Prevalence and temporal changes of mutations linked to anti-malarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Palawan, Philippines

Bareng, P. N., Grignard, L., Reyes, R., Fornace, K. , Spencer, F., Macalinao, M. L., Luchavez, J., Espino, F., Drakeley, C. and Hafalla, J. C. R. (2022) Prevalence and temporal changes of mutations linked to anti-malarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Palawan, Philippines. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 116, pp. 174-181. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.12.318) (PMID:34883232) (PMCID:PMC8866131)

Abstract

Objective: This study provides 2016 data on the prevalence of key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with antimalarial drug resistance in Palawan, Philippines. Findings were combined with historical data to model temporal changes in the prevalence of these SNPs in Plasmodium isolates. Methods: Plasmodium isolates were genotyped using drug resistance markers’ pfmdr1, pfcrt, pfdhfr, pfdhps, kelch-13, pvmdr1, pvdhfr, and pvdhps. Temporal trends in the probability of mutations were estimated as a function of time using binomial generalised linear model. Results: All sequenced samples for P. falciparum chloroquine (CQ) markers pfmdr1 and pfcrt had wild-type alleles. Varying mutation patterns were observed for the sulphadoxine/ pyrimethamine (SP) markers’ pfdhps and pfdhfr; complete quintuplet mutations was not found. No SNPs observed for the artemisinin marker kelch-13. For P. vivax, differing patterns were detected for pvmdr1, pvdhfr and pvdhps. Conclusions: Findings suggest that the current drugs remain effective and that there is limited importation and establishment of resistant parasites in the area. Clear temporal trends were recognised with prominent decreases in the proportions of pfcrt and pfmdr mutations detected within the past 15 years, consistent with a change in antimalarial drug policy. Continuous surveillance of antimalarial drug is important to support malaria elimination efforts.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Funding: This study was supported by the Newton Fund; Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Center for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD); and UK-Medical Research Council (UK-MRC) Grant MR/N019199/1.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Fornace, Dr Kimberly
• Authors: Bareng, P. N., Grignard, L., Reyes, R., Fornace, K., Spencer, F., Macalinao, M. L., Luchavez, J., Espino, F., Drakeley, C., and Hafalla, J. C. R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: International Journal of Infectious Diseases
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1201-9712
• ISSN (Online): 1878-3511
• Published Online: 07 December 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Infectious Diseases 116: 174-181
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License