Increase of Malaria Drug Resistance in Mozambique
Author Information
Author(s): Enosse Sonia, Magnussen Pascal, Abacassamo Fatima, Gómez-Olivé Xavier, Rønn Anita M, Thompson Ricardo, Alifrangis Michael
Primary Institution: Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministério de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
Hypothesis
What is the impact of changing first-line malaria treatment to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine on drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum?
Conclusion
The study found a significant increase in drug resistance-related haplotypes in malaria parasites after changing the first-line treatment to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine.
Supporting Evidence
- The frequency of the Pfdhps double mutant haplotype increased from 14% to 35%.
- The triple mutant Pfdhfr haplotype changed marginally from 46% to 53%.
- The quintuple mutant haplotype increased from 8% to 26%.
Takeaway
When Mozambique switched to a new malaria treatment, the number of drug-resistant parasites increased a lot in just one year.
Methodology
The study involved two cross-sectional surveys with random sampling of children and adults to analyze resistance-related haplotypes in malaria parasites.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to unmeasured consumption of other antifolate drugs and migration changes.
Limitations
The study did not measure actual SP use outside health services, which could affect the results.
Participant Demographics
Participants included children one year or older and adults from Maciana, a malaria-endemic area in Mozambique.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website