High frequency of malaria drug resistance in Yemen
Author Information
Author(s): Al-Mekhlafi Abdulsalam M, Mahdy Mohammed AK, Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M, Azazy Ahmed A, Fong Mun Yik
Primary Institution: Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum in Yemen based on the pfcrt T76 mutation?
Conclusion
The high prevalence of the pfcrt T76 mutation in Yemen indicates a significant chloroquine resistance problem that needs to be addressed in malaria control strategies.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of pfcrt T76 mutation was found to be 81.5%.
- Coastal areas had a higher prevalence of pfcrt T76 mutation compared to highland areas (90.5% vs 71.8%).
- The pfcrt T76 mutation was significantly associated with parasitaemia.
- Age over 10 years and low household income were significant predictors of pfcrt T76 mutation.
Takeaway
This study found that many people in Yemen have a mutation that makes malaria harder to treat with chloroquine, a common medicine.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 511 participants using blood samples to detect Plasmodium species and the pfcrt T76 mutation.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the selection of participants and the reliance on self-reported data.
Limitations
The study may not represent all regions of Yemen, as it was conducted in only four governorates.
Participant Demographics
The study included 511 participants, with a median age of 20 years, consisting of 268 males and 242 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 2.3 - 36.2
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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