Abstract
BackgroundWestern Cambodia is recognized as the epicentre of emergence of Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance. The emergence of artemisinin resistance has been observed in this area since 2008–2009 and molecular signatures associated to artemisinin resistance have been characterized in k13 gene. At present, one of the major threats faced, is the possible spread of Asian artemisinin resistant parasites over the world threatening millions of people and jeopardizing malaria elimination programme efforts. To anticipate the diffusion of artemisinin resistance, the identification of the P. falciparum population structure and the gene flow among the parasite population in Cambodia are essential.MethodsTo this end, a mid-throughput PCR-LDR-FMA approach based on LUMINEX technology was developed to screen for genetic barcode in 533 blood samples collected in 2010–2011 from 16 health centres in malaria endemics areas in Cambodia.ResultsBased on successful typing of 282 samples, subpopulations were characterized along the borders of the country. Each 11-loci barcode provides evidence supporting allele distribution gradient related to subpopulations and gene flow. The 11-loci barcode successfully identifies recently emerging parasite subpopulations in western Cambodia that are associated with the C580Y dominant allele for artemisinin resistance in k13 gene. A subpopulation was identified in northern Cambodia that was associated to artemisinin (R539T resistant allele of k13 gene) and mefloquine resistance.ConclusionsThe gene flow between these subpopulations might have driven the spread of artemisinin resistance over Cambodia.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1370-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Western Cambodia is recognized as the epicentre of emergence of Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance
In 1990s, mefloquine resistance was observed in this area and more recently, the emergence of artemisinin derivatives resistance was observed along Cambodian-Thai
This paper describes the implementation of the PCRLDR-FMA for the detection of an 11-single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) barcode
Summary
Western Cambodia is recognized as the epicentre of emergence of Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance. One of the major threats faced, is the possible spread of Asian artemisinin resistant parasites over the world threatening millions of peo‐ ple and jeopardizing malaria elimination programme efforts. To anticipate the diffusion of artemisinin resistance, the identification of the P. falciparum population structure and the gene flow among the parasite population in Cambodia are essential. Plasmodium falciparum malaria is one of the most severe and wide spread parasitic disease affecting millions of humans in the world. Plasmodium falciparum clinical malaria resistance to chloroquine was first documented in 1957 [1, 2] in this area. Molecular epidemiological studies have confirmed that the spread of resistant parasites to these two drugs to Africa has originated from Southeast Asia [5]. In 1990s, mefloquine resistance was observed in this area and more recently, the emergence of artemisinin derivatives resistance was observed along Cambodian-Thai
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
