Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 and P. Vivax Kelch 12 Genes in Parasites Collected from Three South Pacific Countries Prior to Extensive Exposure to Artemisinin Combination Therapies

Abstract

The South Pacific countries Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) adopted artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) in 2008. We examined Kelch 13 and Kelch 12 genes in parasites originating from these countries before or at ACT introduction. Four Kelch 13 and two Kelch 12 novel sequence polymorphisms, not associated with artemisinin resistance, were observed in parasites from Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. No polymorphisms were observed in PNG parasites. The findings provide useful baseline information.