No antimalarial resistance of Plasmodium falciparum varian West Indonesia using molecular markers screening

Abstract

Artemisin-based combination therapy (ACT) were widely used in Indonesia for the treatment of Malaria Plasmodium falciparum. Previous study in East Indonesia, located in Irian showed no prevalence of resistance, suggesting the treatment still effective in the area. This study aimed to provide baseline data of antimalarial drug resistance markers on P. falciparum isolates in Lampung West Indonesia. Mutation on genes associated with ACT (PfRBP9) were assessed by PCR amplification. Mutation on the marker related with artemisin resistance were determined by DNA sequencing technique. Isolates of 14 samples revealed no mutation in the D56V codon which is usually confined. This study has demonstrated a low prevalence resistance allele in the study area. Continuous surveillance of antimalarial drug efficacy is recommended and the findings provide information for stakeholders ensuring proper policy controlling malaria.