Abstract
BackgroundThe study aimed to gain first data on the prevalence of G6PD enzyme deficiency measured by spectrophotometry and associated genetic variants in Jimma and surroundings, Ethiopia. The area is a Plasmodium vivax endemic region, but 8-aminoquinolines such as primaquine are not recommended as G6PD testing is not available.MethodsHealthy volunteers were recruited at Jimma University, Ethiopia. Enzyme activity was tested by spectrophotometry at the University of Ulm, Germany. A G6PD RDT (Binax NOW® G6PD, Alere, USA) was additionally performed. The G6PD gene was analysed for polymorphisms in a sub-population. Tests for haemoglobinopathies and the presence of malaria parasites were conducted.ResultsNo severe or moderate (cut-off 60%) G6PD deficiency was found in 206 volunteers. Median male activity was 6.1 U/g Hb. Eleven participants (5.4%) showed activities between 70 and 80%. No haemoglobinopathy was detected. None of the subjects showed asymptomatic parasitaemia. One G6PD-A+ variant (A376G) and one new non-synonymous mutation (G445A) were found.ConclusionsAs the prevalence of G6PD deficiency seems low in this area, the use of 8-aminoquinolines should be encouraged. However, reliable G6PD testing methods have to be implemented and safe cut-off levels need to be defined.
Highlights
The study aimed to gain first data on the prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme deficiency measured by spec‐ trophotometry and associated genetic variants in Jimma and surroundings, Ethiopia
P. vivax malaria was considered a harmless form of malaria compared to P. falciparum [3]
A full 14-day course of primaquine (0.25 mg/kg/day) is required for radical cure of P. vivax, whereas a single-low-dose regimen is recommended for the elimination of P. falciparum gametocytes
Summary
The study aimed to gain first data on the prevalence of G6PD enzyme deficiency measured by spec‐ trophotometry and associated genetic variants in Jimma and surroundings, Ethiopia. The area is a Plasmodium vivax endemic region, but 8-aminoquinolines such as primaquine are not recommended as G6PD testing is not available. Increasing resistance of P. falciparum to ACT resulted in a containment strategy including the treatment of gametocytes to Kießling et al Malar J (2018) 17:358 stop spread of resistance [5]. This strategy goes along with elimination efforts. A full 14-day course of primaquine (0.25 mg/kg/day) is required for radical cure of P. vivax, whereas a single-low-dose regimen is recommended for the elimination of P. falciparum gametocytes. Enzyme activity testing of G6PD is essential before the administration of 8-aminoquinolines
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