalaw D, Yan G. Molecular surveillance of Kelch 13 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Kenya and Ethiopia. Malar J 2024; 23:36. [PMID: 38287365 PMCID: PMC10823687 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04812-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely molecular surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13 (k13) gene mutations is essential for monitoring the emergence and stemming the spread of artemisinin resistance. Widespread artemisinin resistance, as observed in Southeast Asia, would reverse significant gains that have been made against the malaria burden in Africa. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of k13 polymorphisms in western Kenya and Ethiopia at sites representing varying transmission intensities between 2018 and 2022. METHODS Dried blood spot samples collected through ongoing passive surveillance and malaria epidemiological studies, respectively, were investigated. The k13 gene was genotyped in P. falciparum isolates with high parasitaemia: 775 isolates from four sites in western Kenya (Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, and Kombewa) and 319 isolates from five sites across Ethiopia (Arjo, Awash, Gambella, Dire Dawa, and Semera). DNA sequence variation and neutrality were analysed within each study site where mutant alleles were detected. RESULTS Sixteen Kelch13 haplotypes were detected in this study. Prevalence of nonsynonymous k13 mutations was low in both western Kenya (25/783, 3.19%) and Ethiopia (5/319, 1.57%) across the study period. Two WHO-validated mutations were detected: A675V in three isolates from Kenya and R622I in four isolates from Ethiopia. Seventeen samples from Kenya carried synonymous mutations (2.17%). No synonymous mutations were detected in Ethiopia. Genetic variation analyses and tests of neutrality further suggest an excess of low frequency polymorphisms in each study site. Fu and Li's F test statistic in Semera was 0.48 (P > 0.05), suggesting potential population selection of R622I, which appeared at a relatively high frequency (3/22, 13.04%). CONCLUSIONS This study presents an updated report on the low frequency of k13 mutations in western Kenya and Ethiopia. The WHO-validated R622I mutation, which has previously only been reported along the north-west border of Ethiopia, appeared in four isolates collected from eastern Ethiopia. The rapid expansion of R622I across Ethiopia signals the need for enhanced monitoring of the spread of drug-resistant P. falciparum parasites in East Africa. Although ACT remains currently efficacious in the study areas, continued surveillance is necessary to detect early indicators of artemisinin partial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook Jeang
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Harrysone Atieli
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
- International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Tom Mboya University College, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Kojom Foko LP, Narang G, Jakhan J, Tamang S, Moun A, Singh V. Nationwide spatiotemporal drug resistance genetic profiling from over three decades in Indian Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax isolates. Malar J 2023; 22:236. [PMID: 37582796 PMCID: PMC10428610 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04651-x] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug resistance is a serious impediment to efficient control and elimination of malaria in endemic areas. METHODS This study aimed at analysing the genetic profile of molecular drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax parasites from India over a ~ 30-year period (1993-2019). Blood samples of P. falciparum and/or P. vivax-infected patients were collected from 14 regions across India. Plasmodial genome was extracted and used for PCR amplification and sequencing of drug resistance genes in P. falciparum (crt, dhps, dhfr, mdr1, k13) and P. vivax (crt-o, dhps, dhfr, mdr1, k12) field isolates. RESULTS The double mutant pfcrt SVMNT was highly predominant across the country over three decades, with restricted presence of triple mutant CVIET from Maharashtra in 2012. High rates of pfdhfr-pfdhps quadruple mutants were observed with marginal presence of "fully resistant" quintuple mutant ACIRNI-ISGEAA. Also, resistant pfdhfr and pfdhps haplotype has significantly increased in Delhi between 1994 and 2010. For pfmdr1, only 86Y and 184F mutations were present while no pfk13 mutations associated with artemisinin resistance were observed. Regarding P. vivax isolates, the pvcrt-o K10 "AAG" insertion was absent in all samples collected from Delhi in 2017. Pvdhps double mutant SGNAV was found only in Goa samples of year 2008 for the first time. The pvmdr1 908L, 958M and 1076L mutations were highly prevalent in Delhi and Haryana between 2015 and 2019 at complete fixation. One nonsynonymous novel pvk12 polymorphism was identified (K264R) in Goa. CONCLUSIONS These findings support continuous surveillance and characterization of P. falciparum and P. vivax populations as proxy for effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs in India, especially for independent emergence of artemisinin drug resistance as recently seen in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loick P Kojom Foko
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Geetika Narang
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Jahnvi Jakhan
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Suman Tamang
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Amit Moun
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India.
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Tadele G, Jawara A, Oboh M, Oriero E, Dugassa S, Amambua-Ngwa A, Golassa L. Clinical isolates of uncomplicated falciparum malaria from high and low malaria transmission areas show distinct pfcrt and pfmdr1 polymorphisms in western Ethiopia. Malar J 2023; 22:171. [PMID: 37270589 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04602-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pfcrt gene has been associated with chloroquine resistance and the pfmdr1 gene can alter malaria parasite susceptibility to lumefantrine, mefloquine, and chloroquine. In the absence of chloroquine (CQ) and extensive use of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) from 2004 to 2020 to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria, pfcrt haplotype, and pfmdr1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined in two sites of West Ethiopia with a gradient of malaria transmission. METHODS 230 microscopically confirmed P. falciparum isolates were collected from Assosa (high transmission area) and Gida Ayana (low transmission area) sites, of which 225 of them tested positive by PCR. High-Resolution Melting Assay (HRM) was used to determine the prevalence of pfcrt haplotypes and pfmdr1 SNPs. Furthermore, the pfmdr1 gene copy number (CNV) was determined using real-time PCR. A P-value of less or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Of the 225 samples, 95.5%, 94.4%, 86.7%, 91.1%, and 94.2% were successfully genotyped with HRM for pfcrt haplotype, pfmdr1-86, pfmdr1-184, pfmdr1-1042 and pfmdr1-1246, respectively. The mutant pfcrt haplotypes were detected among 33.5% (52/155) and 80% (48/60) of isolates collected from the Assosa and Gida Ayana sites, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum with chloroquine-resistant haplotypes was more prevalent in the Gida Ayana area compared with the Assosa area (COR = 8.4, P = 0.00). Pfmdr1-N86Y wild type and 184F mutations were found in 79.8% (166/208) and 73.4% (146/199) samples, respectively. No single mutation was observed at the pfmdr1-1042 locus; however, 89.6% (190/212) of parasites in West Ethiopia carry the wild-type D1246Y variants. Eight pfmdr1 haplotypes at codons N86Y-Y184F-D1246Y were identified with the dominant NFD 61% (122/200). There was no difference in the distribution of pfmdr1 SNPs, haplotypes, and CNV between the two study sites (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Plasmodium falciparum with the pfcrt wild-type haplotype was prevalent in high malaria transmission site than in low transmission area. The NFD haplotype was the predominant haplotype of the N86Y-Y184F-D1246Y. A continuous investigation is needed to closely monitor the changes in the pfmdr1 SNPs, which are associated with the selection of parasite populations by ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geletta Tadele
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aminata Jawara
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Mary Oboh
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Eniyou Oriero
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Sisay Dugassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Hassen J, Alemayehu GS, Dinka H, Golassa L. High prevalence of Pfcrt 76T and Pfmdr1 N86 genotypes in malaria infected patients attending health facilities in East Shewa zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Malar J 2022; 21:286. [PMID: 36207750 PMCID: PMC9547420 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum resistance to series of anti-malarial drugs is a major challenge in efforts to control and/or eliminate malaria globally. In 1998, following the widespread of chloroquine (CQ) resistant P. falciparum, Ethiopia switched from CQ to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) and subsequently in 2004 from SP to artemether–lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Data on the prevalence of CQ resistance markers after more than two decades of its removal is important to map the selection pressure behind the targets codons of interest. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of mutations in Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr1 N86Y codons among malaria-infected patients from Adama, Olenchiti and Metehara sites of East Shewa zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods Finger-prick whole blood samples were collected on 3MM Whatman ® filter papers from a total of 121 microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infected patients. Extraction of parasite DNA was done by Chelex-100 method from dried blood spot (DBS). Genomic DNA template was used to amplify Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr1 N86Y codons by nested PCR. Nested PCR products were subjected to Artherobacter protophormiae-I (APoI) restriction enzyme digestion to determine mutations at codons 76 and 86 of Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes, respectively. Results Of 83 P. falciparum isolates successfully genotyped for Pfcrt K76T, 91.6% carried the mutant genotypes (76T). The prevalence of Pfcrt 76T was 95.7%, 92.5% and 84.5% in Adama, Metehara and Olenchiti, respectively. The prevalence of Pfcrt 76T mutations in three of the study sites showed no statistical significance difference (χ2 = 1.895; P = 0.388). On the other hand, of the 80 P. falciparum samples successfully amplified for Pfmdr1, all carried the wild-type genotypes (Pfmdr1 N86). Conclusion Although CQ officially has been ceased for the treatment of falciparum malaria for more than two decades in Ethiopia, greater proportions of P. falciparum clinical isolates circulating in the study areas carry the mutant 76T genotypes indicating the presence of indirect CQ pressure in the country. However, the return of Pfmdr1 N86 wild-type allele may be favoured by the use of AL for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04304-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifar Hassen
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, P. O. Box 1888, Adama, Ethiopia.
| | - Gezahegn Solomon Alemayehu
- Research and Community Service Center, College of Health Science, Defense University, P. O. Box 1419, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Hunduma Dinka
- Department of Applied Biology, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, P. O. Box 1888, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ketema T, Bacha K, Getahun K, Bassat Q. In vivo efficacy of anti-malarial drugs against clinical Plasmodium vivax malaria in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J 2021; 20:483. [PMID: 34952581 PMCID: PMC8709955 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-04016-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ethiopia is one of the few countries in Africa where Plasmodium vivax commonly co-exists with Plasmodium falciparum, and which accounts for ~ 40% of the total number of malaria infections in the country. Regardless of the growing evidence over many decades of decreasing sensitivity of this parasite to different anti-malarial drugs, there has been no comprehensive attempt made to systematically review and meta-analyse the efficacy of different anti-malarial drugs against P. vivax in the country. However, outlining the efficacy of available anti-malarial drugs against this parasite is essential to guide recommendations for the optimal therapeutic strategy to use in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to synthesize evidence on the efficacy of anti-malarial drugs against clinical P. vivax malaria in Ethiopia. Methods All potentially relevant, peer-reviewed articles accessible in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Clinical Trial.gov electronic databases were retrieved using a search strategy combining keywords and related database-specific subject terms. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized trials aiming to investigate the efficacy of anti-malarial drugs against P. vivax were included in the review. Data were analysed using Review Manager Software. Cochrane Q (χ2) and the I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity. The funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to examine risk of publication bias. Results Out of 1294 identified citations, 14 articles that presented data on 29 treatment options were included in the analysis. These studies enrolled 2144 clinical vivax malaria patients. The pooled estimate of in vivo efficacy of anti-malarial drugs against vivax malaria in Ethiopia was 97.91% (95% CI: 97.29–98.52%), with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 86%, p < 0.0001) and publication bias (Egger’s test = -12.86, p < 0.001). Different anti-malarial drugs showed varied efficacies against vivax malaria. The duration of follow-up significantly affected the calculated efficacy of any given anti-malarial drug, with longer duration of the follow-up (42 days) associated with significantly lower efficacy than efficacy reported on day 28. Also, pooled PCR-corrected efficacy and efficacy estimated from altitudinally lower transmission settings were significantly higher than PCR-uncorrected efficacy that estimated for moderate transmission settings, respectively. Conclusion The overall efficacy of anti-malarial drugs evaluated for the treatment of vivax malaria in Ethiopia was generally high, although there was wide-ranging degree of efficacy, which was affected by the treatment options, duration of follow-up, transmission intensity, and the confirmation procedures for recurrent parasitaemia. Regardless of evidence of sporadic efficacy reduction reported in the country, chloroquine (CQ), the first-line regimen in Ethiopia, remained highly efficacious, supporting its continuous utilization for confirmed P. vivax mono-infections. The addition of primaquine (PQ) to CQ is recommended, as this is the only approved way to provide radical cure, and thus ensure sustained efficacy and longer protection against P. vivax. Continuous surveillance of the efficacy of anti-malarial drugs and clinical trials to allow robust conclusions remains necessary to proactively act against possible emergence and spread of drug-resistant P. vivax in Ethiopia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-04016-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsige Ketema
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia. .,ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ketema Bacha
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Kefelegn Getahun
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanity, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies, ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação Em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología Y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Owoloye A, Olufemi M, Idowu ET, Oyebola KM. Prevalence of potential mediators of artemisinin resistance in African isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2021; 20:451. [PMID: 34856982 PMCID: PMC8638531 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03987-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The devastating public health impact of malaria has prompted the need for effective interventions. Malaria control gained traction after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). However, the emergence of artemisinin (ART) partial resistance in Southeast Asia and emerging reports of delayed parasite sensitivity to ACT in African parasites signal a gradual trend towards treatment failure. Monitoring the prevalence of mutations associated with artemisinin resistance in African populations is necessary to stop resistance in its tracks. Mutations in Plasmodium falciparum genes pfk13, pfcoronin and pfatpase6 have been linked with ART partial resistance. Methods Findings from published research articles on the prevalence of pfk13, pfcoronin and pfatpase6 polymorphisms in Africa were collated. PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles reporting polymorphisms in these genes across Africa from 2014 to August 2021, for pfk13 and pfcoronin. For pfatpase6, relevant articles between 2003 and August 2021 were retrieved. Results Eighty-seven studies passed the inclusion criteria for this analysis and reported 742 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 37,864 P. falciparum isolates from 29 African countries. Five validated-pfk13 partial resistance markers were identified in Africa: R561H in Rwanda and Tanzania, M476I in Tanzania, F446I in Mali, C580Y in Ghana, and P553L in an Angolan isolate. In Tanzania, three (L263E, E431K, S769N) of the four mutations (L263E, E431K, A623E, S769N) in pfatpase6 gene associated with high in vitro IC50 were reported. pfcoronin polymorphisms were reported in Senegal, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, and Congo, with P76S being the most prevalent mutation. Conclusions This meta-analysis provides an overview of the prevalence and widespread distribution of pfk13, pfcoronin and pfatpase6 mutations in Africa. Understanding the phenotypic consequences of these mutations can provide information on the efficacy status of artemisinin-based treatment of malaria across the continent. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03987-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afolabi Owoloye
- Genomic Research in Biomedicine Laboratory, Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Michael Olufemi
- Genomic Research in Biomedicine Laboratory, Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.,Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel T Idowu
- Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kolapo M Oyebola
- Genomic Research in Biomedicine Laboratory, Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria. .,Parasitology and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. .,Sickle Cell Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Pacheco MA, Schneider KA, Cheng Q, Munde EO, Ndege C, Onyango C, Raballah E, Anyona SB, Ouma C, Perkins DJ, Escalante AA. Changes in the frequencies of Plasmodium falciparum dhps and dhfr drug-resistant mutations in children from Western Kenya from 2005 to 2018: the rise of Pfdhps S436H. Malar J 2020; 19:378. [PMID: 33092587 PMCID: PMC7583259 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03454-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is the only anti-malarial drug formulation approved for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp). However, mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum dhfr (Pfdhfr) and dhps (Pfdhps) genes confer resistance to pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine, respectively. Here, the frequencies of SP resistance-associated mutations from 2005 to 2018 were compared in samples from Kenyan children with malaria residing in a holoendemic transmission region. METHODS Partial sequences of the Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes were amplified and sequenced from samples collected in 2005 (n = 81), 2010 (n = 95), 2017 (n = 43), and 2018 (n = 55). The frequency of known mutations conferring resistance to pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine were estimated and compared. Since artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the current first-line treatment for malaria, the presence of mutations in the propeller domain of P. falciparum kelch13 gene (Pfk13) linked to ACT-delayed parasite clearance was studied in the 2017/18 samples. RESULTS Among other changes, the point mutation of Pfdhps S436H increased in frequency from undetectable in 2005 to 28% in 2017/18. Triple Pfdhfr mutant allele (CIRNI) increased in frequency from 84% in 2005 to 95% in 2017/18, while the frequency of Pfdhfr double mutant alleles declined (allele CICNI from 29% in 2005 to 6% in 2017/18, and CNRNI from 9% in 2005 to undetectable in 2010 and 2017/18). Thus, a multilocus Pfdhfr/Pfdhps genotype with six mutations (HGEAA/CIRNI), including Pfdhps S436H, increased in frequency from 2010 to 2017/18. Although none of the mutations associated with ACT-delayed parasite clearance was observed, the Pfk13 mutation A578S, the most widespread Pfk13 SNP found in Africa, was detected in low frequency (2.04%). CONCLUSIONS There were changes in SP resistance mutant allele frequencies, including an increase in the Pfdhps S436H. Although these patterns seem consistent with directional selection due to drug pressure, there is a lack of information to determine the actual cause of such changes. These results suggest incorporating molecular surveillance of Pfdhfr/Pfdhps mutations in the context of SP efficacy studies for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andreína Pacheco
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kristan A Schneider
- Department of Applied Computer and Biosciences, University of Applied Sciences Mittweida, Technikumplatz, Mittweida, Germany
| | - Qiuying Cheng
- Center for Global Health, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Elly O Munde
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kerugoya, Kenya
| | - Caroline Ndege
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Clinton Onyango
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Evans Raballah
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya
| | - Samuel B Anyona
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Collins Ouma
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Douglas J Perkins
- Center for Global Health, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- University of New Mexico-Kenya Global Health Programs, Kisumu, Siaya, Kenya.
| | - Ananias A Escalante
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Brazeau NF, Assefa A, Mohammed H, Seme H, Tsadik AG, Parr JB, Keeler C, Hathaway NJ, Meshnick SR, Bailey JA, Kassa M, Juliano JJ, Woyessa A. Pooled Deep Sequencing of Drug Resistance Loci from Plasmodium falciparum Parasites across Ethiopia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:1139-1143. [PMID: 31516103 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Ethiopia has an overall lower prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum among countries in Africa, the emergence of drug resistance could seriously hinder elimination efforts. Using samples collected from five therapeutic efficacy studies conducted in 2007-11, we evaluated the prevalence of putative drug resistance mutations in the pfcrt, pfmdr1, and kelch13 genes at the time of those studies, as well as the ama1 gene for genetic relatedness using a pooled amplicon deep sequencing approach. Among all sites, the kelch13 gene showed no mutations, whereas the pfcrt CVIET genotype was fixed in all populations. By contrast, the mdr1 gene demonstrated frequencies of resistant genotypes ranging from 10 to 100% at amino acid position 86 and from 0% to 57.8% at amino acid position 1246. Although we observed a low degree of haplotype sharing between sites, we did observe considerable haplotype sharing within sites over time. This suggests that P. falciparum populations in Ethiopia are isolated and able to persist through time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Brazeau
- Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy Program, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Heven Seme
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abeba G Tsadik
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jonathan B Parr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Corinna Keeler
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nicholas J Hathaway
- School of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Moges Kassa
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Adugna Woyessa
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Plasmodium falciparum Kelch Propeller Polymorphisms in Clinical Isolates from Ghana from 2007 to 2016. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.00802-19. [PMID: 31427297 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00802-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The continuous surveillance of polymorphisms in the kelch propeller domain of Plasmodium falciparum from Africa is important for the discovery of the actual markers of artemisinin resistance in the region. The information on the markers is crucial for control strategies involving chemotherapy and chemoprophylaxis for residents and nonimmune travelers to the country. Polymorphisms in the kelch propeller domain of Ghanaian malaria parasites from three different ecological zones at several time periods were assessed. A total of 854 archived samples (2007 to 2016) collected from uncomplicated malaria patients aged ≤9 years old from 10 sentinel sites were used. Eighty-four percent had wild-type sequences (PF3D7_1343700), while many of the mutants had mostly nonsynonymous mutations clustered around codons 404 to 650. Variants with different amino acid changes of the codons associated with artemisinin (ART) resistance validated markers were observed in Ghanaian isolates: frequencies for I543I, I543S, I543V, R561P, R561R, and C580V were 0.12% each and 0.6% for R539I. Mutations reported from African parasites, A578S (0.23%) and Q613L (0.23%), were also observed. Three persisting nonsynonymous (NS) mutations, N599Y (0.005%), K607E (0.004%), and V637G (0.004%), were observed in 3 of the 5 time periods nationally. The presence of variants of the validated markers of artemisinin resistance as well as persisting polymorphisms after 14 years of artemisinin-based combination therapy use argues for continuous surveillance of the markers. The molecular markers of artemisinin resistance and the observed variants will be monitored subsequently as part of ongoing surveillance of antimalarial drug efficacy/resistance studies in the country.
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Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 alleles in settings with different levels of Plasmodium vivax co-endemicity in Ethiopia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 11:8-12. [PMID: 31539706 PMCID: PMC6796752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax co-exist at different endemicity levels across Ethiopia. For over two decades Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) is the first line treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum, while chloroquine (CQ) is still used to treat P. vivax. It is currently unclear whether a shift from CQ to AL for P. falciparum treatment has implications for AL efficacy and results in a reversal of mutations in genes associated to CQ resistance, given the high co-endemicity of the two species and the continued availability of CQ for the treatment of P. vivax. This study thus assessed the prevalence of Pfcrt-K76T and Pfmdr1-N86Y point mutations in P. falciparum. 18S RNA gene based nested PCR confirmed P. falciparum samples (N = 183) collected through community and health facility targeted cross-sectional surveys from settings with varying P. vivax and P. falciparum endemicity were used. The proportion of Plasmodium infections that were P. vivax was 62.2% in Adama, 41.4% in Babile, 30.0% in Benishangul-Gumuz to 6.9% in Gambella. The Pfcrt-76T mutant haplotype was observed more from samples with higher endemicity of P. vivax as being 98.4% (61/62), 100% (31/31), 65.2% (15/23) and 41.5% (22/53) in samples from Adama, Babile, Benishangul-Gumuz and Gambella, respectively. However, a relatively higher proportion of Pfmdr1-N86 allele (77.3–100%) were maintained in all sites. The observed high level of the mutant Pfcrt-76T allele in P. vivax co-endemic sites might require that utilization of CQ needs to be re-evaluated in settings co-endemic for the two species. A country-wide assessment is recommended to clarify the implication of the observed level of variation in drug resistance markers on the efficacy of AL-based treatment against uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria.
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Dokunmu TM, Adjekukor CU, Yakubu OF, Bello AO, Adekoya JO, Akinola O, Amoo EO, Adebayo AH. Asymptomatic malaria infections and Pfmdr1 mutations in an endemic area of Nigeria. Malar J 2019; 18:218. [PMID: 31248414 PMCID: PMC6598231 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2833-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria eradication globally is yet to be achieved and transmission is sustained in many endemic countries. Plasmodium falciparum continues to develop resistance to currently available anti-malarial drugs, posing great problems for malaria elimination. This study evaluates the frequencies of asymptomatic infection and multidrug resistance-1 (mdr-1) gene mutations in parasite isolates, which form the basis for understanding persistently high incidence in South West, Nigeria. METHODS A total of 535 individuals aged from 6 months were screened during the epidemiological survey evaluating asymptomatic transmission. Parasite prevalence was determined by histidine-rich protein II rapid detection kit (RDT) in healthy individuals. Plasmodium falciparum mdr-1 gene mutations were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction enzyme digest and electrophoresis to determine polymorphism in parasite isolates. Sequencing was done to confirm polymorphism. Proportions were compared using Chi-square test at p value < 0.05. RESULTS Malaria parasites were detected by RDT in 204 (38.1%) individuals. Asymptomatic infection was detected in 117 (57.3%) and symptomatic malaria confirmed in 87 individuals (42.6%). Overall, individuals with detectable malaria by RDT was significantly higher in individuals with symptoms, 87 of 197 (44.2%), than asymptomatic persons; 117 of 338 (34.6%), p = 0.02. In a sub-set of 75 isolates, 18(24%) and 14 (18.6%) individuals had Pfmdr1 86Y and 1246Y mutations. CONCLUSIONS There is still high malaria transmission rate in Nigeria with higher incidence of asymptomatic infections. These parasites harbour mutations on Pfmdr1 which contribute to artemisinin partner drug resistance; surveillance strategies to reduce the spread of drug resistance in endemic areas are needed to eliminate the reservoir of malaria parasites that can mitigate the eradication of malaria in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Omolara F Yakubu
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, 23401, Nigeria
| | - Adetutu O Bello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, 23401, Nigeria
| | - Jarat O Adekoya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Covenant University, Ota, 23401, Nigeria
| | - Olugbenga Akinola
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, 24003, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel O Amoo
- Demography and Social Statistics Unit, Department of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University, Ota, 23401, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun H Adebayo
- Department of Biochemistry, Covenant University, Ota, 23401, Nigeria.
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Abdifatah AJ, Wanna C, Kesara NB. Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance gene status in the Horn of Africa: A systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.5897/ajpp2018.4942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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de Laurent ZR, Chebon LJ, Ingasia LA, Akala HM, Andagalu B, Ochola-Oyier LI, Kamau E. Polymorphisms in the K13 Gene in Plasmodium falciparum from Different Malaria Transmission Areas of Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1360-1366. [PMID: 29582728 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of artemisinin (ART)-resistant parasites in Southeast Asia (SEA) threatens malaria control globally. Mutations in the Kelch 13 (K13)-propeller domain have been useful in identifying ART resistance in SEA. ART combination therapy (ACT) remains highly efficacious in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, it is crucial that the efficacy of ACT is closely monitored. Toward this effort, this study profiled the prevalence of K13 nonsynonymous mutations in different malaria ecological zones of Kenya and in different time periods, before (pre) and after (post) the introduction of ACT as the first-line treatment of malaria. Nineteen nonsynonymous mutations were present in the pre-ACT samples (N = 64) compared with 22 in the post-ACT samples (N = 251). Eight of these mutations were present in both pre- and post-ACT parasites. Interestingly, seven of the shared single-nucleotide polymorphisms were at higher frequencies in the pre-ACT than the post-ACT parasites. The A578S mutation reported in SSA and the V568G mutation reported in SEA were found in both pre- and post-ACT parasites, with their frequencies declining post-ACT. D584Y and R539K mutations were found only in post-ACT parasites; changes in these codons have also been reported in SEA with different amino acids. The N585K mutation described for the first time in this study was present only in post-ACT parasites, and it was the most prevalent mutation at a frequency of 5.2%. This study showed the type, prevalence, and frequency of K13 mutations that varied based on the malaria ecological zones and also between the pre- and post-ACT time periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaydah R de Laurent
- Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.,Kenya Medical Research Institute/United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Lorna J Chebon
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Luicer A Ingasia
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Hoseah M Akala
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ben Andagalu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin Kamau
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya, Kisumu, Kenya.,Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), Bethesda, Maryland
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Abdul-Ghani R, Mahdy MAK, Beier JC, Basco LK. Hidden reservoir of resistant parasites: the missing link in the elimination of falciparum malaria. Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:12. [PMID: 28166813 PMCID: PMC5294824 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0227-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To successfully eliminate malaria, an integrated system that includes a number of approaches and interventions—aimed at overcoming the threat of antimalarial drug resistance—is required. Significant progress has been made in reducing malaria incidence through large-scale use of artemisinin-based combination therapies and insecticide-treated nets. To consolidate these gains, attention should be paid to the missing links in the elimination of malaria. One of these gaps is the residual reservoir of submicroscopic resistant parasites, which remains after case management or other control measures have been carried out. Therefore, the present opinion piece highlights the importance of exploring the role that submicroscopic resistant parasites could play in hindering malaria elimination by allowing the persistence of transmission, particularly in areas of low transmission or in the pre-elimination and/or elimination phase. Discussion If malaria elimination interventions are to be effective, the relative role of the hidden reservoir of resistant parasites needs to be assessed, particularly in regions that are low-transmission settings and/or in pre-elimination and/or elimination phases. Various ongoing studies are focusing on the role of submicroscopic malaria infections in malaria transmission but overlook the possible build-up of resistance to antimalarial drugs among submicroscopic parasite populations. This is an important factor as it may eventually limit the effectiveness of malaria elimination strategies. Conclusions An evidence-based estimation of the “true” reservoir of resistant parasites can help target the existing and emerging foci of resistant parasites before they spread. Emergence and spread of artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Southeast Asia underline the need to contain drug resistance. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0227-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashad Abdul-Ghani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen. .,Tropical Disease Research Center, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Mohammed A K Mahdy
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen.,Tropical Disease Research Center, University of Science and Technology, Sana'a, Yemen
| | - John C Beier
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Leonardo K Basco
- Unité de Recherche 198, Unité de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales Emergentes, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Faculté de Médecine La Timone, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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Gomes MDSM, Vieira JLF, Couto ÁARD, Couto VSCD, Vieira MVDF, Pereira FCDS, Machado RLD. Recurrence of Plasmodium falciparum after treatment with quinine and doxycycline in the Amazon basin. Trop Med Int Health 2016; 22:133-138. [PMID: 27862676 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the recurrence of infection by Plasmodium falciparum in patients from the Brazilian Amazon was caused by an inadequate exposure to quinine. METHODS A retrospective study was carried out using blood samples from patients with slide-confirmed infection by P. falciparum, classified according to the parasitological response after 28 days of follow-up. Quinine and doxycycline were measured in plasma samples by high-performance liquid chromatography. A statistical model was used to estimate parasite clearance rates. RESULTS Six of 40 patients who met the criteria for inclusion in the study showed recurrence of parasitaemia within 28 days after the commencement of treatment. A group of six patients with adequate parasitological response was formed to avoid bias when the variables were compared. Parasitaemia at admission was similar in both groups. Plasma quinine concentrations were similar in both groups on days 1, 2 and 3 and ranged from 1.07 to 4.35 μg/ml in cured patients and from 1.1 to 3.2 μg/ml in patients with parasite recurrence. Concentrations of doxycycline were similar in both groups on day 3. The parasite clearance rate constant was 0.131 ± 0.16 h in the cured patients and 0.117 ± 0.02 h in those showing recurrence. The slope half-life in the cured patients was 4.8 h and 5.4 h in recurrence cases. The hillslope of the cured group (14.24) increased sharply compared to the recurrence group (4.13). CONCLUSION There is evidence of a decreased in vivo sensitivity to quinine of P. falciparum strains in the Brazilian Amazon basin.
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Abstract
Objectives: Malaria has been a major global health problem in recent times with increasing mortality. Current treatment methods include parasiticidal drugs and vaccinations. However, resistance among malarial parasites to the existing drugs has emerged as a significant area of concern in anti-malarial drug design. Researchers are now desperately looking for new targets to develop anti-malarials drug which is more target specific. Malarial parasites harbor a plastid-like organelle known as the ‘apicoplast’, which is thought to provide an exciting new outlook for the development of drugs to be used against the parasite. This review elaborates on the current state of development of novel compounds targeted againstemerging malaria parasites. Methods: The apicoplast, originates by an endosymbiotic process, contains a range of metabolic pathways and housekeeping processes that differ from the host body and thereby presents ideal strategies for anti-malarial drug therapy. Drugs are designed by targeting the unique mechanism of the apicoplasts genetic machinery. Several anabolic and catabolic processes, like fatty acid, isopenetyl diphosphate and heme synthess in this organelle, have also been targeted by drugs. Results: Apicoplasts offer exciting opportunities for the development of malarial treatment specific drugs have been found to act by disrupting this organelle’s function, which wouldimpede the survival of the parasite. Conclusion: Recent advanced drugs, their modes of action, and their advantages in the treatment of malaria by using apicoplasts as a target are discussed in this review which thought to be very useful in desigining anti-malarial drugs. Targetting the genetic machinery of apicoplast shows a great advantange regarding anti-malarial drug design. Critical knowledge of these new drugs would give a healthier understanding for deciphering the mechanism of action of anti-malarial drugs when targeting apicoplasts to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinaba Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Natural Science Laboratory, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
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