Transmission of Drug-Resistant Malaria in Western Kenya
Author Information
Author(s): Oesterholt Mayke J. A. M., Alifrangis Michael, Sutherland Colin J., Omar Sabah A., Sawa Patrick, Howitt Christina, Gouagna Louis C., Sauerwein Robert W., Bousema Teun
Primary Institution: Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Mutant parasites possess a transmission advantage compared to susceptible parasites.
Conclusion
The study found that additional mutations in the dhfr gene were not related to increased malaria transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- 66.5% of infections expressed mutations at all three dhfr codons prior to treatment.
- Addition of AS to SP reduced gametocytemia and malaria transmission during follow-up.
- All infections had at least a double mutation in the dhfr gene.
Takeaway
The study looked at how certain mutations in malaria parasites affect their ability to spread, and found that having more mutations didn't make them spread more easily.
Methodology
Children were treated with different antimalarial drugs, and their blood samples were analyzed for mutations and gametocyte presence.
Limitations
The absence of wild-type infections limited the ability to detect differences in transmission potential.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 6 months to 10 years with P. falciparum mono-infection.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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