Malaria Journal (Oct 2002)

Molecular surveillance of drug resistance through imported isolates of <it>Plasmodium falciparum</it> in Europe

  • Schulze Marco,
  • McWhinney Paul,
  • Burchard Gerd,
  • Alifrangis Michael,
  • Hatz Christoph,
  • Laferl Hermann,
  • Gascon Joaquim,
  • von Sonnenburg Frank,
  • Grobusch Martin P,
  • Schmider Nadja,
  • Wilhelm Michael,
  • Wichmann Ole,
  • Mühlberger Nikolai,
  • Peyerl-Hoffmann Gabriele,
  • Jelinek Tomas,
  • Kollaritsch Herwig,
  • da Cunha Saraiva,
  • Beřan Jiři,
  • Kern Peter,
  • Gjørup Ida,
  • Cuadros Juan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-1-11
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 1, no. 1
p. 11

Abstract

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Abstract Background Results from numerous studies point convincingly to correlations between mutations at selected genes and phenotypic resistance to antimalarials in Plasmodium falciparum isolates. In order to move molecular assays for point mutations on resistance-related genes into the realm of applied tools for surveillance, we investigated a selection of P. falciparum isolates that were imported during the year 2001 into Europe to study the prevalence of resistance-associated point mutations at relevant codons. In particular, we tested for parasites which were developing resistance to antifolates and chloroquine. The screening results were used to map the prevalence of mutations and, thus, levels of potential drug resistance in endemic areas world-wide. Results 337 isolates have been tested so far. Prevalence of mutations that are associated with resistance to chloroquine on the pfcrt and pfmdr genes of P. falciparum was demonstrated at high levels. However, the prevalence of mutations associated with resistance to antifolates at the DHFR and DHPS genes was unexpectedly low, rarely exceeding 60% in endemic areas. Conclusions Constant screening of imported isolates will enable TropNetEurop to establish a screening tool for emerging resistance in endemic areas.