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ABSTRACT: Background
In 2007, Malawi replaced sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) with an artemisinin-based combination therapy as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in response to failing SP efficacy. Here we estimate the effect of reduced SP pressure on the prevalence of SP-resistant parasites and the characteristics of the associated selective sweeps flanking the resistance loci.Methods
Samples obtained from individuals with clinical malaria during a period of high SP use (1999-2001), a transitional period (2007-2008), and a period of low SP use (2012) were genotyped for resistance markers at pfdhfr-ts codons 51, 59, and 108 and pfdhps codons 437, 540, and 581. Expected heterozygosity was estimated to evaluate the genetic diversity flanking pfdhfr-ts and pfdhps.Results
An increase in the prevalence of the resistance haplotypes DHFR 51I/59R/108N and DHPS 437G/540E occurred under sustained drug pressure, with no change in haplotype prevalence 5 years after reduction in SP pressure. The DHPS 437G/540E/581G haplotype was observed in 2007 and increased in prevalence during a period of reduced SP pressure. Changes to the sweep characteristics flanking pfdhfr-ts and pfdhps were minimal.Conclusions
In contrast to the rapid and complete return of chloroquine-susceptible falciparum malaria after chloroquine was withdrawn from Malawi, a reemergence of SP efficacy is unlikely in the near future.
SUBMITTER: Artimovich E
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4539899 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Artimovich Elena E Schneider Kristan K Taylor Terrie E TE Kublin James G JG Dzinjalamala Fraction K FK Escalante Ananias A AA Plowe Christopher V CV Laufer Miriam K MK Takala-Harrison Shannon S
The Journal of infectious diseases 20150211 5
<h4>Background</h4>In 2007, Malawi replaced sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) with an artemisinin-based combination therapy as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in response to failing SP efficacy. Here we estimate the effect of reduced SP pressure on the prevalence of SP-resistant parasites and the characteristics of the associated selective sweeps flanking the resistance loci.<h4>Methods</h4>Samples obtained from individuals with clinical malaria during a per ...[more]