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van Loon W, Bisimwa BC, Byela V, Kirby R, Bugeme PM, Balagizi A, Lupande D, Malembaka EB, Mockenhaupt FP, Bahizire E. Detection of Artemisinin Resistance Marker Kelch-13 469Y in Plasmodium falciparum, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2022. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:653-655. [PMID: 38377612 PMCID: PMC10993838 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Partial artemisinin resistance has emerged in East Africa, posing a threat to malaria control across the continent. The Democratic Republic of the Congo carries one of the heaviest malaria burdens globally, and the South Kivu province directly borders current artemisinin resistance hot spots, but indications of such resistance have not been observed so far. We assessed molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in 256 Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected in 2022 in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. One isolate carried the P. falciparum Kelch-13 469Y variant, a marker associated with partial artemisinin resistance and decreased lumefantrine susceptibility in Uganda. In addition, the multidrug resistance-1 mutation pattern suggested increased lumefantrine tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Welmoed van Loon
- Institute of International Health, Center for Global Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bertin C. Bisimwa
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Valéry Byela
- Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Rebecca Kirby
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Patrick M. Bugeme
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aimé Balagizi
- Hôpital Général de Référence de Nyantende, Nyantende, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - David Lupande
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Espoir B. Malembaka
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Frank P. Mockenhaupt
- Institute of International Health, Center for Global Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Esto Bahizire
- Center for Tropical Diseases & Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles de Lwiro, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
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Kayiba NK, Tshibangu-Kabamba E, Rosas-Aguirre A, Kaku N, Nakagama Y, Kaneko A, Makaba DM, Malekita DY, Devleesschauwer B, Likwela JL, Zakayi PK, DeMol P, Lelo GM, Hayette MP, Dikassa PL, Kido Y, Speybroeck N. The landscape of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a mapping systematic review. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:64. [PMID: 37968745 PMCID: PMC10647042 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00551-7] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the most malaria-affected countries worldwide, is a potential hub for global drug-resistant malaria. This study aimed at summarizing and mapping surveys of malaria parasites carrying molecular markers of drug-resistance across the country. METHODS A systematic mapping review was carried out before July 2023 by searching for relevant articles through seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, African Journal Online, African Index Medicus, Bioline and Web of Science). RESULTS We identified 1541 primary studies of which 29 fulfilled inclusion criteria and provided information related to 6385 Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates (collected from 2000 to 2020). We noted the PfCRT K76T mutation encoding for chloroquine-resistance in median 32.1% [interquartile interval, IQR: 45.2] of analyzed malaria parasites. The proportion of parasites carrying this mutation decreased overtime, but wide geographic variations persisted. A single isolate had encoded the PfK13 R561H substitution that is invoked in artemisinin-resistance emergence in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Parasites carrying various mutations linked to resistance to the sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combination were widespread and reflected a moderate resistance profile (PfDHPS A437G: 99.5% [IQR: 3.9]; PfDHPS K540E: 38.9% [IQR: 47.7]) with median 13.1% [IQR: 10.3] of them being quintuple IRN-GE mutants (i.e., parasites carrying the PfDHFR N51I-C59R-S108N and PfDHPS A437G-K540E mutations). These quintuple mutants tended to prevail in eastern regions of the country. Among circulating parasites, we did not record any parasites harboring mutations related to mefloquine-resistance, but we could suspect those with decreased susceptibility to quinine, amodiaquine, and lumefantrine based on corresponding molecular surrogates. CONCLUSIONS Drug resistance poses a serious threat to existing malaria therapies and chemoprevention options in the DRC. This review provides a baseline for monitoring public health efforts as well as evidence for decision-making in support of national malaria policies and for implementing regionally tailored control measures across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kalenda Kayiba
- Research Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mbujimayi, Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Research Center for Infectious Disease Science & Department of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Evariste Tshibangu-Kabamba
- Research Center for Infectious Disease Science & Department of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mbujimayi, Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Angel Rosas-Aguirre
- Research Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Natsuko Kaku
- Research Center for Infectious Disease Science & Department of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yu Nakagama
- Research Center for Infectious Disease Science & Department of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akira Kaneko
- Research Center for Infectious Disease Science & Department of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Dieudonné Mvumbi Makaba
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Department of Quality of Laboratories, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Doudou Yobi Malekita
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Brecht Devleesschauwer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Joris Losimba Likwela
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kisangani, Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Pius Kabututu Zakayi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Patrick DeMol
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Georges Mvumbi Lelo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Marie-Pierre Hayette
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Medicines, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Paul Lusamba Dikassa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Yasutoshi Kido
- Research Center for Infectious Disease Science & Department of Virology and Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Niko Speybroeck
- Research Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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A multi-epitope vaccine designed against blood-stage of malaria: an immunoinformatic and structural approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11683. [PMID: 35804032 PMCID: PMC9266094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15956-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a complex disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most severe form of malaria disease is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Thus, a combination of different approaches is needed to control malaria. Resistance to first-line drugs and insecticides, on the other hand, makes the need for an effective vaccination more urgent than ever. Because erythrocyte parasites cause the most clinical symptoms, developing a vaccination for this stage of infection might be highly beneficial. In this research, we employed various bioinformatics methods to create an efficient multi-epitope vaccine that induces antibodies against the blood stage of malaria infection. For this purpose, we selected the malaria PfGARP protein as the target here. The B, HTL epitopes, and epitope conservation were predicted. The predicted epitopes (including 5 B and 5 HTL epitopes) were connected using suitable linkers, and the flagellin molecule was used as an adjuvant to improve its immunogenicity. The final construct vaccine with 414 amino acids long was designed. The vaccine's allergenicity, antigenicity, solubility, physicochemical characteristics, 2D and 3D structure modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, in silico cloning, and immunological simulation were tested. In silico immune simulation results showed significantly elevated IgG1 and IgM and T helper cells, INF γ, IL 2, and B-cell populations after the injection of the designed vaccine. These significant computational analyses indicated that our proposed vaccine candidate might activate suitable immune responses against malaria. However, in vitro and in vivo studies are essential for further validation.
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Identification of polymorphisms in genes associated with drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from school-age children in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Parasitol Int 2022; 88:102541. [PMID: 35051550 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to antimalarial drugs constitutes an obstacle to malaria control and elimination. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of polymorphisms in pfk13, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfcrt genes in isolates from asymptomatic and symptomatic school-age children in Kinshasa. METHODS Nested-PCR followed by sequencing was performed for the detection of pfk13, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfcrt polymorphisms. RESULTS Two mutations in pfk13, C532S and Q613E were identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the first time. The prevalence of the drug-resistance associated mutations pfcrt K76T, pfdhps K540E and pfmdr1 N86Y was low, being 27%, 20% and 9%, respectively. CONCLUSION We found a low prevalence of genetic markers associated with chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance in Kinshasa. Furthermore, no mutations previously associated with resistance against artemisinin and is derivatives were observed in the pfK13 gene. These findings support the continued use of ACTs and IPTp-SP. Continuous molecular monitoring of antimalarial resistance markers is recommended.
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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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