- Authors: Chapadense F, Machado RLD, Ventura AMRDS, Áreas A, Machado RB, Viana GR, Zalis MG, de Castro AM, Cravo P
- Publication Year: 2019
- Journal: Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
- Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30810653
INTRODUCTION
Mutations in the propeller domain of the Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 (k13) gene are associated with artemisinin resistance.
METHODS:
We developed a PCR protocol to sequence the pfk13 gene and determined its sequence in a batch of 50 samples collected from 2003 to 2016 in Brazil.
RESULTS:
We identified 1 K189T substitution located outside the propeller domain of the PfK13 protein in 36% of samples.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although the sample size is relatively small, these results suggest that P. falciparum artemisinin-resistant mutants do not exist in Brazil, thereby supporting the continuation of current treatment programs based on artemisinin-based combination therapy.