Two Genetic Markers that Predict Malaria Treatment Failure Found

Two Genetic Markers that Predict Malaria Treatment Failure Found

November 3, 2016 A frontline malaria treatment that combines fast-acting dihydroartemisinin with long- lasting piperaquine is quickly losing power in Cambodia due to the rapid spread of drug- resistant parasites.
The presence of piperaquine-resistant malaria parasites in several Cambodian provinces was confirmed earlier this year by National Institutes of Health researchers and their colleagues.
Now, by comparing the complete genomes of 297 parasites isolated from Cambodian malaria patients to a reference malaria parasite genome, the team has identified two genetic markers that are strongly associated with the parasites’ ability to resist piperaquine. A simple test, performed after collecting blood from a finger pinprick, can show whether a malaria patient has parasites with the genetic markers.
If so, dihydroartemisinin- piperaquine therapy is likely to fail, say the study authors, and an alternative drug combination (artesunate-mefloquine) should be used.
Information about the distribution of these drug resistance markers is being used by officials in Cambodia and neighboring countries to map the extent and spread of piperaquine resistance and to help guide region- wide malaria treatment approaches.

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