Polymorphism of Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ exchanger is indicative of a low in vitro quinine susceptibility in isolates from Viet Nam
2011

Genetic Factors Affecting Quinine Resistance in Malaria

Sample size: 98 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sinou Véronique, Quang Le Hong, Pelleau Stéphane, Huong Vu Nhu, Huong Nguyen Thu, Tai Le Minh, Bertaux Lionel, Desbordes Marc, Latour Christine, Long Lai Quang, Thanh Nguyen Xuan, Parzy Daniel

Primary Institution: UMR-MD3 Relations Hôte-Parasite, Pharmacologie et Thérapeutique, Université de la Méditerranée, Institut de Médecine Tropicale du Service de Santé des Armées, Antenne IRBA- Marseille, Marseille, France

Hypothesis

The polymorphism of the Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ exchanger influences quinine susceptibility in isolates from Vietnam.

Conclusion

The haplotype 7 of the pfnhe1 gene is likely well-adapted to high drug pressure and may serve as a genetic marker for evaluating quinine resistance spread in Vietnam.

Supporting Evidence

  • Isolates with two or more DNNND repeats showed lower susceptibility to quinine than those with fewer repeats.
  • The majority of isolates had the pfcrt76T and wild-type pfmdr1 genotypes, limiting analysis of these mutations.
  • The haplotype 7 was found in 68.3% of the isolates, indicating its prevalence in the region.

Takeaway

Scientists studied malaria parasites from Vietnam to see how their genes affect how well they respond to quinine, a medicine used to treat malaria. They found that certain gene patterns make the parasites less sensitive to the drug.

Methodology

Ninety-eight isolates were collected and genotyped, with in vitro quinine sensitivity assessed using HRP2 immunodetection assay.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to self-medication practices and varying drug histories in different regions.

Limitations

The study was limited to isolates from a single geographical region, which may not represent the broader population.

Participant Demographics

Isolates were obtained from patients with uncomplicated malaria in two provinces of Vietnam.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0146

Confidence Interval

650 nM [517-928]

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-2875-10-164

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication