Abstract
BackgroundThe goal of the present study was the characterization of Plasmodium falciparum genes associated to malaria drug resistance (pfcrt, pfdhfr and pfdhps), in samples from two Brazilian localities.MethodsParasites from 65 P. falciparum samples were genotyped using nested-PCR and direct DNA sequencing.ResultsSix resistant sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) pfdhfr genotypes and one haplotype associated to SP sensitivity were detected. For pfcrt gene, SVMNT chloroquine (CQ)-resistant genotype was detected as well as the CVMNK CQ-sensitive haplotype in the same sample from Paragominas, that showed a SP-sensitive genotype.ConclusionThis study is the first to document the sensitivity of P. falciparum parasites to CQ and SP in Brazilian field samples. The importance of these findings is discussed.
Highlights
IntroductionThe goal of the present study was the characterization of Plasmodium falciparum genes associated to malaria drug resistance (pfcrt, pfdhfr and pfdhps), in samples from two Brazilian localities
The goal of the present study was the characterization of Plasmodium falciparum genes associated to malaria drug resistance, in samples from two Brazilian localities
The reemergence of CQ-sensitive P. falciparum parasites as well as the downturn of P. falciparum triple mutants associated to SP resistance, were reported after cessation of monotherapy using CQ or SP for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria [9,10,11,12,13]. These findings provide a rationale for the search of drug-sensitive haplotypes in P. falciparum isolates in Brazilian areas where the use of these two drugs for falciparum malaria treatment has been interrupted since 1990
Summary
The goal of the present study was the characterization of Plasmodium falciparum genes associated to malaria drug resistance (pfcrt, pfdhfr and pfdhps), in samples from two Brazilian localities. Malaria is a challenging infectious disease to many countries in the world, especially to those located in tropics and subtropical regions, and the increasing numbers of drug resistant parasites worsens this situation. In 2007, a fixed combination of artemether plus lumefantrine (Coartem®) was introduced as first-line drug [7] and since 2008, the fixed combination artesunate plus mefloquine (FarManguinhos, Fiocruz) was produced, and its implementation in Brazilian endemic areas is in progress to counteract parasite resistance, according to WHO guidelines [8]
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