scholarly journals Increased prevalence of pfdhfr and pfdhps mutations associated with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia: important implications for malaria treatment policy

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aymen M. Madkhali ◽  
Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi ◽  
Wahib M. Atroosh ◽  
Ahmad Hassn Ghzwani ◽  
Khalid Ammash Zain ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite significant progress in eliminating malaria from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the disease is still endemic in the southwestern region of the country. Artesunate plus sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (AS + SP) has been used in Saudi Arabia since 2007 as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mutations associated with resistance to artemisinin and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in P. falciparum parasites circulating in Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 151 P. falciparum isolates were collected between April 2018 and March 2019 from 12 of the governorates in Jazan region. Genomic DNA was extracted from dried blood spots and amplified using nested PCR. Polymorphisms in the propeller domain of the P. falciparum k13 (pfkelch13) gene and point mutations in the P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (pfdhps) genes were identified by sequencing. Results No mutations in the pfkelch13 propeller domain were found in any of the 151 isolates. However, point mutations in the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes were detected in 90.7% (137/151) of the isolates. The pfdhfr double mutations N51I + S108N (i.e. ACICNI haplotype) and triple mutations N51I + C59R + S108N (i.e. ACIRNI haplotype) were detected in 47% and 37.8% of the isolates, respectively. Moreover, the pfdhps single mutation at codon A437G and double mutations A437G + K540E (i.e. SGEAAI haplotype) were observed in 4.6% and 51.7% of the isolates, respectively. Interestingly, 23.8%, 25.1 and 12.6% of the isolates had quintuple, quadruple and triple mutated combined pfdhfr–pfdhps genotypes, respectively. Furthermore, significant associations were found between the prevalence of mutant haplotypes and the age, gender and nationality of the patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of point mutations in the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes of P. falciparum isolates from Jazan region, with quintuple and quadruple mutant pfdhfr–pfdhps genotypes reported for the first time in Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite the absence of the pfkelch13 mutation in the isolates examined, the pfdhfr and pfdhps mutations undermine the efficacy of SP partner drug, thereby threatening the main falciparum malaria treatment policy in Saudi Arabia, i.e. the use of AS + SP. Therefore, the continuous molecular and in-vivo monitoring of ACT efficacy in Jazan region is highly recommended.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi ◽  
Aymen M. Madkhali ◽  
Ahmed A. Abdulhaq ◽  
Wahib M. Atroosh ◽  
Ahmad Hassn Ghzwani ◽  
...  

Abstract A total of 227 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia were amplified for the P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene to detect point mutations 11 years after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Saudi Arabia. The pfmdr1 86Y mutation was found in 11.5% (26/227) of the isolates while the N86 wild allele was detected in 88.5%. Moreover, 184F point mutations dominated (86.3%) the instances of pfmdr1 polymorphism while no mutation was observed at codons 1034, 1042 and 1246. Three pfmdr1 haplotypes were identified, NFSND (74.9%), NYSND (13.7%) and YFSND (11.4%). Associations of the prevalence of 86Y mutation and YFSND haplotype with participants’ nationality, residency and parasitaemia level were found to be significant (P < 0.05). The findings revealed significant decline in the prevalence of the pfmdr1 86Y mutation in P. falciparum isolates from Jazan region over a decade after the implementation of ACT treatment. Moreover, the high prevalence of the NFSND haplotype might be indicative of the potential emergence of CQ-sensitive but artemether-lumefantrine-resistant P. falciparum strains since the adoption of ACT. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in Jazan region is highly recommended.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi ◽  
Aymen M. Madkhali ◽  
Ahmed A. Abdulhaq ◽  
Wahib M. Atroosh ◽  
Ahmad Hassn Ghzwani ◽  
...  

AbstractA total of 227 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia were amplified for the P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene to detect point mutations 11 years after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Saudi Arabia. The pfmdr1 86Y mutation was found in 11.5% (26/227) of the isolates while the N86 wild allele was detected in 88.5%. Moreover, 184F point mutations dominated (86.3%) the instances of pfmdr1 polymorphism while no mutation was observed at codons 1034, 1042 and 1246. Three pfmdr1 haplotypes were identified, NFSND (74.9%), NYSND (13.7%) and YFSND (11.4%). Associations of the prevalence of 86Y mutation and YFSND haplotype with participants’ nationality, residency and parasitaemia level were found to be significant (P < 0.05). The findings revealed significant decline in the prevalence of the pfmdr1 86Y mutation in P. falciparum isolates from Jazan region over a decade after the implementation of ACT treatment. Moreover, the high prevalence of the NFSND haplotype might be indicative of the potential emergence of CQ-sensitive but artemether-lumefantrine-resistant P. falciparum strains since the adoption of ACT. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in Jazan region is highly recommended.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacques-Mari Ndong Ngomo ◽  
Denise Patricia Mawili-Mboumba ◽  
Noé Patrick M’Bondoukwe ◽  
Rosalie Nikiéma Ndong Ella ◽  
Marielle Karine Bouyou Akotet

In Gabon, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp-SP) and for uncomplicated malaria treatment through ACTs drug. P. falciparum strains resistant to SP are frequent in areas where this drug is highly used and is associated with the occurrence of mutations on Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (Pfdhps) genes. The aim of the study was to compare the proportion of mutations on Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes in isolates collected at Oyem in northern Gabon, in 2005 at the time of IPTp-SP introduction and three years later. Point mutations were analyzed by nested PCR-RFLP method. Among 91 isolates, more than 90% carried Pfdhfr 108N and Pfdhfr 59R alleles. Frequencies of Pfdhfr 51I (98%) and Pfdhps 437G (67.7%) mutant alleles were higher in 2008. Mutations at codons 164, 540, and 581 were not detected. The proportion of the triple Pfdhfr mutation and quadruple mutation including A437G was high: 91.9% in 2008 and 64.8% in 2008, respectively. The present study highlights an elevated frequency of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps mutant alleles, although quintuple mutations were not found in north Gabon. These data suggest the need of a continuous monitoring of SP resistance in Gabon.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara H. Stokes ◽  
Kelly Rubiano ◽  
Satish K. Dhingra ◽  
Sachel Mok ◽  
Judith Straimer ◽  
...  

AbstractThe emergence of artemisinin (ART) resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites has led to increasing rates of treatment failure with first-line ART-based combination therapies (ACTs) in Southeast Asia. In this region, select mutations in K13 can result in delayed parasite clearance rates in vivo and enhanced survival in the ring-stage survival assay (RSA) in vitro. Our genotyping of 3,299 P. falciparum isolates across 11 sub-Saharan countries reveals the continuing dominance of wild-type K13 and confirms the emergence of a K13 R561H variant in Rwanda. Using gene editing, we provide definitive evidence that this mutation, along with M579I and C580Y, can confer variable degrees of in vitro ART resistance in African P. falciparum strains. C580Y and M579I were both associated with substantial fitness costs in African parasites, which may counter-select against their dissemination in high-transmission settings. We also report the impact of multiple K13 mutations, including the predominant variant C580Y, on RSA survival rates and fitness in multiple Southeast Asian strains. No change in ART susceptibility was observed upon editing point mutations in ferrodoxin or mdr2, earlier associated with ART resistance in Southeast Asia. These data point to the lack of an evident biological barrier to mutant K13 mediating ART resistance in Africa, while identifying their detrimental impact on parasite growth.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hodoameda ◽  
Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie ◽  
Charles Oheneba Hagan ◽  
Sena Matrevi ◽  
Benjamin Abuaku ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) partner drugs, currently used in Ghana are lumefantrine, amodiaquine, and piperaquine. Plasmodium falciparum isolates with reduced susceptibility to these partner drugs may affect treatment outcome. Mutations in Pfmdr1 gene is linked to reduced parasite susceptibility to amodiaquine and lumefantrine. In addition, the potency of the partner drugs in vivo depends on the metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme in the host. Mutations in the CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 genes are linked to reduced metabolism of amodiaquine and lumefantrine respectively in vitro. This study investigated the host and parasite genetic factors affecting the susceptibility of the malaria parasite to ACT partner drugs.Methods Archived samples from 240 patients aged ≤ 9 years participating in antimalarial drug resistance survey in of Ghana and given AL or AA were selected and analyzed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing was used to determine the polymorphisms in CYP2C8, CYP3A4, and Pfmdr1 genes.Results For CYP3A4, all had wild type alleles suggesting that the hosts are good metabolizers of lumefantrine. For CYP2C8 60% had wild type alleles, 35% heterozygous and 5% homozygous recessive alleles suggesting efficient metabolism of amodiaquine by the hosts. For Pfmdr1 gene, at codon 86, 95% were wild type (N86) and 5% mutant (Y86). For codon 184, 36% were wild type (Y184) and 64% mutant (F184) while for codons 1034, 1042 and 1246, 100% (all) were wild type. The high prevalence of NFD suggest presence of parasites with reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine and not amodiaquine. Delayed clearance was observed in individuals with mutations in the Pfmdr1 gene and not Cytochrome 450 gene. Both synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations were observed in the Pfmdr1 at low prevalence.Conclusion The outcome of this study indicates that parasite's genetic factors rather than the hosts' are likely to drive resistance to ACTs in Ghana.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hodoameda ◽  
Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie ◽  
Charles Oheneba Hagan ◽  
Sena Matrevi ◽  
Benjamin Abuaku ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) partner drugs, currently used in Ghana are lumefantrine, amodiaquine, and piperaquine. Plasmodium falciparum isolates with reduced susceptibility to these partner drugs may affect treatment outcome. Mutations in Pfmdr1 gene is linked to reduced parasite susceptibility to amodiaquine and lumefantrine. In addition, the potency of the partner drugs in vivo depends on the metabolism by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme in the host. Mutations in the CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 genes are linked to reduced metabolism of amodiaquine and lumefantrine respectively in vitro. This study investigated the host and parasite genetic factors affecting the susceptibility of the malaria parasite to ACT partner drugs.Methods: Archived samples from 240 patients aged ≤9years participating in antimalarial drug resistance survey in of Ghana and given AL or AA were selected and analyzed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing was used to determine the polymorphisms in CYP2C8, CYP3A4, and Pfmdr1 genes. Results: For CYP3A4, all had wild type alleles suggesting that the hosts are good metabolizers of lumefantrine. For CYP2C8 60% had wild type alleles, 35% heterozygous and 5% homozygous recessive alleles suggesting efficient metabolism of amodiaquine by the hosts. For Pfmdr1 gene, at codon 86, 95% were wild type (N86) and 5% mutant (Y86). For codon 184, 36% were wild type (Y184) and 64% mutant (F184) while for codons 1034, 1042 and 1246, 100% (all) were wild type. The high prevalence of N86-F184-D1246 haplotype (NFD) suggest presence of parasites with reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine and not amodiaquine. Delayed clearance was observed in individuals with mutations in the Pfmdr1 gene and not Cytochrome 450 gene. Both synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations were observed in the Pfmdr1 at low prevalence. Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicates that parasite's genetic factors rather than the hosts' are likely to drive resistance to ACTs in Ghana.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tingting Jiang ◽  
Weijia Cheng ◽  
Yi Yao ◽  
Huabing Tan ◽  
Kai Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Anti-malarial drug resistance is a severe challenge for eventual control and global elimination of malaria. Resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) increases as mutations accumulate in the Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes. This study aimed to assess the polymorphisms and prevalence of mutation in these genes in the Plasmodium falciparum infecting migrant workers returning to Wuhan, China. Methods Blood samples were collected for 9 years (2011–2019). Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from blood spots on filter paper. The mutations were evaluated by nested PCR and sequencing. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of the Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes were analysed. Results Pfdhfr codon 108 showed a 94.7% mutation rate, while for Pfdhps, the rate for codon 437 was 79.0%. In total, five unique haplotypes at the Pfdhfr locus and 11 haplotypes at the Pfdhps locus were found while the Pfdhfr-Pfdhps combined loci revealed 28 unique haplotypes. A triple mutant (IRNI) of Pfdhfr was the most prevalent haplotype (84.4%). For Pfdhps, a single mutant (SGKAA) and a double mutant (SGEAA) were detected at frequencies of 37.8 and 22.3%, respectively. Among the combined haplotypes, a quadruple mutant (IRNI-SGKAA) was the most common, with a 30.0% frequency, followed by a quintuplet mutant (IRNI-SGEAA) with a frequency of 20.4%. Conclusion The high prevalence and saturation of Pfdhfr haplotypes and the medium prevalence of Pfdhps haplotypes demonstrated in the present data will provide support for predicting the status and progression of antifolate resistance in malaria-endemic regions and imported malaria in nonendemic areas. Additional interventions to evaluate and prevent SP resistance should be continuously considered.


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