Predictors of local emergence and spread of Artemisinin resistance among Ugandan Plasmodium falciparum parasites

Malaria remains a serious public health problem in Uganda, accounting for 30-50% of out-patient visits, 15-20% of hospital admissions and up to 20% of in-patient deaths. Malaria treatment is threatened by resistance to artemisinin agents, the cornerstone of current treatment modalities. Efforts to track and contain artemisinin resistance especially in sub-Saharan Africa are hindered by lack of valid molecular markers coupled with inadequate capacity to perform routine parasite sensitivity analysis. Additionally, lack of information on local drivers of artemisinin resistance development and spread further limit development of containment and eradication strategies.  Primary data: In April-August 2019, we performed assessment of PfK13 background mutations on 100 previously stored samples collected from Busia district in central Uganda. This was intended to establish parasite genetic background that drive local emergence of artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites. We also sequenced parasite DNA to establish pfkelch 13 mutations associated with artemisinin resistance. Preliminary findings indicate existence of diverse PfK13 gene mutations and unique genetic background of Ugandan P. falciparum parasites.

Drug Resistance
Enabling Technologies & Assays

Jan 2021 — Dec 2023

$170,000

Uganda