Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 and P. vivax Kelch 12 Genes in Parasites Collected from Three South Pacific Countries Prior to Extensive Exposure to Artemisinin Combination Therapies

Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2019 Jun 24;63(7):e00536-19. doi: 10.1128/AAC.00536-19. Print 2019 Jul.

Abstract

The South Pacific countries Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) adopted artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in 2008. We examined Kelch 13 and Kelch 12 genes in parasites originating from these countries before or at ACT introduction. Four Kelch 13 and two Kelch 12 novel sequence polymorphisms, not associated with artemisinin resistance, were observed in parasites from Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. No polymorphisms were observed in PNG parasites. The findings provide useful baseline information.

Keywords: Kelch 12; Kelch 13; P. falciparum; artemisinin combination therapy; artemisinin resistance; sequence polymorphism.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use
  • Artemisinins / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance / genetics
  • Genes, Protozoan / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / drug therapy
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Melanesia
  • Parasites / drug effects
  • Parasites / genetics*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics*
  • Plasmodium vivax / drug effects
  • Plasmodium vivax / genetics*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Artemisinins