Gametocyte carriage, antimalarial use, and drug resistance in Cambodia, 2008-2014

Jessica T. Lin*, Jaymin C. Patel, Lauren Levitz, Mariusz Wojnarski, Suwanna Chaorattanakawee, Panita Gosi, Nillawan Buathong, Soklyda Chann, Rekol Huy, Khengheng Thay, Darapiseth Sea, Nou Samon, Shannon Takala-Harrison, Mark Fukuda, Philip Smith, Michele Spring, David Saunders, Chanthap Lon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Gametocytes are the malaria parasite stages responsible for transmission from humans to mosquitoes. Gametocytemia often follows drug treatment, especially as therapies start to fail. We examined Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriage and drug resistance profiles among 824 persons with uncomplicated malaria in Cambodia to determine whether prevalent drug resistance and antimalarial use has led to a concentration of drug-resistant parasites among gametocyte carriers. Although report of prior antimalarial use increased from 2008 to 2014, the prevalence of study participants presenting with microscopic gametocyte carriage declined. Gametocytemia was more common in those reporting antimalarial use within the past year, and prior antimalarial use was correlated with higher IC50s to piperaquine and mefloquine, as well as to increased pfmdr1 copy number. However, there was no association between microscopic gametocyte carriage and parasite drug resistance. Thus, we found no evidence that the infectious reservoir, marked by those carrying gametocytes, is enriched with drug-resistant parasites.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1145-1149
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume99
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Gametocyte carriage, antimalarial use, and drug resistance in Cambodia, 2008-2014'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this