Increase in Kelch 13 Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum, Southern Rwanda

Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum is associated with nonsynonymous mutations in the Kelch 13 (K13) propeller domain. We found that 12.1% (8/66) of clinical P. falciparum isolates from Huye district, Rwanda, exhibited K13 mutations, including R561H, a validated resistance marker. K13 mutations appear to be increasing in this region.

Automated summary

Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum is associated with nonsynonymous mutations in the Kelch 13 (K13) propeller domain. This study found an increasing trend of K13 mutations, including a validated resistance marker, in clinical P. falciparum isolates from Huye district, Rwanda.