Prevalence of Molecular Markers of Antimalarial Drug Resistance across Altitudinal Transmission Zones in Highland Western Uganda

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2019 Oct;101(4):799-802. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0081.

Abstract

We explored spatial variation in the prevalence of established molecular markers of antimalarial resistance across a geographically diverse, highland region of western Uganda. We identified Plasmodium falciparum CQ resistance transporter 76T mutations in all pools, but there was no evidence of spatial differences across village-based strata defined by either altitude or river valley. In contrast, we identified a significant inverse association between altitude and the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 mutations with the largest proportion of Y184F mutations observed in the low-elevation, high-transmission villages. These results demonstrate the substantial heterogeneity in resistance markers observed across geographic settings, even at relatively small scales, but highlight the complex nature of these ecological relationships.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antimalarials / pharmacology*
  • Chloroquine / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance / genetics*
  • Genetic Markers / genetics
  • Geography
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / epidemiology*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics*
  • Prevalence
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Uganda / epidemiology

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Genetic Markers
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • PfCRT protein, Plasmodium falciparum
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • Chloroquine