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Evaluation of Dihydroartemisinin–Piperaquine Efficacy and Molecular Markers in Uncomplicated Falciparum Patients: A Study across Binh Phuoc and Dak Nong, Vietnam
oleh: Thu Huyen Thi Tran, Bui Thi Thu Hien, Nguyen Thi Lan Dung, Nguyen Thi Huong, Tran Thanh Binh, Nguyen Van Long, Nguyen Dang Ton
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2024-06-01 |
Deskripsi
<i>Background and Objectives</i>: Malaria continues to be a significant global health challenge. The efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) has declined in many parts of the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Vietnam, due to the spread of resistant malaria strains. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of the Dihydroartemisinin (DHA)–Piperaquine (PPQ) regimen in treating uncomplicated <i>falciparum</i> malaria and to conduct molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance in Binh Phuoc and Dak Nong provinces. <i>Materials and Methods</i>: The study included 63 uncomplicated malaria falciparum patients from therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) treated following the WHO treatment guidelines (2009). Molecular marker analysis was performed on all 63 patients. Methods encompassed Sanger sequencing for <i>pfK13</i> mutations and quantitative real-time PCR for the <i>pfpm2</i> gene. <i>Results</i>: This study found a marked decrease in the efficacy of the DHA-PPQ regimen, with an increased rate of treatment failures at two study sites. Genetic analysis revealed a significant presence of <i>pfK13</i> mutations and <i>pfpm2</i> amplifications, indicating emerging resistance to artemisinin and its partner drug. <i>Conclusions</i>: The effectiveness of the standard DHA-PPQ regimen has sharply declined, with rising treatment failure rates. This decline necessitates a review and possible revision of national malaria treatment guidelines. Importantly, molecular monitoring and clinical efficacy assessments together provide a robust framework for understanding and addressing detection drug resistance in malaria.