Prevalence and temporal changes of mutations linked to antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Palawan, Philippines

Objective: This study provides 2016 data on the prevalence of key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with antimalarial drug resistance in Palawan, Philippines. Findings were combined with historical data to model temporal changes in the prevalence of these SNPs in Plasmodium isolates. Methods: Plasmodium isolates were genotyped using drug resistance markers pfmdr1, pfcrt, pfdhfr, pfdhps, kelch-13, pvmdr1, pvdhfr, and pvdhps. Temporal trends in the probability of mutations were estimated as a function of time using a binomial generalised linear model. Results: All samples sequenced for Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine markers pfmdr1 and pfcrt had wild-type alleles. Varying mutation patterns were observed for the sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine mark-ers pfdhps and pfdhfr; complete quintuplet mutations were not found. No SNPs were observed for the artemisinin marker kelch-13. For Plasmodium vivax, differing patterns were detected for pvmdr1, pvdhfr, and pvdhps. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that the current drugs remain effective and that there is limited importation and establishment of resistant parasites in the area. Clear temporal trends were recognised, with prominent decreases in the proportions of pfcrt and pfmdr mutations detected within the past 15 years, consistent with a change in antimalarial drug policy. Continuous surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance is important to support malaria elimination efforts. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases.

Automated summary

This study provides 2016 data on the prevalence of key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with antimalarial drug resistance in Palawan, Philippines. The findings suggest that the current drugs remain effective and there is limited importation and establishment of resistant parasites in the area. The study also recognizes clear temporal trends in the prevalence of certain mutations, consistent with a change in antimalarial drug policy.