In vitro susceptibility to quinine and microsatellite variations of the Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ exchanger (Pfnhe-1) gene: the absence of association in clinical isolates from the Republic of Congo

2011

Quinine Resistance and Genetic Variations in Malaria Parasites

Sample size: 74 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Briolant Sébastien, Pelleau Stéphane, Bogreau Hervé, Hovette Philippe, Zettor Agnès, Castello Jacky, Baret Eric, Amalvict Rémy, Rogier Christophe, Pradines Bruno

Primary Institution: Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées - Antenne de Marseille, France

Hypothesis

Is there an association between the Pfnhe-1 gene polymorphisms and quinine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from the Republic of Congo?

Conclusion

The study found no association between Pfnhe-1 microsatellite polymorphisms and quinine susceptibility in the isolates from the Republic of Congo.

Supporting Evidence

The mean quinine IC50 of the 74 isolates was 381.9 nM.
Four isolates (5.4%) had a quinine IC50 greater than 800 nM, indicating potential resistance.
Twenty-seven different Pfnhe-1 genotypes were observed among the 74 isolates.
Eighteen of these genotypes were identified as new.
No significant association was found between the number of DNNND repeats and quinine susceptibility.
Similar results were observed for NHNDNHNNDDD repeats.
The study suggests that geographic differences may influence the association between Pfnhe and quinine resistance.
Further studies are needed to confirm the role of Pfnhe-1 as a molecular marker for quinine resistance.

Takeaway

The researchers looked at whether certain genetic changes in malaria parasites affect how well they respond to quinine, a common malaria treatment, and found that these changes don't seem to matter in this region.