Characterizing the impact of sustained sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine use upon the Plasmodium falciparum population in Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Malawi experienced prolonged use of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) as the front-line anti-malarial drug, with early replacement of chloroquine and delayed introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy. Extended use of SP, and its continued application in pregnancy is impacting the genomic variation of the Plasmodium falciparum population.

Methods

Whole genome sequence data of P. falciparum isolates covering 2 years of transmission within Malawi, alongside global datasets, were used. More than 745,000 SNPs were identified, and differences in allele frequencies between countries assessed, as well as genetic regions under positive selection determined.

Results

Positive selection signals were identified within dhps, dhfr and gch1, all components of the

SUBMITTER: Ravenhall M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5129638 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature