Dihydrofolate Reductase I164L Mutation in Plasmodium falciparum, Madagascar

Sample size: 114 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ménard Didier, Andriantsoanirina Valérie, Jahevitra Martial, Barnadas Céline, Tichit Magali, Bouchier Christiane, Sibley Carol Hopkins

Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, Antananarivo, Madagascar

The study investigates the presence and implications of the I164L mutation in the dhfr gene of Plasmodium falciparum in Madagascar.

The I164L mutation is beginning to appear in Africa, which may threaten the effectiveness of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria treatment.

Four samples contained the 108N single-mutant allele.
Thirty-seven samples contained the 51I/59R/108N triple-mutant allele.
One sample contained the I164L single-mutant allele.
The I164L allele was detected in a clinical sample from a patient who showed early treatment failure.

Scientists found a mutation in malaria that could make a common treatment less effective, which is a big deal for people in Madagascar.

Blood samples were collected from children, and the dhfr gene was sequenced to identify mutations.

Blood levels of the drug were not measured, making it difficult to establish a causal connection between the I164L mutation and SP resistance.

Children aged 6 months to 15 years.

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