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Narang G, Jakhan J, Tamang S, Yadav K, Singh V. Characterization of drug resistance genes in Indian Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax field isolates. Acta Trop 2024; 255:107218. [PMID: 38636585 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
One of the major challenges for malaria control and elimination is the spread and emergence of antimalarial drug resistance. Mutations in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium vivax (Pv) field isolates for five drug resistance genes viz. crt, mdr1, dhps, dhfr and kelch known to confer resistance to choloroquine (CQ), sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and artemisinin (ART) and its derivatives were analyzed. A total of 342 symptomatic isolates of P. falciparum (Pf) and P. vivax (Pv) from 1993 to 2014 were retrieved from malaria parasite repository at National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR). Sample DNA was extracted from dried blood spots and various targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with antimalarial drug resistance were analysed for these isolates. 72S (67.7%) and 76T (83.8%) mutations along with SVMNT haplotype (67.7%) predominated the study population for Pfcrt. The most prevalent SNPs were 108N (73.2%) and 437G (24.8%) and the most prevalent haplotypes were ACNRNI (51.9%) and SAKAA (74.5%) in Pfdhfr and Pfdhps respectively. Only two mutations in Pfmdr1, 86Y (26.31%) and 184F (56.26%), were seen frequently in our study population. No mutations associated with Pfk13 were observed. For Pv, all the studied isolates showed two Pvdhps mutations, 383G and 553G, and two Pfdhfr mutations, 58R and 117N. Similarly, three mutations, viz. 958M, 908L and 1076L were found in Pvmdr1. No variations were observed in Pvcrt-o and Pvk12 genes. Overall, our study demonstrates an increase in mutations associated with SP resistance in both Pf and Pv, however, no single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with ART resistance have been observed for either species. Various SNPs associated with CQ resistance were seen in Pf; whereas only Pvmdr1 associated resistant SNPs were observed in Pv. Therefore, molecular characterization of drug resistance genes is essential for timely monitoring and prevention of malaria by identifying the circulating drug resistant parasites in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetika Narang
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Jahnvi Jakhan
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Suman Tamang
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Karmveer Yadav
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India.
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Sinha A, Kar S, Chauhan C, Yadav CP, Kori L. Meta-analysis on Plasmodium falciparum sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance-conferring mutations in India identifies hot spots for genetic surveillance. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 63:107071. [PMID: 38154659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2023.107071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND India is on track to eliminate malaria by 2030 but emerging resistance to first-line antimalarials is a recognised threat. Two instances of rapid development, spread, and natural selection of drug-resistant mutant parasites in India (chloroquine across the country and artesunate + sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine [AS+SP] in the northeastern states) translated into drug policy changes for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 2010 and 2013, respectively. Considering these rapid changes in the SP drug resistance-conferring mutation profile of P. falciparum, there is a need to systematically monitor the validated mutations in Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes across India alongside AS+SP therapeutic efficacy studies. There has been no robust, systematic countrywide surveillance reported for these parameters in India, hence the current study was undertaken. METHODS Studies that reported data on WHO-validated SP resistance markers in P. falciparum across India from 2008 to January 2023 were included. Five major databases, PubMedⓇ, Web of ScienceTM, ScopusⓇ, EmbaseⓇ, and Google Scholar, were exhaustively searched. Individual and pooled prevalence estimates of mutations were obtained through random- and fixed-effect models. Data were depicted using forest plots created with a 95% confidence interval. The study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021236012). RESULTS A total of 37 publications, and 533 Pfdhfr and 134 Pfdhps National Centre of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) DNA sequences were included from >4000 samples. The study included information from 80 districts, 21 states and 3 union territories (UTs) from India. The two PfDHFR mutations, C59R (62%) and S108N (74%), were the most prevalent mutations (pooled estimates 61% and 71%, respectively) and appeared to be stabilised/fixed. Although rarest overall, the prevalence of I164L was observed to be as high as 32%. The PfDHFR double mutants were the most prevalent overall (51%; pooled 42%). The prevalence of triple and quadruple mutations was 6% and 5%, respectively, and is an immediate concern for some states. The most prevalent PfDHPS mutation was A437G (39%), followed by K540E (25%) and A581G (12%). There was a low overall prevalence of PfDHFR/PfDHPS quintuple and sextuple mutations but surveillance for these mutations is critical for some areas. CONCLUSION The analyses span the two critical policy changes, highlight the areas of concern, and guide policymakers in strategising and refining the anti-malaria drug policy for malaria elimination. The results of the analyses also highlight the SP-resistance hot spots, critical gaps and challenges, and indicate that focal and local malaria genetic surveillance (including drug-resistance markers) is needed until malaria is successfully eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Sinha
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India.
| | - Sonalika Kar
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Charu Chauhan
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Lokesh Kori
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
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Verma K, Chaturvedi R, Lahariya AK, Verma AK, Schneider KA, Anvikar AR, Bharti PK. Repurposing FDA-approved drugs to target malaria through inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase in the folate biosynthesis pathway: A prospective approach. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30533. [PMID: 38345373 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a ubiquitous enzyme that regulates the biosynthesis of tetrahydrofolate among various species of Plasmodium parasite. It is a validated target of the antifolate drug pyrimethamine (Pyr) in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), but its clinical efficacy has been hampered due to the emergence of drug resistance. This has made the attempt to screen Food & Drug Administration-approved drugs against wild- and mutant PfDHFR by employing an in-silico pipeline to identify potent candidates. The current study has followed a virtual screening approach for identifying potential DHFR inhibitors from DrugBank database, based on a structure similarity search of candidates, followed by absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion estimation. The screened drugs were subjected to various parameters like docking, molecular mechanics with generalized born and surface area solvation calculations, and molecular simulations. We have thus identified two potential drug candidates, duloxetine and guanethidine, which can be repurposed to be tested for their efficacy against wild type and drug resistant falciparum malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Verma
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Rini Chaturvedi
- Structural Parasitology Lab, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ayush K Lahariya
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Anil K Verma
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Kristan A Schneider
- Department Applied Computer and Bio-Sciences, University of Applied Sciences, Mittweida, Germany
| | - Anup R Anvikar
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen K Bharti
- Department of Molecular Epidemiology, National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
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Nema S, Chaturvedi R, Verma K, Anvikar AR, Tiwari A, Bharti PK. A computational strategy for systematic virtual screening of plasmodium falciparum heme detoxification protein inhibitors from the Drugbank database. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38197419 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2301510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Antimalarial drug resistance poses one of the greatest threats to malaria treatment, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Heme Detoxification Protein (HDP) is among the essential hemoglobinases of P. falciparum (Pf), a vital molecular target for the treatment of malaria. In this study, we utilized the virtual screening workflow tool of the Schrodinger suite to find the best hits for the PfHDP from the DrugBank library. A total of 14,942 compounds were identified against the PfHDP. The top compounds with the highest docking scores and least energy scores were subjected to molecular simulations for 500 nanosecond to check the stability of the protein-drug complexes. The top three DrugBank compounds were found to be stable over 500 ns, namely DB09298 (silibinin), DB07426 (1-Hydroxy-2-(1,1':3',1''-Terphenyl-3-Yloxy) Ethane-1,1-Diyl] Bis (Phosphonic Acid), and DB07410 [(2-(3-Dibenzofuran-4-yl-Phenyl)-1-Hydroxy-1-Phosphono-Ethyl]-Phosphonic Acid). Overall analysis suggests that the top three compounds, DB09298, DB07426, and DB07410, have good stability for 500 ns. Their scaffolds can be used to design and develop new analogs of the target HDP protein. Silibinin, the anti-cancer drug, was found to be highly stable for the entire simulation period as compared to the other compounds. DB07426 shows its therapeutic effect on bones, especially in the treatment of osteoporosis, and DB07410 has anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-oxidative, and anti-viral activities. All three compounds can be considered for repurposing as antimalarial drugs to evaluate the binding capacity or inhibition potential of these compounds. Further in-vivo and in-vitro analysis against the PfHDP protein should be conducted.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrikant Nema
- Parasite-host biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- School of Biotechnology, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (State Technological University of Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal, India
| | - Rini Chaturvedi
- Molecular Medicine group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Kanika Verma
- Parasite-host biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Anup R Anvikar
- Parasite-host biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Archana Tiwari
- School of Biotechnology, Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (State Technological University of Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Bharti
- Parasite-host biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
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Sinha S, Sharma S, Singh K, Swarnkar D, Ahmed N, Rajput P, Srivastava B, Anvikar AR. Efficacy and safety of Artemisinin Combination Therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria across international borders of India. J Vector Borne Dis 2024; 61:81-89. [PMID: 38648409 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.392254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES Malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) remains a major public threat in India. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been the country's first-line drug for uncomplicated Pf malaria. In 2013-2014, Artesunate plus sulfadoxine (AS+SP) was replaced by Artemether Lumefantrine (AL) as the first- line antimalarial in North East (NE) states of the country which are endemic for Pf malaria. Regular monitoring of antimalarial drugs is of utmost importance to achieve the goal of elimination. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ACT for treating uncomplicated Pf malaria in the NE states of India. METHODS A prospective study of 28-day follow-up was conducted to monitor the efficacy and safety of AL from 2018-2019 in four districts, Udalgiri, Meghalaya, Lawngtlai, and Dhalai of NE, India. The clinical and parasitological response and the polymorphism analysis of the Pfdhps, P/dhfr, and Pfkelch 13 gene were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 234 patients were enrolled in the study out of 216 patients who completed the follow-up to 28 days. One-hundred percent adequate clinical and parasitological responses (ACPR) were observed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) correction. The genotype results suggest no recrudescence in the treatment-failure patients. The classical single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the Pfdhfr gene was S108N (94.9%), followed by C59R (91.5%), whereas, in the Pfdhps gene, the common SNP was A437G (79.6%), followed by S3436A. No associated or validated mutations were found in the propeller region of the PfKelch13 gene. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION AL was efficacious and safe in uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in North East India. In contrast, mutations in the genes responsible for sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine resistance have been fixed in northeast India's population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sinha
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
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Singh A, Singh MP, Ali NA, Poriya R, Rajvanshi H, Nisar S, Bhandari S, Sahu RS, Jayswar H, Mishra AK, Das A, Kaur H, Anvikar AR, Escalante AA, Lal AA, Bharti PK. Assessment of Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance associated molecular markers in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, India. Malar J 2023; 22:375. [PMID: 38072967 PMCID: PMC10712044 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04817-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance against artemisinin-based combination therapy is one of the challenges to malaria control and elimination globally. Mutations in different genes (Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfk-13 and Pfmdr1) confer resistance to artesunate and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS + SP) were analysed from Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh, to assess the effectiveness of the current treatment regimen against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum. METHODS Dried blood spots were collected during the active fever survey and mass screening and treatment activities as part of the Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project (MEDP) from 2019 to 2020. Isolated DNA samples were used to amplify the Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfk13 and Pfmdr1 genes using nested PCR and sequenced for mutation analysis using the Sanger sequencing method. RESULTS A total of 393 samples were subjected to PCR amplification, sequencing and sequence analysis; 199, 215, 235, and 141 samples were successfully sequenced for Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfk13, Pfmdr1, respectively. Analysis revealed that the 53.3% double mutation (C59R, S108N) in Pfdhfr, 89.3% single mutation (G437A) in Pfdhps, 13.5% single mutants (N86Y), and 51.1% synonymous mutations in Pfmdr1 in the study area. Five different non-synonymous and two synonymous point mutations found in Pfk13, which were not associated to artemisinin resistance. CONCLUSION The study has found that mutations linked to SP resistance are increasing in frequency, which may reduce the effectiveness of this drug as a future partner in artemisinin-based combinations. No evidence of mutations linked to artemisinin resistance in Pfk13 was found, suggesting that parasites are sensitive to artemisinin derivatives in the study area. These findings are a baseline for routine molecular surveillance to proactively identify the emergence and spread of artemisinin-resistant parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akansha Singh
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (ICMR-NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR-NIMR), New Delhi, India
- University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Mrigendra P Singh
- Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project, Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Nazia Anwar Ali
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (ICMR-NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Rajan Poriya
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (ICMR-NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Harsh Rajvanshi
- Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project, Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sekh Nisar
- Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project, Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, NHM Raigarh, Chattisgarh, India
| | - Sneha Bhandari
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (ICMR-NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Research in Environment Health (ICMR-NIREH), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ram S Sahu
- Department of Health Services, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Himanshu Jayswar
- Directorate of Health Services, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, India
| | - Ashok K Mishra
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (ICMR-NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Aparup Das
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (ICMR-NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Anup R Anvikar
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR-NIMR), New Delhi, India
| | - Ananias A Escalante
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Altaf A Lal
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR-NIMR), New Delhi, India
- Foundation for Disease Elimination and Control of India, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Global Health and Pharmaceuticals Inc., Atlanta, USA
| | - Praveen K Bharti
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health (ICMR-NIRTH), Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR-NIMR), New Delhi, India.
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Kojom Foko LP, Jakhan J, Tamang S, Hawadak J, Kouemo Motse FD, Singh V. First Insight into Drug Resistance Genetic Markers, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase and Phylogenetic Patterns of Misdiagnosed Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Far North Region, Cameroon. Curr Microbiol 2023; 81:9. [PMID: 37968386 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03522-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is the predominant malaria species in Africa, but growing rates of non-falciparum species such as P. vivax (Pv) have been reported recently. This study aimed at characterizing drug resistance genes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (G6PD), and phylogenetic patterns of a Pv + Pf co-infection misdiagnosed as a Pf mono-infection in the Far North region of Cameroon. Only one non-synonymous mutation in the pvdhps gene A383G was found. Pv drug resistance gene sequences were phylogenetically closer to the reference SAL-I strain and isolates from Southeast Asia and Western Pacific countries. Analyzing co-infecting Pf revealed no resistance mutations in Pfmdr1 and Pfk13 genes, but mutations in Pfcrt (C72V73I74E75T76) and Pfdhfr-Pfdhps genes (A16C50I51R59N108L164 - A436A437K540G581S613) were observed. No G6PD deficiency-related mutations were found. This is first study from Cameroon reporting presence of putative drug resistance mutations in Pv infections, especially in the pvdhps gene, and also outlined the absence of a G6PD-deficiency trait in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jahnvi Jakhan
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New-Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Suman Tamang
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New-Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Joseph Hawadak
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New-Delhi, 110077, India
| | | | - Vineeta Singh
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New-Delhi, 110077, India.
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Kojom Foko LP, Singh V. Malaria in pregnancy in India: a 50-year bird's eye. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1150466. [PMID: 37927870 PMCID: PMC10620810 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1150466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In 2021, India contributed for ~79% of malaria cases and ~ 83% of deaths in the South East Asia region. Here, we systematically and critically analyzed data published on malaria in pregnancy (MiP) in India. Methods Epidemiological, clinical, parasitological, preventive and therapeutic aspects of MiP and its consequences on both mother and child were reviewed and critically analyzed. Knowledge gaps and solution ways are also presented and discussed. Several electronic databases including Google scholar, Google, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley Online library, the Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium library, the World Malaria Report, The WHO regional websites, and ClinicalTrials.gov were used to identify articles dealing with MiP in India. The archives of local scientific associations/journals and website of national programs were also consulted. Results Malaria in pregnancy is mainly due to Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and P. vivax (Pv), and on rare occasions to P. ovale spp. and P. malariae too. The overall prevalence of MiP is ~0.1-57.7% for peripheral malaria and ~ 0-29.3% for placental malaria. Peripheral Pf infection at antenatal care (ANC) visits decreased from ~13% in 1991 to ~7% in 1995-1996 in Madhya Pradesh, while placental Pf infection at delivery unit slightly decreased from ~1.5% in 2006-2007 to ~1% in 2012-2015 in Jharkhand. In contrast, the prevalence of peripheral Pv infection at ANC increased from ~1% in 2006-2007 to ~5% in 2015 in Jharkhand, and from ~0.5% in 1984-1985 to ~1.5% in 2007-2008 in Chhattisgarh. Clinical presentation of MiP is diverse ranging from asymptomatic carriage of parasites to severe malaria, and associated with comorbidities and concurrent infections such as malnutrition, COVID-19, dengue, and cardiovascular disorders. Severe anemia, cerebral malaria, severe thrombocytopenia, and hypoglycemia are commonly seen in severe MiP, and are strongly associated with tragic consequences such as abortion and stillbirth. Congenital malaria is seen at prevalence of ~0-12.9%. Infected babies are generally small-for-gestational age, premature with low birthweight, and suffer mainly from anemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and clinical jaundice. Main challenges and knowledge gaps to MiP control included diagnosis, relapsing malaria, mixed Plasmodium infection treatment, self-medication, low density infections and utility of artemisinin-based combination therapies. Conclusion All taken together, the findings could be immensely helpful to control MiP in malaria endemic areas.
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Su X, Stadler RV, Xu F, Wu J. Malaria Genomics, Vaccine Development, and Microbiome. Pathogens 2023; 12:1061. [PMID: 37624021 PMCID: PMC10459703 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in malaria genetics and genomics have transformed many aspects of malaria research in areas of molecular evolution, epidemiology, transmission, host-parasite interaction, drug resistance, pathogenicity, and vaccine development. Here, in addition to introducing some background information on malaria parasite biology, parasite genetics/genomics, and genotyping methods, we discuss some applications of genetic and genomic approaches in vaccine development and in studying interactions with microbiota. Genetic and genomic data can be used to search for novel vaccine targets, design an effective vaccine strategy, identify protective antigens in a whole-organism vaccine, and evaluate the efficacy of a vaccine. Microbiota has been shown to influence disease outcomes and vaccine efficacy; studying the effects of microbiota in pathogenicity and immunity may provide information for disease control. Malaria genetics and genomics will continue to contribute greatly to many fields of malaria research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzhuan Su
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA; (R.V.S.); (F.X.); (J.W.)
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Kojom Foko LP, Narang G, Jakhan J, Tamang S, Moun A, Singh V. Nationwide spatiotemporal drug resistance genetic profiling from over three decades in Indian Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax isolates. Malar J 2023; 22:236. [PMID: 37582796 PMCID: PMC10428610 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04651-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug resistance is a serious impediment to efficient control and elimination of malaria in endemic areas. METHODS This study aimed at analysing the genetic profile of molecular drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax parasites from India over a ~ 30-year period (1993-2019). Blood samples of P. falciparum and/or P. vivax-infected patients were collected from 14 regions across India. Plasmodial genome was extracted and used for PCR amplification and sequencing of drug resistance genes in P. falciparum (crt, dhps, dhfr, mdr1, k13) and P. vivax (crt-o, dhps, dhfr, mdr1, k12) field isolates. RESULTS The double mutant pfcrt SVMNT was highly predominant across the country over three decades, with restricted presence of triple mutant CVIET from Maharashtra in 2012. High rates of pfdhfr-pfdhps quadruple mutants were observed with marginal presence of "fully resistant" quintuple mutant ACIRNI-ISGEAA. Also, resistant pfdhfr and pfdhps haplotype has significantly increased in Delhi between 1994 and 2010. For pfmdr1, only 86Y and 184F mutations were present while no pfk13 mutations associated with artemisinin resistance were observed. Regarding P. vivax isolates, the pvcrt-o K10 "AAG" insertion was absent in all samples collected from Delhi in 2017. Pvdhps double mutant SGNAV was found only in Goa samples of year 2008 for the first time. The pvmdr1 908L, 958M and 1076L mutations were highly prevalent in Delhi and Haryana between 2015 and 2019 at complete fixation. One nonsynonymous novel pvk12 polymorphism was identified (K264R) in Goa. CONCLUSIONS These findings support continuous surveillance and characterization of P. falciparum and P. vivax populations as proxy for effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs in India, especially for independent emergence of artemisinin drug resistance as recently seen in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loick P Kojom Foko
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Geetika Narang
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Jahnvi Jakhan
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Suman Tamang
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Amit Moun
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Parasite & Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Dwarka, Sector 8, New Delhi, 110077, India.
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11
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Eboumbou Moukoko CE, Kojom Foko LP, Ayina A, Tornyigah B, Epote AR, Penda IC, Epee Eboumbou P, Ebong SB, Texier G, Nsango SE, Ayong L, Tuikue Ndam N, Same Ekobo A. Effectiveness of Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Pregnancy: Low Coverage and High Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum dhfr-dhps Quintuple Mutants as Major Challenges in Douala, an Urban Setting in Cameroon. Pathogens 2023; 12:844. [PMID: 37375534 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is a key component in the malaria control strategy implemented in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine IPTp-SP adherence and coverage, and the impact on maternal infection and birth outcomes in the context of widespread SP resistance in the city of Douala, Cameroon. Clinical and demographic information were documented among 888 pregnant women attending 3 health facilities, from the antenatal care visit to delivery. Positive samples were genotyped for P. falciparum gene (dhfr, dhps, and k13) mutations. The overall IPTp-SP coverage (≥three doses) was 17.5%, and 5.1% received no dose. P. falciparum prevalence was 16%, with a predominance of submicroscopic infections (89.3%). Malaria infection was significantly associated with locality and history of malaria, and it was reduced among women using indoor residual spraying. Optimal doses of IPTp-SP were significantly associated with reduced infection among newborns and women (secundiparous and multiparous), but there was no impact of IPTp-SP on the newborn bodyweight. Pfdhfr-Pfdhps quintuple mutants were over-represented (IRNI-FGKAA, IRNI-AGKAA), and sextuple mutants (IRNI-AGKAS, IRNI-FGEAA, IRNI-AGKGS) were also reported. The Pfk13 gene mutations associated with artemisinin resistance were not detected. This study highlights the role of ANC in achieving optimal SP coverage in pregnant women, the mitigated impact of IPTp-SP on malaria outcomes, and the high prevalence of multiple SP-resistant P. falciparum parasites in the city of Douala that could compromise the efficacy of IPTp-SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Else Eboumbou Moukoko
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Mycology and Virology, Postgraduate Training Unit for Health Sciences, Postgraduate School for Pure and Applied Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | | | - Angèle Ayina
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Bernard Tornyigah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 1181, Ghana
- UMR 261 MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Annie Rachel Epote
- Haematology Laboratory, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
| | - Ida Calixte Penda
- Clinical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Patricia Epee Eboumbou
- Clinical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
- Pediatric Wards, Bonassama Hospital, Douala P.O. Box 9023, Cameroon
| | - Serge Bruno Ebong
- Animal Organisms Biology and Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Gaetan Texier
- UMR 257-Vecteurs, Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes-VITROME-IRD/SSA/AP-HM, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sandrine Eveline Nsango
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 1181, Ghana
- UMR 261 MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Albert Same Ekobo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
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12
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Valecha N. Keeping the momentum: suggestions for treatment policy updates in the final push to eliminate malaria in India. Malar J 2023; 22:128. [PMID: 37072795 PMCID: PMC10114449 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04558-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria case management with prompt and effective treatment is critical to minimize morbidity and mortality, reduce transmission and to prevent the emergence and spread of anti-malarial drug resistance. India has the highest burden of malaria in South East Asia Region and has made impressive progress in the reduction of the malaria burden in recent years. Since the last revision to the Indian national malaria treatment policy in 2013, guidelines on new treatment strategies have been published for the control/ elimination of malaria by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The most recent update was in March 2023 based on the new evidence available. India's success is the Region's success. Therefore, to meet the national as well as regional targets of elimination, the Indian National Programme needs to consider WHO guidelines, deliberate with stakeholders and experts so as to tailor and adapt to the local context, and update National policies to incorporate the relevant ones. Technical aspects of new WHO guidelines which need to be considered for updating India's treatment policy are discussed.
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13
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Akinola O, Ategbero E, Amusan AI, Gbotosho GO. Comparative efficacy of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine against malaria infection during late-stage pregnancy in mice. Exp Parasitol 2023; 248:108500. [PMID: 36893971 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) against malaria infections opened up a window of possibilities to combat malaria in pregnancy. However, the usefulness of ACTs in all stages of pregnancy must be critically assessed. This study was designed to evaluate dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHAP) as a suitable alternative to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in the treatment of malaria during third-trimester pregnancy in mice. Experimental animals were inoculated with a parasitic dose of 1x106Plasmodium berghei (ANKA strain) infected erythrocytes and randomly allocated into treatment groups. The animals received standard doses of chloroquine alone (CQ)[10 mg/kg], SP [25 mg/kg] and [1.25 mg/kg] and DHAP [4 mg/kg] and [18 mg/kg] combinations. Maternal and pupil survival, litter sizes, pup weight and still-births were recorded, while the effect of the drug combinations on parasite suppression, recrudescence and parasite clearance time were evaluated. The day 4 chemo-suppression of parasitemia by DHAP in infected animals was comparable to SP, and CQ treatment (P > 0.05). The mean recrudescence time was significantly delayed (P = 0.031) in the DHAP treatment group compared to the CQ treatment group, while, there was no recrudescence in animals treated with SP. The birth rate in the SP group was significantly higher than in the DHAP group (P < 0.05). There was 100% maternal and pup survival in both combination treatments comparable with the uninfected gravid controls. The overall parasitological activity of SP against Plasmodium berghei in late-stage pregnancy appeared better than DHAP. In addition, SP treatment resulted in better birth outcomes assessed compared to DHAP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olugbenga Akinola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Malaria Research Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Elizabeth Ategbero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Abiodun I Amusan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Malaria Research Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Grace O Gbotosho
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; Malaria Research Laboratories, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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14
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Srisutham S, Madmanee W, Kouhathong J, Sutawong K, Tripura R, Peto TJ, van der Pluijm RW, Callery JJ, Dysoley L, Mayxay M, Newton PN, Pongvongsa T, Hongvanthong B, Day NPJ, White NJ, Dondorp AM, Imwong M. Ten-year persistence and evolution of Plasmodium falciparum antifolate and anti-sulfonamide resistance markers pfdhfr and pfdhps in three Asian countries. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278928. [PMID: 36525403 PMCID: PMC9757559 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amplification of GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (pfgch1) in Plasmodium falciparum has been linked to the upregulation of the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes associated with resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. During the 1990s and 2000s, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was withdrawn from use as first-line treatment in southeast Asia due to clinical drug resistance. This study assessed the temporal and geographic changes in the prevalence of pfdhfr and pfdhps gene mutations and pfgch1 amplification a decade after sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine had no longer been widely used. METHODS A total of 536 P. falciparum isolates collected from clinical trials in Thailand, Cambodia, and Lao PDR between 2008 and 2018 were assayed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes were analyzed using nested PCR and Sanger sequencing. Gene copy number variations of pfgch1 were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS Sequences of the pfdhfr and pfdhps genes were obtained from 96% (517/536) and 91% (486/536) of the samples, respectively. There were 59 distinct haplotypes, including single to octuple mutations. The two major haplotypes observed included IRNI-AGEAA (25%) and IRNL-SGKGA (19%). The sextuple mutation IRNL-SGKGA increased markedly over time in several study sites, including Pailin, Preah Vihear, Ratanakiri, and Ubon Ratchathani, whereas IRNI-AGEAA decreased over time in Preah Vihear, Champasak, and Ubon Ratchathani. Octuple mutations were first observed in west Cambodia in 2011 and subsequently in northeast Cambodia, as well as in southern Laos by 2018. Amplification of the pfgch1 gene increased over time across the region, particularly in northeast Thailand close to the border with Laos and Cambodia. CONCLUSION Despite the fact that SP therapy was discontinued in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos decades ago, parasites retained the pfdhfr and pfdhps mutations. Numerous haplotypes were found to be prevalent among the parasites. Frequent monitoring of pfdhfr and pfdhps in these areas is required due to the relatively rapid evolution of mutation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suttipat Srisutham
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Microscopy, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanassanan Madmanee
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jindarat Kouhathong
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kreepol Sutawong
- Buntharik Hospital, Amphoe Buntharik, Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J. Peto
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rob W. van der Pluijm
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - James J. Callery
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lek Dysoley
- Center for Parasitology Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Institute of Research and Education Development, University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR,Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Paul N. Newton
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Tiengkham Pongvongsa
- Savannakhet Provincial Health Department, Phonsavangnuea Village, Kaysone-Phomvihan District, Savannakhet, Laos
| | - Bouasy Hongvanthong
- Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Nicholas P. J. Day
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arjen M. Dondorp
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,* E-mail:
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15
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Wang X, Zhang X, Chen H, Lu Q, Ruan W, Chen Z. Molecular Determinants of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine Resistance in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Central Africa between 2016 and 2021: Wide Geographic Spread of Highly Mutated Pfdhfr and Pfdhps Alleles. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0200522. [PMID: 36121226 PMCID: PMC9602997 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02005-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance impairs the efficacy of antimalarial drugs. Monitoring molecular markers in exported malaria infections provides an efficient way to trace the emergence of drug resistance in countries where malaria is endemic. Molecular markers in Pfdhfr and Pfdhps of 237 Plasmodium falciparum infections imported from central Africa between 2016 and 2021 were detected. The spatial and temporal distributions of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps mutations were analyzed. A high prevalence of Pfdhfr single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (~92.34% to 99.10%) and a high frequency of the triple mutation haplotype I51R59N108 were observed. Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon showed a higher frequency (~96.61% to 100.00%) of I51R59N108 than other countries (~71.11% to 88.10%). The prevalence of C59R and I51R59N108 increased while that of other SNPs or haplotypes did not fluctuate greatly from 2016 to 2021. Large proportions of Pfdhps SNPs (A437G and K540E) were demonstrated. The SNP distribution of Pfdhps differed between countries, with S436A dominating in northern countries and A437G dominating in others. The proportions of I431V, A437G, and the triple mutant haplotype declined between 2016 and 2021, whereas the prevalence of the single mutant haplotype rose from 61.60% to 73.68%. Combinations of Pfdhfr-Pfdhps alleles conferring partial resistance, full resistance, and superresistance to SP, as defined in the text, were detected in 63.64%, 8.64%, and 0.91% of the samples, respectively. The octuple Pfdhfr-Pfdhps allele (I51R59N108-V431A436G437K540G581S613) was seen in 5.00% of the samples. We demonstrated the wide geographic spread and increasing trends in highly SP-resistant Pfdhfr genes and varying spatial patterns of Pfdhps mutants across countries in central Africa. The high prevalences of partially resistant, fully resistant, and superresistant Pfdhfr-Pfdhps combinations observed here indicated impaired SP efficacy. Increased molecular surveillance is required to monitor the changing status of the Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes. IMPORTANCE Monitoring drug resistance is important for malaria control because its early detection enables timely action to prevent its spread and mitigate its impact. The wide geographic spread and the increasing trend of highly resistant Pfdhfr genes between 2016 and 2021 found in our study are worrisome and emphasize the urgency to monitor their updated status in central Africa. This study also illustrated the wide spread of the novel mutant Pfdhps I431V as well as the high prevalence of "partially resistant," "fully resistant," and "superresistant" Pfdhfr-Pfdhps combinations, indicating the urgent concern for SP efficacy in central Africa. These findings are alarming in central African countries where malaria is endemic, where SP was is widely used for the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) and the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants below 5 years of age (IPTi), and urge enhanced molecular surveillance and responses to the threat of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hualiang Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiaoyi Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Ruan
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiping Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Molecular Epidemiology of Drug Resistance Genes in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates Imported from Nigeria between 2016 and 2020: Continued Emergence of Fully Resistant
Pfdhfr
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Pfdhps
Alleles. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0052822. [PMID: 36106887 PMCID: PMC9604097 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00528-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria poses public health threats worldwide. Nigeria accounted for the highest numbers of cases (26.8%) and deaths (31.9%) among countries where malaria is endemic in 2020. Currently, monitoring molecular markers in imported malaria cases provides an efficient means to screen for emerging drug resistance in countries where malaria is endemic, particularly in those where field surveillance is challenging. Here, we investigated 165 Plasmodium falciparum infections imported from Nigeria to Zhejiang Province, China, between 2016 and 2020. Multiple molecular markers in k13, Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps were detected. The prevalences and patterns of mutations were analyzed. Polymorphism of k13 was limited to 5 of 156 (3.21%) isolates. The wild-type CVMNK allele of Pfcrt became predominant (65.36%) compared with the triple mutation CVIET. A low frequency (4.73%) of double mutations (N86Y and Y184F) in Pfmdr1 was observed. The dominant haplotypes of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps were IRNDI (92.41%) and ISGKAA (36.84%), respectively. The newly discovered mutant I431V was identified in 21.71% of isolates. A “fully resistant” combination of Pfdhfr-Pfdhps, IRN-GE, was found in eight (5.67%) samples, which was hardly seen in Nigeria. The current study demonstrated a high frequency of wild-type Pfcrt. Limited polymorphism of Pfmdr1 but a high prevalence of Pfdhfr and Pfdhps mutations was illustrated. Our data so far serve as comprehensive surveillance of molecular markers of the k13, Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps genes. Based on our findings, it has become crucial to evaluate the impact of the emerging fully resistant type of Pfdhfr-Pfdhps as well as its combination with I431V on the efficacy of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in Nigeria. IMPORTANCE Monitoring the current resistance to antimalarial drugs is critical to enable timely action to prevent its spread and limit its impact. The high prevalence of wild-type Pfcrt found in our study is an optimistic signal to reevaluate chloroquine (CQ) sensitivity in Nigeria, which is cost-effective and once played a crucial role in the fight against malaria. Based on the continued emergence of fully resistant Pfdhfr-Pfdhps alleles illustrated in the current investigation, actions are needed in Nigeria, such as national systemic surveillance to monitor their updated epidemiology as well as assessments of their influence on SP efficacy to minimize any public health impact. These findings urge a response to the threat of drug resistance to facilitate appropriate drug policies in the study area.
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Gill J, Sharma A. Genomic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms in malaria parasite drug targets. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:309. [PMID: 36042490 PMCID: PMC9425944 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05422-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by members of the genus Plasmodium. The development and spread of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium parasites represent a major challenge to malaria control and elimination programmes. Evaluating genetic polymorphism in a drug target improves our understanding of drug resistance and facilitates drug design. Approximately 450 and 19 whole-genome assemblies of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, respectively, are currently available, and numerous sequence variations have been found due to the presence of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). In the study reported here, we analysed global SNPs in the malaria parasite aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs). Our analysis revealed 3182 unique SNPs in the 20 cytoplasmic P. falciparum aaRSs. Structural mapping of SNPs onto the three-dimensional inhibitor-bound complexes of the three advanced drug targets within aaRSs revealed a remarkably low mutation frequency in the crucial aminoacylation domains, low overall occurrence of mutations across samples and high conservation in drug/substrate binding regions. In contrast to aaRSs, dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), also a malaria drug target, showed high occurrences of drug resistance-causing mutations. Our results show that it is pivotal to screen potent malaria drug targets against global SNP profiles to assess genetic variances to ensure success in designing drugs against validated targets and tackle drug resistance early on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmita Gill
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, 110077, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, 110077, New Delhi, India. .,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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18
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Brettner L, Ho WC, Schmidlin K, Apodaca S, Eder R, Geiler-Samerotte K. Challenges and potential solutions for studying the genetic and phenotypic architecture of adaptation in microbes. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 75:101951. [PMID: 35797741 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2022.101951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
All organisms are defined by the makeup of their DNA. Over billions of years, the structure and information contained in that DNA, often referred to as genetic architecture, have been honed by a multitude of evolutionary processes. Mutations that cause genetic elements to change in a way that results in beneficial phenotypic change are more likely to survive and propagate through the population in a process known as adaptation. Recent work reveals that the genetic targets of adaptation are varied and can change with genetic background. Further, seemingly similar adaptive mutations, even within the same gene, can have diverse and unpredictable effects on phenotype. These challenges represent major obstacles in predicting adaptation and evolution. In this review, we cover these concepts in detail and identify three emerging synergistic solutions: higher-throughput evolution experiments combined with updated genotype-phenotype mapping strategies and physiological models. Our review largely focuses on recent literature in yeast, and the field seems to be on the cusp of a new era with regard to studying the predictability of evolution.
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Rahi M, Sharma A. Malaria control initiatives that have the potential to be gamechangers in India's quest for malaria elimination. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. SOUTHEAST ASIA 2022; 2:100009. [PMID: 37383297 PMCID: PMC10306036 DOI: 10.1016/j.lansea.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Malaria continues to have devastating effect on people's lives especially in developing countries. India is slated for malaria elimination by 2030. Though India has sustained a decline in malaria burden at the national level the epidemiological picture remains heterogenous. India's road to malaria elimination plan is riddled with many roadblocks. Major challenges include insufficient surveillance, slow and aggregated data reporting especially in exigent situations like cross-border areas and vulnerable high-risk groups. More than half of total malaria cases were due to Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) in India as reported by national malaria control programme in 2019. This translates into substantial burden of P. vivax malaria in absolute numbers. P. vivax malaria, which is difficult to resolve as compared to other species, poses a threat to India's elimination plans by virtue of its tendency to develop hypnozoites, due to poor compliance to primaquine (PQ), due to host factors like G 6 PD deficiency and other genes that affect PQ metabolism. Also, India's malaria endemic areas largely coincide geographically with tribal regions which are poor in healthcare infrastructure. The tribal population disproportionately bears a huge burden of malaria. They also harbour more G6PD deficient individuals than non-tribal regions. Therefore, in addition to inadequate diagnostic facilities (for both malaria and G6PD testing) these remote rural and tribal communities suffer from lack of timely treatment, incomplete radical treatment due to poor compliance and thus repeated episodes of P. vivax due to relapses and/or reinfections. Another challenge is that the the current diagnostic tools in the national programme in India and other countries are mostly available only via the programme and are able to detect patent infections on the whole. These therefore miss low-density infections which are another major limitation for their use in malaria endemic countries. Drug and insecticide resistance need to be constantly monitored as they have direct impact on the efficacy of the current tools. Need for better vector control products for the diverse entomological requirements is also felt. India is the second most populous country in the world with majority of its population at risk of malaria. Despite many agencies (government and non-government) working in the field of malaria, there needs to be more synergy at the local or central level for malaria control. Here, we have proposed solutions for specific facets of the malaria programme. Surveillance, data visualization and analysis can all be supported through over the counter availability of rapid diagnostics, adoption of molecular tools like PCR (requiring additional infrastructure and expertise), mobile applications for data capture and use of malaria data dashboard. Management could be augmented by inclusion of tafenoquine for treatment of P. vivax malaria with a companion point-of care diagnostic which has been developed to assess G6PD enzyme activity. A switchover to artemether-lumefantrine for the entire country can also be considered. Vector control can be strengthened by commercial availability of insecticidal bednets and exploration of novel vector control tools like ivermectin. Lastly, enhancing synergy amongst various stakeholders would also catalyze the malaria elimination plans. Funding The authors have received no funding for this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manju Rahi
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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Pernaute-Lau L, Camara M, Nóbrega de Sousa T, Morris U, Ferreira MU, Gil JP. An update on pharmacogenetic factors influencing the metabolism and toxicity of artemisinin-based combination therapy in the treatment of malaria. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:39-59. [PMID: 35285373 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2049235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are recommended first-line antimalarials for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic variation associated with ACT drugs and their effect is documented. It is accepted to an extent that inter-individual variation is genetically driven, and should be explored for optimized antimalarial use. AREAS COVERED We provide an update on the pharmacogenetics of ACT antimalarial disposition. Beyond presently used antimalarials, we also refer to information available for the most notable next-generation drugs under development. The bibliographic approach was based on multiple Boolean searches on PubMed covering all recent publications since our previous review. EXPERT OPINION The last 10 years have witnessed an increase in our knowledge of ACT pharmacogenetics, including the first clear examples of its contribution as an exacerbating factor for drug-drug interactions. This knowledge gap is still large and is likely to widen as a new wave of antimalarial drug is looming, with few studies addressing their pharmacogenetics. Clinically useful pharmacogenetic markers are still not available, in particular, from an individual precision medicine perspective. A better understanding of the genetic makeup of target populations can be valuable for aiding decisions on mass drug administration implementation concerning region-specific antimalarial drug and dosage options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyre Pernaute-Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Faculty of Sciences, BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Mahamadou Camara
- Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Taís Nóbrega de Sousa
- Molecular Biology and Malaria Immunology Research Group, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Ulrika Morris
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Marcelo Urbano Ferreira
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal.,Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Pedro Gil
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Faculty of Sciences, BioISI - Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, 1749-016, Portugal.,Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal
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Chhibber-Goel J, Yogavel M, Sharma A. Structural analyses of the malaria parasite aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases provide new avenues for antimalarial drug discovery. Protein Sci 2021; 30:1793-1803. [PMID: 34184352 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a parasitic illness caused by the genus Plasmodium from the apicomplexan phylum. Five plasmodial species of P. falciparum (Pf), P. knowlesi, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. vivax (Pv) are responsible for causing malaria in humans. According to the World Malaria Report 2020, there were 229 million cases and ~ 0.04 million deaths of which 67% were in children below 5 years of age. While more than 3 billion people are at risk of malaria infection globally, antimalarial drugs are their only option for treatment. Antimalarial drug resistance keeps arising periodically and thus threatens the main line of malaria treatment, emphasizing the need to find new alternatives. The availability of whole genomes of P. falciparum and P. vivax has allowed targeting their unexplored plasmodial enzymes for inhibitor development with a focus on multistage targets that are crucial for parasite viability in both the blood and liver stages. Over the past decades, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) have been explored as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal drug targets, and more recently (since 2009) aaRSs are also the focus of antimalarial drug targeting. Here, we dissect the structure-based knowledge of the most advanced three aaRSs-lysyl- (KRS), prolyl- (PRS), and phenylalanyl- (FRS) synthetases in terms of development of antimalarial drugs. These examples showcase the promising potential of this family of enzymes to provide druggable targets that stall protein synthesis upon inhibition and thereby kill malaria parasites selectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Chhibber-Goel
- Structural Parasitology Group, Molecular Medicine, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Manickam Yogavel
- Structural Parasitology Group, Molecular Medicine, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Structural Parasitology Group, Molecular Medicine, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India.,ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
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