Prevalence of Antimalaria-Drug-Resistant-Plasmodium-falciparum Mutant Genes in Out-Patients from a Malaria Endemic Region in Southwest, Nigeria

The research identified, ipso facto, Pfcrt gene SNP at codons 72&76 and Pfmdr1 gene SNPs at codons 86 &184 and 1034,1042 &1246 from malaria  patients in Ifedore Local Government Area (LGA) in Ondo State, Nigeria. Thick blood film microscopy was used to examine blood samples from 2,063  febrile malaria patients within the study area. Four hundred positive samples were used to make Dry Blood Spots (DBS) on Whatman No.3 paper. The  parasite DNAwas extracted from the DBS samples using spin column-based DNA purification kit. Identification and genotyping of the Pfcrt and Pfmdr1  mutant genes of the parasite were done using Nested PCR method. Molecular analysis of the 400 positive samples yielded 352 positive results after  testing with various plasmodia markers with only Plasmodium falciparum detected in the study area. Results obtained from genotyping the mutant  genes showed that of all the 352 P. falciparum isolates examined, Pfmdr1 SNP at codons 86&184 recorded the highest prevalence (11.08%), followed by  Pfmdr1 SNP at codon 1034,1042&1246 (7.95%) while Pfcrt SNPat codon 72&76 recorded the lowest prevalence (3.41%). A prevalence of 19.32%  coexistence of the three SNPs of the mutant genes was observed among the study population (p<0.05). The existence of the Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 mutant  genes suggests resistance of P. falciparum to most malaria drugs used in the treatment of malaria in the study area. Therefore, it is important to monitor  resistance to treatment regimens and therapeutics to aid the management of malaria in endemic areas.