[Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum parasites and mutations in the resistance genes Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 in Nanoro area, Burkina Faso].

INTRODUCTION

from a genetic point of view P. falciparumis extremely polymorphic. There is a variety of parasite strains infesting individuals living in malaria endemic areas. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum parasites and Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 gene mutations in Nanoro area, Burkina Faso.

METHODS

blood samples from plasmodium carriers residing in the Nanoro Health District were genotyped using nested PCR. Parasite gene mutations associated with resistance to antimalarial drugs were detected by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS

samples of 672 patients were successfully genotyped. No msp1and msp2allelic families exhibited an increase in developing mutations in resistance genes. However, mutant strains of these genes were present at greater levels in monoclonal infections than in multi-clonal infections.

CONCLUSION

this study provides an overview of the relationship between polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum parasites and mutations in resistance genes. These data will undoubtedly contribute to improving knowledge of the parasite´s biology and its mechanisms of resistance to antimalarial drugs.