K13 Propeller Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum Parasites From Sub Saharan Africa
Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum K13 propeller domain have recently been shown to be important determinants of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia. This study investigated the prevalence of K13 propeller polymorphisms across sub Saharan Africa. A total of 1212 P. falciparum samples collected from 12 countries were sequenced. None of the K13 propeller mutations previously reported in Southeast Asia were found, but 22 unique mutations were detected, of which 7 were nonsynonymous. Allele frequencies ranged between 1% and 3% Three mutations were observed in >1 country, and the A578S was present in parasites from 5 countries. This study provides the baseline prevalence of K13 propeller mutations in sub Saharan Africa.
The Journal of infectious diseases