ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (8), pp. 001-009, August, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Polymorphism of the Pfmdr1 and Pfk13 genes of Plasmodium falciparum isolates in the cities of Abengourou, San Pedro, and Man
Gohoun WCZ1,2*, Kipre GR1, Konate-Toure A2, Gnagne AP2, Bedia-Tanoh AV2, Yavo W2
1Biology and Health Laboratory, Felix Houphouët Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
2Malaria Research and Control Center (MRCC) of the National Institute of Public Health of Côte d'Ivoire (INSP), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Abstract
Received 16 June, 2025; Revised 10 July, 2025; Accepted 17 July, 2025; Published 14 August, 2025
Despite efforts to control malaria, the disease remains a major public health problem, especially in Côte d'Ivoire, where it is the leading cause of morbidity. One of the factors limiting the efficacy of treatments is the emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs, including artemisinin-based combinations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of resistance markers in the Pfmdr1 and Pfk13 genes in Côte d'Ivoire. Samples were collected from October 2021 to August 2022 from individuals who presented a thick drop positive for Plasmodium falciparum at Man, San-Pedro, and Abengourou. Plasmodial DNA was extracted using the ZYMO Quick DNA kit, followed by nested PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. Of the 300 samples, successful sequencing rates were 91% (273/300) for Pfmdr1 and 86.3% (259/300) for Pfk13. Analysis of sequencing data showed a high prevalence of the Pfmdr1 184F mutation (60.22%), while the 86Y mutation was infrequent (1.9%). For the Pfk13 gene, no mutations associated with resistance to artemisinin derivatives as observed in Southeast Asia were detected. However, 14 mutations were identified (5.4%); of which 8 were synonymous mutations (3.1%) and 6 were non-synonymous mutations (2.3%). This study shows a decrease in the prevalence of mutant allele 86Y and a high prevalence of mutant allele 184F of the Pfmdr1 gene. For the Pfk13 gene, no known artemisinin resistance-conferring mutations were observed. Their high frequency could compromise the long-term effectiveness of currently recommended treatments. In terms of research, these results call for continued molecular surveillance to prevent the emergence of new resistance. From a policy perspective, this situation requires regular reassessment of treatment protocols.
Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum, Molecular monitoring, Pfmdr1, Pfk13.