Diversity of Drug Resistance Genes in Malaria in Sri Lanka
Author Information
Author(s): Mette L. Schousboe, Rupika S. Rajakaruna, Ali Salanti, Hapuarachchige C. Hapuarachchi, Gawrie N. L. Galappaththy, Ib C. Bygbjerg, Priyanie H. Amerasinghe, Flemming Konradsen, Michael Alifrangis
Primary Institution: Centre for Medical Parasitology, Institute for International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and distribution of SNPs related to Plasmodium vivax SP resistance in Sri Lanka?
Conclusion
The high frequency and diversity of Pvdhfr mutations in Sri Lanka indicate the emergence of drug-resistant parasites despite low levels of SP drug pressure.
Supporting Evidence
- 454 blood samples were collected from 2,149 reported P. vivax cases.
- The FSTS wild-haplotype was found in 68.9% of samples.
- A significantly higher frequency of mutant Pvdhfr haplotypes was observed in Northern districts.
Takeaway
Scientists studied blood samples from people with malaria in Sri Lanka to see if the malaria parasites were becoming resistant to a common treatment. They found many mutations in the parasites that could make them resistant, even though the treatment isn't used much.
Methodology
Blood samples from P. vivax-positive patients were collected and analyzed for SNPs/haplotypes using PCR and SSOP-ELISA.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the collection of samples primarily from government health facilities.
Limitations
Limited sample sizes from some districts may affect the interpretation of results.
Participant Demographics
Samples were collected from individuals seeking treatment for malaria at government health facilities across nine malaria-endemic districts in Sri Lanka.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p ≤ 0.001
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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