Independent Emergence of the Plasmodium falciparum Kelch Propeller Domain Mutant Allele C580Y in Guyana

J Infect Dis. 2016 May 1;213(9):1472-5. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiv752. Epub 2015 Dec 21.

Abstract

Suspected artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum can be explored by examining polymorphisms in the Kelch (PfK13) propeller domain. Sequencing of PfK13 and other gene resistance markers was performed on 98 samples from Guyana. Five of these samples carried the C580Y allele in the PfK13 propeller domain, with flanking microsatellite profiles different from those observed in Southeast Asia. These molecular data demonstrate independent emergence of the C580Y K13 mutant allele in Guyana, where resistance alleles to previously used drugs are fixed. Therefore, in Guyana and neighboring countries, continued molecular surveillance and periodic assessment of the therapeutic efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapy are warranted.

Keywords: ACT; Guyana; K13; Plasmodium falciparum; South America; artemisinin resistance; malaria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antimalarials / pharmacology
  • Artemisinins / pharmacology
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • DNA, Protozoan / genetics
  • Drug Resistance / genetics*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Guyana / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / epidemiology
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology*
  • Molecular Typing
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics*

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Artemisinins
  • DNA, Protozoan
  • artemisinin