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Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria among Children in Western Kenya, 2016 to 2017. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0020722. [PMID: 36036611 PMCID: PMC9487560 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00207-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimalarial resistance threatens global malaria control efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine antimalarial efficacy monitoring through a standardized therapeutic efficacy study (TES) protocol. From June 2016 to March 2017, children with uncomplicated P. falciparum mono-infection in Siaya County, Kenya were enrolled into a standardized TES and randomized (1:1 ratio) to a 3-day course of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) or dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP). Efficacy outcomes were measured at 28 and 42 days. A total of 340 children were enrolled. All but one child cleared parasites by day 3. PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) was 88.5% (95% CI: 80.9 to 93.3%) at day 28 for AL and 93.0% (95% CI: 86.9 to 96.4%) at day 42 for DP. There were 9.6 times (95% CI: 3.4 to 27.2) more reinfections in the AL arm compared to the DP arm at day 28, and 3.1 times (95% CI: 1.9 to 4.9) more reinfections at day 42. Both AL and DP were efficacious (per WHO 90% cutoff in the confidence interval) and well tolerated for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in western Kenya, but AL efficacy appears to be waning. Further efficacy monitoring for AL, including pharmacokinetic studies, is recommended.
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Ukawuba I, Shaman J. Inference and dynamic simulation of malaria using a simple climate-driven entomological model of malaria transmission. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010161. [PMID: 35679241 PMCID: PMC9182318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the crucial role of climate in malaria transmission, many mechanistic models of malaria represent vector biology and the parasite lifecycle as functions of climate variables in order to accurately capture malaria transmission dynamics. Lower dimension mechanistic models that utilize implicit vector dynamics have relied on indirect climate modulation of transmission processes, which compromises investigation of the ecological role played by climate in malaria transmission. In this study, we develop an implicit process-based malaria model with direct climate-mediated modulation of transmission pressure borne through the Entomological Inoculation Rate (EIR). The EIR, a measure of the number of infectious bites per person per unit time, includes the effects of vector dynamics, resulting from mosquito development, survivorship, feeding activity and parasite development, all of which are moderated by climate. We combine this EIR-model framework, which is driven by rainfall and temperature, with Bayesian inference methods, and evaluate the model’s ability to simulate local transmission across 42 regions in Rwanda over four years. Our findings indicate that the biologically-motivated, EIR-model framework is capable of accurately simulating seasonal malaria dynamics and capturing of some of the inter-annual variation in malaria incidence. However, the model unsurprisingly failed to reproduce large declines in malaria transmission during 2018 and 2019 due to elevated anti-malaria measures, which were not accounted for in the model structure. The climate-driven transmission model also captured regional variation in malaria incidence across Rwanda’s diverse climate, while identifying key entomological and epidemiological parameters important to seasonal malaria dynamics. In general, this new model construct advances the capabilities of implicitly-forced lower dimension dynamical malaria models by leveraging climate drivers of malaria ecology and transmission. Climate plays a fundamental and complex role in malaria transmission, by acting on multiple aspects of mosquito ecology and parasite transmissibility. However, to express malaria transmission pressure, malaria models with implicit vector dynamics have relied on indirect predictors of vector ecology, such as temporal seasonality or interpolations of rainfall/temperature, instead of entomological processes directly informed by ambient conditions. This approach obscures the specific influence of environmental conditions on relevant vector and parasite ecology, as well as meaningful interpretation of climate variability within these models. Here, we demonstrate that both interpretability and ecological effect from climate can be instantiated in lower dimension dynamical models through representation of transmission pressures via a climate-driven Entomological Inoculation Rate (EIR). This process-based model framework is driven by local rainfall and temperature, which regulate multiple aspects of the EIR, namely mosquito density, host-seeking activity, and parasite infectivity. Our results indicate that the climate-driven model construct is able to reproduce regional and local malaria transmission at seasonal and inter-annual time scales, while enabling identification of key entomological determinants of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Ukawuba
- Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeffrey Shaman
- Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, United States of America
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Mansoor R, Commons RJ, Douglas NM, Abuaku B, Achan J, Adam I, Adjei GO, Adjuik M, Alemayehu BH, Allan R, Allen EN, Anvikar AR, Arinaitwe E, Ashley EA, Ashurst H, Asih PBS, Bakyaita N, Barennes H, Barnes KI, Basco L, Bassat Q, Baudin E, Bell DJ, Bethell D, Bjorkman A, Boulton C, Bousema T, Brasseur P, Bukirwa H, Burrow R, Carrara VI, Cot M, D’Alessandro U, Das D, Das S, Davis TME, Desai M, Djimde AA, Dondorp AM, Dorsey G, Drakeley CJ, Duparc S, Espié E, Etard JF, Falade C, Faucher JF, Filler S, Fogg C, Fukuda M, Gaye O, Genton B, Ghulam Rahim A, Gilayeneh J, Gonzalez R, Grais RF, Grandesso F, Greenwood B, Grivoyannis A, Hatz C, Hodel EM, Humphreys GS, Hwang J, Ishengoma D, Juma E, Kachur SP, Kager PA, Kamugisha E, Kamya MR, Karema C, Kayentao K, Kazienga A, Kiechel JR, Kofoed PE, Koram K, Kremsner PG, Lalloo DG, Laman M, Lee SJ, Lell B, Maiga AW, Mårtensson A, Mayxay M, Mbacham W, McGready R, Menan H, Ménard D, Mockenhaupt F, Moore BR, Müller O, Nahum A, Ndiaye JL, Newton PN, Ngasala BE, Nikiema F, Nji AM, Noedl H, Nosten F, Ogutu BR, Ojurongbe O, Osorio L, Ouédraogo JB, Owusu-Agyei S, Pareek A, Penali LK, Piola P, Plucinski M, Premji Z, Ramharter M, Richmond CL, Rombo L, Roper C, Rosenthal PJ, Salman S, Same-Ekobo A, Sibley C, Sirima SB, Smithuis FM, Somé FA, Staedke SG, Starzengruber P, Strub-Wourgaft N, Sutanto I, Swarthout TD, Syafruddin D, Talisuna AO, Taylor WR, Temu EA, Thwing JI, Tinto H, Tjitra E, Touré OA, Tran TH, Ursing J, Valea I, Valentini G, van Vugt M, von Seidlein L, Ward SA, Were V, White NJ, Woodrow CJ, Yavo W, Yeka A, Zongo I, Simpson JA, Guerin PJ, Stepniewska K, Price RN. Haematological consequences of acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria: a WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network pooled analysis of individual patient data. BMC Med 2022; 20:85. [PMID: 35249546 PMCID: PMC8900374 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02265-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum malaria is associated with anaemia-related morbidity, attributable to host, parasite and drug factors. We quantified the haematological response following treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria to identify the factors associated with malarial anaemia. METHODS Individual patient data from eligible antimalarial efficacy studies of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, available through the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network data repository prior to August 2015, were pooled using standardised methodology. The haematological response over time was quantified using a multivariable linear mixed effects model with nonlinear terms for time, and the model was then used to estimate the mean haemoglobin at day of nadir and day 7. Multivariable logistic regression quantified risk factors for moderately severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 7 g/dL) at day 0, day 3 and day 7 as well as a fractional fall ≥ 25% at day 3 and day 7. RESULTS A total of 70,226 patients, recruited into 200 studies between 1991 and 2013, were included in the analysis: 50,859 (72.4%) enrolled in Africa, 18,451 (26.3%) in Asia and 916 (1.3%) in South America. The median haemoglobin concentration at presentation was 9.9 g/dL (range 5.0-19.7 g/dL) in Africa, 11.6 g/dL (range 5.0-20.0 g/dL) in Asia and 12.3 g/dL (range 6.9-17.9 g/dL) in South America. Moderately severe anaemia (Hb < 7g/dl) was present in 8.4% (4284/50,859) of patients from Africa, 3.3% (606/18,451) from Asia and 0.1% (1/916) from South America. The nadir haemoglobin occurred on day 2 post treatment with a mean fall from baseline of 0.57 g/dL in Africa and 1.13 g/dL in Asia. Independent risk factors for moderately severe anaemia on day 7, in both Africa and Asia, included moderately severe anaemia at baseline (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 16.10 and AOR = 23.00, respectively), young age (age < 1 compared to ≥ 12 years AOR = 12.81 and AOR = 6.79, respectively), high parasitaemia (AOR = 1.78 and AOR = 1.58, respectively) and delayed parasite clearance (AOR = 2.44 and AOR = 2.59, respectively). In Asia, patients treated with an artemisinin-based regimen were at significantly greater risk of moderately severe anaemia on day 7 compared to those treated with a non-artemisinin-based regimen (AOR = 2.06 [95%CI 1.39-3.05], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, the nadir haemoglobin occurs 2 days after starting treatment. Although artemisinin-based treatments increase the rate of parasite clearance, in Asia they are associated with a greater risk of anaemia during recovery.
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Assefa DG, Zeleke ED, Molla W, Mengistu N, Sefa A, Mebratu A, Bate AF, Bekele E, Yesmaw G, Makonnen E. Safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria among children in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Malar J 2022; 21:4. [PMID: 34983552 PMCID: PMC8725395 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-04032-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacies of artemisinin based combinations have been excellent in Africa, but also comprehensive evidence regarding their safety would be important. The aim of this review was to synthesize available evidence on the safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) compared to artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria among children in Africa. METHODS A systematic literature search was done to identify relevant articles from online databases PubMed/ MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Center for Clinical Trial database (CENTRAL) for retrieving randomized control trials comparing safety of DHA-PQ and AL for treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria among children in Africa. The search was performed from August 2020 to 30 April 2021. Using Rev-Man software (V5.4.1), the extracted data from eligible studies were pooled as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS In this review, 18 studies were included, which involved 10,498 participants were included. Compared to AL, DHA-PQ was associated with a slightly higher frequency of early vomiting (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.50; participants = 7796; studies = 10; I2 = 0%, high quality of evidence), cough (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11; participants = 8013; studies = 13; I2 = 0%, high quality of evidence), and diarrhoea (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.31; participants = 6841; studies = 11; I2 = 8%, high quality of evidence) were more frequent in DHA-PQ treatment arm. CONCLUSION From this review, it can be concluded that early vomiting, diarrhoea, and cough were common were significantly more frequent in patients who were treated with the DHA-PQ than that of AL, and both drugs are well tolerated. More studies comparing AL with DHA-PQ are needed to determine the comparative safety of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Getachew Assefa
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- School of Public Health, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
| | - Eden Dagnachew Zeleke
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Bule Hora University, Bule Hora, Ethiopia
| | - Wondwosen Molla
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Nebiyu Mengistu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmedin Sefa
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Andualem Mebratu
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Asresu Feleke Bate
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Etaferaw Bekele
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Gizachew Yesmaw
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen
- Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Maniga JN, Akinola SA, Odoki M, Odda J, Adebayo IA. Limited Polymorphism in Plasmodium falciparum Artemisinin Resistance Kelch13-Propeller Gene Among Clinical Isolates from Bushenyi District, Uganda. Infect Drug Resist 2021; 14:5153-5163. [PMID: 34908849 PMCID: PMC8665267 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s341357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug resistance remains a major challenge in malaria treatment, especially after the emergence of resistance to artemisinin-based combined therapies. Plasmodium falciparum Kelch13 gene mutations are implicated in conferring artemisinin resistance. Thus, this study was aimed at determining the occurrence of Kelch13 (K13) propeller resistance gene polymorphism mutations in Bushenyi district, Uganda. METHODS Participants suspected to have malaria were recruited. P. falciparum was confirmed using antigen histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) (Pf) (Access Bio, Inc, USA) and microscopy. Malaria-positive patients were treated with artemeter-lumefantrine (AL). Blood was withdrawn from participants who tested positive for parasites after day 3 and kept in blood filter papers (ET31CHR; Whatman Limited, Kent, UK). DNA was extracted using chelex-suspension method. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted and the second-round products sequenced using Sanger's method. Sequenced products were analyzed using DNAsp 5.10.01 software and then blasted on to the NCBI for K13-propeller gene sequence identity using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). RESULTS Out of 283 enrolled participants, 194 completed the follow-up schedule. A total of 134 (69%) had no parasites on day 3, while 60 (31%) had parasites on that day. Out of the 60 samples, 40 (62%) were positively amplified as P. falciparum, with polymorphisms in the K13-propeller gene detected in 3 (7.5%) out of the 40 amplicons. Polymorphisms at codon 1929, 1788 and 1801 were detected separately in one sample each. Sequences have been deposited in NCBI with accession numbers PRJNA720348 and PRJNA720800. CONCLUSION Polymorphisms in the K13-propeller gene previously reported to be associated with artemisinin resistance were not detected in the P. falciparum isolates from Bushenyi district, Uganda. More studies need to be conducted on the new mutations detected so as to understand their association, if any, with ACT resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephat Nyabayo Maniga
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Saheed Adekunle Akinola
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North- West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Martin Odoki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - John Odda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ismail Abiola Adebayo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kampala International University Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
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Comparative effect of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and artemether-lumefantrine on gametocyte clearance and haemoglobin recovery in children with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 113:136-147. [PMID: 34653658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.10.013] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum gametocytaemia has been associated with anaemia. The aim of this review was to synthesize available evidence on the comparative effect of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) on gametocyte clearance and haemoglobin recovery in children with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Africa. METHODS A systematic literature search was undertaken to identify relevant articles from online databases. The search was performed from August 2020 to 30 April 2021. Extracted data from eligible studies were pooled as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Gametocyte carriage was reduced in both treatment groups, with no significant difference found between the groups. However, on days 28 and 42, a significant increase in serum haemoglobin level from baseline was observed in the DHA-PQ group (standardized mean difference 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.26; participants=2715; studies=4; I2=32%, high quality of evidence) compared with the AL group (mean difference 0.35, 95% CI 0.12-0.59; participants=1434; studies=3; I2=35%, high quality of evidence). CONCLUSION DHA-PQ had a greater impact on haemoglobin recovery than AL on days 28 and 42; this difference was significant.
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Mairet-Khedim M, Nsango S, Ngou C, Menard S, Roesch C, Khim N, Srun S, Iriart X, Lanot T, Otam L, Abega F, Ayong L, Morlais I, Gandia P, Witkowski B, Berry A. Efficacy of dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine in patients with non-complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Yaoundé, Cameroon. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:3037-3044. [PMID: 34453535 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine is increasingly used for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Africa. The efficacy of this combination in Cameroon is poorly documented, while resistance to dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine readily spreads in Southeast Asia. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine in Cameroon, as well as the molecular profile and phenotypic susceptibility of collected isolates to dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine. PATIENTS AND METHODS Dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine efficacy in 42 days was followed-up for 138 patients presenting non-complicated falciparum malaria. Piperaquine concentration was determined at day 7 for 124 patients. kelch13 gene polymorphisms (n = 150) and plasmepsin2 gene amplification (n = 148) were determined as molecular markers of resistance to dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine, respectively. Parasite susceptibility to dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine was determined using validated in vitro survival assays. RESULTS The efficacy of dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine treatment was 100% after PCR correction. The reinfections were not associated with a variation of piperaquine concentration at day 7. Ninety-six percent (144/150) of the samples presented a WT allele of the kelch13 gene. Two percent (3/150) presented the non-synonymous mutation A578S, which is not associated with resistance to dihydroartemisinin. No duplication of the plasmepsin2 gene was observed (0/148). All the samples tested in vitro by survival assays (n = 87) were susceptible to dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine. CONCLUSIONS Dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine has demonstrated excellent therapeutic efficacy with no evidence of emerging artemisinin or piperaquine resistance in Yaoundé, Cameroon. This observation suggests that dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine could be a sustainable therapeutic solution for P. falciparum malaria if implemented in areas previously free of artemisinin- and piperaquine-resistant parasites, unlike Southeast Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Mairet-Khedim
- Malaria Translational Research Unit, Pasteur International Unit, Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Paris, France.,Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, UPS, Toulouse, France.,Structural Microbiology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3528, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75724 Paris 15, France
| | - Sandrine Nsango
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Douala, Douala, Cameroon.,Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Christelle Ngou
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,MIVEGEC, IRD, CNRS, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Sandie Menard
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Camille Roesch
- Malaria Translational Research Unit, Pasteur International Unit, Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Paris, France.,Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Nimol Khim
- Malaria Translational Research Unit, Pasteur International Unit, Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Paris, France.,Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Sreynet Srun
- Malaria Translational Research Unit, Pasteur International Unit, Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Paris, France.,Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Xavier Iriart
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, UPS, Toulouse, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse F-31300, France
| | - Thomas Lanot
- Laboratoire de Pharmacocinétique et Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse F-31300, France
| | - Laure Otam
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, UPS, Toulouse, France.,Département des Sciences Biomédicales, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Ngaoundéré, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | | | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Peggy Gandia
- Laboratoire de Pharmacocinétique et Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse F-31300, France.,INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRA, ENVT, BP 87614, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Benoit Witkowski
- Malaria Translational Research Unit, Pasteur International Unit, Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Paris, France.,Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Antoine Berry
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), Université Toulouse, CNRS UMR5051, INSERM UMR1291, UPS, Toulouse, France.,Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse F-31300, France
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Assefa DG, Zeleke ED, Bekele D, Tesfahunei HA, Getachew E, Joseph M, Manyazewal T. Efficacy and safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Ugandan children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. Malar J 2021; 20:174. [PMID: 33794897 PMCID: PMC8017896 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The emergence of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia and Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 propeller gene mutations in sub-Saharan African pose the greatest threat to global efforts to control malaria. This is a critical concern in Uganda, where artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DHA–PQ) and artemether–lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Ugandan children. Methods A search of PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for retrieving randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of DHA–PQ and AL for treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Ugandan children was done. The search was performed up to 31 August 2020. The data extracted from eligible studies and pooled as risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using Rev Man Software (5.4). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, ID: CRD42020182354. Results Eleven trials were included in this review and two of them only included under safety outcome. Total 3798 participants were enrolled. The PCR unadjusted treatment failure was significantly lower with DHA–PQ at day 28 (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.19–0.49; participants = 7863; studies = 5; I2 = 93%, low quality evidence) and at day 42 (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.76; participants = 1618; studies = 4; I2 = 79%, moderate quality of evidence). The PCR adjusted treatment failure at day 42 was significantly lower with DHA–PQ treatment group (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.72; participants = 1370; studies = 5, high quality of evidence), and it was below 5% in both arms at day 28 (moderate quality of evidence). AL showed a longer prophylactic effect on new infections which may last for up to 63 days (PCR-adjusted treatment failure: RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.13–3.70; participants = 1311; studies = 2, moderate quality of evidence). Compared to AL, DHA–PQ was associated with a slightly higher frequency of cough (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13; 2575 participants; six studies; high quality of evidence). In both treatment groups, the risk of recurrent parasitaemia due to possible recrudescence was less than 5% at day 28. The appearance of gametocyte between 29 and 42 days was also significantly lower in DHA–PQ than AL (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.56; participants = 623; studies = 2; I2 = 0%). Conclusion Compared to AL, DHA–PQ appeared to reduce treatment failure and gametocyte carriage in Ugandan children. This may trigger DHA–PQ to become the first-line treatment option. Both treatments were safe and well-tolerated. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03711-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Getachew Assefa
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. .,Department of Nursing, College of Health Science and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
| | - Eden Dagnachew Zeleke
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Midwifery, College of Health Science, Bule-Hora University, Bule-Hora, Ethiopia
| | - Delayehu Bekele
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hanna Amanuel Tesfahunei
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Hager Biomedical Research Institute, Asmara, Eritrea
| | - Emnet Getachew
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia
| | - Michele Joseph
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegahun Manyazewal
- College of Health Sciences, Center for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT-Africa), Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 9086, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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9
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Abamecha A, Yilma D, Addisu W, El-Abid H, Ibenthal A, Noedl H, Yewhalaw D, Moumni M, Abdissa A. Therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Chewaka District, Ethiopia. Malar J 2020; 19:240. [PMID: 32650784 PMCID: PMC7350688 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in south-western Ethiopia is poorly documented. Regular monitoring of drug efficacy is an important tool for supporting national treatment policies and practice. This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of AL for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria in Ethiopia. Methods The study was a one-arm, prospective, evaluation of the clinical and parasitological, responses to directly observed treatment with AL among participants 6 months and older with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR reaction methods were used to quantify and genotype P. falciparum. A modified protocol based on the World Health Organization 2009 recommendations for the surveillance of anti-malarial drug efficacy was used for the study with primary outcomes, clinical and parasitological cure rates at day-28. Secondary outcomes assessed included patterns of fever and parasite clearance. Cure rate on day-28 was assessed by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analysis. Parasite genotyping was also performed at baseline and at the time of recurrence of parasitaemia to differentiate between recrudescence and new infection. Results Of the 80 study participants enrolled, 75 completed the follow-up at day-28 with ACPR. For per protocol (PP) analysis, PCR-uncorrected and-corrected cure rate of AL among the study participants was 94.7% (95% CI 87.1–98.5) and 96% (95% CI 88.8–99.2), respectively. For intention to treat (ITT) analysis, the cure rate was 90% (95% CI 88.8–99.2). Based on Kaplan–Meier survival estimate, the cumulative incidence of failure rate of AL was 3.8% (95% CI 1.3–11.4). Only three participants 3.8% (95% CI 0.8–10.6) of the 80 enrolled participants were found to be positive on day-3. The day three-positive participants were followed up to day 28 and did not correspond to treatment failures observed during follow-up. Only 7.5% (6/80) of the participants were gametocyte-positive on enrollment and gametocytaemia was absent on day-2 following treatment with AL. Conclusions The therapeutic efficacy of AL is considerably high (above 90%). AL remained highly efficacious in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the study area resulted in rapid fever and parasite clearance as well as low gametocyte carriage rates despite the use of this combination for more than 15 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhakim Abamecha
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia. .,Department of Biomedical, College of Public Health and Medical Science, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia. .,Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Daniel Yilma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Wondimagegn Addisu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Hassan El-Abid
- Biotechnology and Bio-Resources Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Achim Ibenthal
- Faculty of Science and Art, HAWK University, Gottingen, Germany
| | - Harald Noedl
- Malaria Research Initiative Bandarban (MARIB), Vienna, Austria
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.,Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mohieddine Moumni
- Biotechnology and Bio-Resources Development Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Alemseged Abdissa
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.,Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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10
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Evans DR, Higgins CR, Laing SK, Awor P, Ozawa S. Poor-quality antimalarials further health inequities in Uganda. Health Policy Plan 2020; 34:iii36-iii47. [PMID: 31816072 PMCID: PMC6901073 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Substandard and falsified medications are a major threat to public health, directly increasing the risk of treatment failure, antimicrobial resistance, morbidity, mortality and health expenditures. While antimalarial medicines are one of the most common to be of poor quality in low- and middle-income countries, their distributional impact has not been examined. This study assessed the health equity impact of substandard and falsified antimalarials among children under five in Uganda. Using a probabilistic agent-based model of paediatric malaria infection (Substandard and Falsified Antimalarial Research Impact, SAFARI model), we examine the present day distribution of the burden of poor-quality antimalarials by socio-economic status and urban/rural settings, and simulate supply chain, policy and patient education interventions. Patients incur US$26.1 million (7.8%) of the estimated total annual economic burden of substandard and falsified antimalarials, including $2.3 million (9.1%) in direct costs and $23.8 million (7.7%) in productivity losses due to early death. Poor-quality antimalarials annually cost $2.9 million to the government. The burden of the health and economic impact of malaria and poor-quality antimalarials predominantly rests on the poor (concentration index −0.28) and rural populations (98%). The number of deaths among the poorest wealth quintile due to substandard and falsified antimalarials was 12.7 times that of the wealthiest quintile, and the poor paid 12.1 times as much per person in out-of-pocket payments. Rural populations experienced 97.9% of the deaths due to poor-quality antimalarials, and paid 10.7 times as much annually in out-of-pocket expenses compared with urban populations. Our simulations demonstrated that interventions to improve medicine quality could have the greatest impact at reducing inequities, and improving adherence to antimalarials could have the largest economic impact. Substandard and falsified antimalarials have a significant health and economic impact, with greater burden of deaths, disability and costs on poor and rural populations, contributing to health inequities in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Evans
- Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC 3710 Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Colleen R Higgins
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7574, Beard Hall 115H, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sarah K Laing
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7574, Beard Hall 115H, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Phyllis Awor
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Mulago Hospital Complex, Mulago Hill, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sachiko Ozawa
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7574, Beard Hall 115H, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Corresponding author. Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#7574, Beard Hall 115H, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. E-mail:
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11
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Radouani F, Zass L, Hamdi Y, Rocha JD, Sallam R, Abdelhak S, Ahmed S, Azzouzi M, Benamri I, Benkahla A, Bouhaouala-Zahar B, Chaouch M, Jmel H, Kefi R, Ksouri A, Kumuthini J, Masilela P, Masimirembwa C, Othman H, Panji S, Romdhane L, Samtal C, Sibira R, Ghedira K, Fadlelmola F, Kassim SK, Mulder N. A review of clinical pharmacogenetics Studies in African populations. Per Med 2020; 17:155-170. [PMID: 32125935 PMCID: PMC8093600 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2019-0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Effective interventions and treatments for complex diseases have been implemented globally, however, coverage in Africa has been comparatively lower due to lack of capacity, clinical applicability and knowledge on the genetic contribution to disease and treatment. Currently, there is a scarcity of genetic data on African populations, which have enormous genetic diversity. Pharmacogenomics studies have the potential to revolutionise treatment of diseases, therefore, African populations are likely to benefit from these approaches to identify likely responders, reduce adverse side effects and optimise drug dosing. This review discusses clinical pharmacogenetics studies conducted in African populations, focusing on studies that examined drug response in complex diseases relevant to healthcare. Several pharmacogenetics associations have emerged from African studies, as have gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouzia Radouani
- Research Department, Chlamydiae & Mycoplasmas Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
| | - Lyndon Zass
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, CIDRI Africa Wellcome Trust Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yosr Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics & Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Jorge da Rocha
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Reem Sallam
- Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbaseya, Cairo 11381, Egypt
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics & Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Samah Ahmed
- Centre for Bioinformatics & Systems Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, 321 Khartoum, Sudan.,Faculty of Clinical & Industrial Pharmacy, National University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Maryame Azzouzi
- Research Department, Chlamydiae & Mycoplasmas Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20360, Morocco
| | - Ichrak Benamri
- Research Department, Chlamydiae & Mycoplasmas Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20360, Morocco.,Systems & Data Engineering Team, National School of Applied Sciences of Tangier, Morocco
| | - Alia Benkahla
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics & Biostatistics LR 16 IPT 09, Institute Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar
- Laboratory of Venoms & Therapeutic Molecules, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur, BP74, Tunis Belvedere- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Melek Chaouch
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics & Biostatistics LR 16 IPT 09, Institute Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Haifa Jmel
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics & Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Rym Kefi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics & Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie
| | - Ayoub Ksouri
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics & Biostatistics LR 16 IPT 09, Institute Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia.,Laboratory of Venoms & Therapeutic Molecules, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 13 Place Pasteur, BP74, Tunis Belvedere- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia
| | - Judit Kumuthini
- H3ABioNet, Bioinformatics Department, Centre for Proteomic & Genomic Research, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Phumlani Masilela
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, CIDRI Africa Wellcome Trust Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Collen Masimirembwa
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,DMPK Department, African Institute of Biomedical Science & Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Houcemeddine Othman
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of The Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sumir Panji
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, CIDRI Africa Wellcome Trust Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lilia Romdhane
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics & Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Université Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur BP 74, 1002 Tunis, Belvédère, Tunisie.,Département des Sciences de la Vie, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université Carthage, 7021 Jarzouna, BP 21, Tunisie
| | - Chaimae Samtal
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30000, Morocco.,Department of Biology, University of Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco.,Department of Biology Faculty of Sciences, University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Rania Sibira
- Centre for Bioinformatics & Systems Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, 321 Khartoum, Sudan.,Department of Neurosurgery, National Center For Neurological Sciences, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Kais Ghedira
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics & Biostatistics LR 16 IPT 09, Institute Pasteur de Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Faisal Fadlelmola
- Centre for Bioinformatics & Systems Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, 321 Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Samar Kamal Kassim
- Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbaseya, Cairo 11381, Egypt
| | - Nicola Mulder
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, CIDRI Africa Wellcome Trust Centre, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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12
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Ndagije HB, Kiguba R, Manirakiza L, Kirabira E, Sserwanga A, Nabirye L, Mukonzo J, Olsson S, Spinewine A, D'Hoore W, Speybroeck N. Healthcare professionals' perspective can guide post-marketing surveillance of artemisinin-based combination therapy in Uganda. Malar J 2020; 19:63. [PMID: 32041619 PMCID: PMC7011371 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-3148-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficient testing to identify poor quality artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is important to optimize efforts to control and eliminate malaria. Healthcare professionals interact with both ACT and malaria patients they treat and hence could observe, first-hand, suspect poor quality artemisinin-based combinations linked to poor malaria treatment outcomes and the factors associated with inappropriate use or treatment failure. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 685 HCP perspectives about the efficacy of ACT between June and July 2018 at selected health facilities in Uganda. Medicine samples were obtained from the seven regions of Uganda and tested for quality using the Germany Pharma Health Fund™ minilabs. RESULTS The average age of the 685 respondents was 30 (SD = 7.4) years. There was an almost equal distribution between male and female respondents (51:49), respectively. Seventy percent (n = 480) were diploma holders and the nurses contributed to half (49%, n = 334) of the study population. Sixty-one percent of the HCPs reported having ever encountered ACT failures while treating uncomplicated malaria. Nineteen percent of HCPs thought that dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine gave the most satisfactory patient treatment outcomes, while 80% HCPs thought that artemether/lumefantrine gave the least satisfactory patient treatment outcomes, possibly due to dosing schedule and pill burden. Healthcare professionals from the Central region (OR = 3.0, CI 0.3-1.0; P = 0.0001), Eastern region (OR = 5.4, CI 2.9-9.8; P = 0.0001) and Northern region (OR = 5.3, CI 2.9-9.9; P = 0.0001) had a higher chance of encountering ACT failure in 4 weeks prior to the survey as compared to those from the western region. Healthcare professionals from private health facilities also had higher chances of encountering ACT failures in past 4 weeks as compared to those from public health facilities (OR = 2.7, CI 1.7-3.9; P = 0.0001). All 192 samples passed the quality screening tests. The random sample of 10% of all samples randomly obtained by the laboratory staff also passed the chemical content analysis and dissolution tests. CONCLUSION ACT medicines are widely available over-the-counter to the public and it is very difficult to report and monitor a decrease in efficacy or treatment failure. The perspectives of HCPs on treatment failure or lack of efficacy may potentially guide optimization efforts of sampling methodologies for the quality survey of ACT medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronald Kiguba
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leonard Manirakiza
- National Pharmacovigilance Centre, National Drug Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elijah Kirabira
- National Pharmacovigilance Centre, National Drug Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allan Sserwanga
- National Pharmacovigilance Centre, National Drug Authority, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Leah Nabirye
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jackson Mukonzo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sten Olsson
- Pharmacovigilance Consulting, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne Spinewine
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - William D'Hoore
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Niko Speybroeck
- Institute of Health and Society (IRSS), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Yeka A, Wallender E, Mulebeke R, Kibuuka A, Kigozi R, Bosco A, Kyambadde P, Opigo J, Kalyesubula S, Senzoga J, Vinden J, Conrad M, Rosenthal PJ. Comparative Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine and Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria in Ugandan Children. J Infect Dis 2020; 219:1112-1120. [PMID: 30418593 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Uganda, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) showed excellent treatment efficacy for uncomplicated malaria in prior trials. Because the frequency of resistance to artemisinins and piperaquine is increasing in Southeast Asia and the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum polymorphisms associated with resistance has changed, we reassessed treatment efficacies at 3 sites in Uganda. METHODS For this randomized, single-blinded clinical trial, children aged 6-59 months with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were assigned treatment with AL or DHA-PQ and followed for 42 days. Primary end points were risks of recurrent parasitemia, either unadjusted or adjusted to distinguish recrudescence from new infection. We assessed selection by study regimens of relevant P. falciparum genetic polymorphisms associated with drug resistance. RESULTS Of 599 patients enrolled, 578 completed follow-up. There were no early treatment failures. The risk of recurrent parasitemia was lower with DHA-PQ as compared to AL at all 3 sites at 42 days (26.0% vs 47.0%; P < .001). Recrudescent infections were uncommon in both the DHA-PQ and AL arms (1.1% and 2.2%, respectively; P = .25). Neither regimen selected for pfcrt or pfmdr1 polymorphisms associated with drug resistance. CONCLUSIONS AL and DHA-PQ remain effective for the treatment of malaria in Uganda. Neither regimen selected for genetic polymorphisms associated with drug resistance. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION ISRCTN15793046.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adoke Yeka
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
| | - Erika Wallender
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Ronald Mulebeke
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
| | - Afizi Kibuuka
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences
| | - Ruth Kigozi
- Malaria Action Programme for Districts, Malaria Consortium
| | - Agaba Bosco
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Uganda
| | - Paul Kyambadde
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Opigo
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Uganda
| | - Simeon Kalyesubula
- East African Public Health Laboratories Networking Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Senzoga
- East African Public Health Laboratories Networking Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joanna Vinden
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Melissa Conrad
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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14
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Omondi P, Burugu M, Matoke-Muhia D, Too E, Nambati EA, Chege W, Musyoka KB, Thiongo K, Otinga M, Muregi F, Kimani F. Gametocyte clearance in children, from western Kenya, with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria after artemether-lumefantrine or dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine treatment. Malar J 2019; 18:398. [PMID: 31801562 PMCID: PMC6891957 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) against asexual parasites population has been documented. However, the effect of these anti-malarials on sexual parasites is still less clear. Gametocyte clearance following treatment is essential for malaria control and elimination efforts; therefore, the study sought to determine trends in gametocyte clearance after AL or DP treatment in children from a malaria-endemic site in Kenya. METHODS Children aged between 0.5 and 12 years from Busia, western Kenya with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria were assigned randomly to AL or DP treatment. A total of 334 children were enrolled, and dried blood spot samples were collected for up to 6 weeks after treatment during the peak malaria transmission season in 2016 and preserved. Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes were detected by qRT-PCR and gametocyte prevalence, density and mean duration of gametocyte carriage were determined. RESULTS At baseline, all the 334 children had positive asexual parasites by microscopy, 12% (40/334) had detectable gametocyte by microscopy, and 83.7% (253/302) children had gametocytes by RT-qPCR. Gametocyte prevalence by RT-qPCR decreased from 85.1% (126/148) at day 0 to 7.04% (5/71) at day 42 in AL group and from 82.4% (127/154) at day 0 to 14.5% (11/74) at day 42 in DP group. The average duration of gametocyte carriage as estimated by qRT-PCR was slightly shorter in the AL group (4.5 days) than in the DP group (5.1 days) but not significantly different (p = 0.301). CONCLUSION The study identifies no significant difference between AL and DP in gametocyte clearance. Gametocytes persisted up to 42 days post treatment in minority of individuals in both treatment arms. A gametocytocidal drug, in combination with artemisinin-based combination therapy, will be useful in blocking malaria transmission more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Protus Omondi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O Box 43884-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Marion Burugu
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O Box 43884-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Damaris Matoke-Muhia
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Edwin Too
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eva A Nambati
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - William Chege
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kelvin B Musyoka
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kelvin Thiongo
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maureen Otinga
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Muregi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mount Kenya University, P.O Box 342-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Francis Kimani
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute, P.O Box 54840-00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
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15
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Byakika-Kibwika P, Ssenyonga R, Lamorde M, Blessborn D, Tarning J. Piperaquine concentration and malaria treatment outcomes in Ugandan children treated for severe malaria with intravenous Artesunate or quinine plus Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:1025. [PMID: 31795967 PMCID: PMC6889437 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4647-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment for severe malaria must be prompt with effective parenteral antimalarial drugs for at least 24 h to achieve fast parasite clearance, and when the patient can tolerate oral therapy, treatment should be completed with effective artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) for complete parasite clearance and to prevent recrudescence. We evaluated piperaquine concentration and malaria treatment outcomes among Ugandan children treated for severe malaria with intravenous artesunate (AS) or quinine (QN) plus dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), in Tororo District Hospital in Eastern Uganda. Methods Capillary blood piperaquine concentration data were obtained from a randomized clinical trial whose objective was to evaluate parasite clearance, 42-day parasitological treatment outcomes and safety, following treatment of severe malaria with intravenous AS or QN, plus artemether-lumefantrine or DP among children in Tororo District Hospital, in Eastern Uganda. Results Piperaquine concentration data from 150 participants who received DP were analyzed. Participants with unadjusted treatment failure had lower median day 7 capillary piperaquine concentration than those with treatment success (34.7 (IQR) (17.9–49.1) vs 66.7 (IQR) (41.8–81.9), p < 0.001), and lower than the recommended day 7 cut off level of 57 ng/mL. There was no difference in median capillary piperaquine concentrations among participants with re-infection and recrudescence (35.3 (IQR) (17.9–55.2) vs 34.8 (IQR) (18.1–45.1), p = 0.847). The risk of treatment failure was two times higher among children with low (< 57 ng/mL) day 7 capillary piperaquine concentration (relative risk: 2.1 CI 1.4–3.1), p < 0.001) compared to children with high day 7 capillary piperaquine concentrations (> 57 ng/mL). Conclusion Considering the low day 7 concentrations of piperaquine reported in the patients studied here, we suggest to adopt the recently recommended higher dose of DP in young children or a prolonged 5-day dosing in children living in malaria endemic areas who have suffered an initial episode of severe malaria in order to achieve adequate drug exposures for effective post-treatment prophylactic effects. Trial registration The study was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201110000321348). Registered 7th October 2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Byakika-Kibwika
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda. .,Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Ronald Ssenyonga
- Clinical Trials Unit, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Daniel Blessborn
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joel Tarning
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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16
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Abstract
The scientific community worldwide has realized that malaria elimination will not be possible without development of safe and effective transmission-blocking interventions. Primaquine, the only WHO recommended transmission-blocking drug, is not extensively utilized because of the toxicity issues in G6PD deficient individuals. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic interventions that can target malaria parasites and effectively block transmission. But at first, it is imperative to unravel the existing portfolio of transmission-blocking drugs. This review highlights transmission-blocking potential of current antimalarial drugs and drugs that are in various stages of clinical development. The collective analysis of the relationships between the structure and the activity of transmission-blocking drugs is expected to help in the design of new transmission-blocking antimalarials.
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17
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Conrad MD, Rosenthal PJ. Antimalarial drug resistance in Africa: the calm before the storm? THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 19:e338-e351. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Competing risk events in antimalarial drug trials in uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network individual participant data meta-analysis. Malar J 2019; 18:225. [PMID: 31277713 PMCID: PMC6612160 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2837-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic efficacy studies in uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria are confounded by new infections, which constitute competing risk events since they can potentially preclude/pre-empt the detection of subsequent recrudescence of persistent, sub-microscopic primary infections. METHODS Antimalarial studies typically report the risk of recrudescence derived using the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method, which considers new infections acquired during the follow-up period as censored. Cumulative Incidence Function (CIF) provides an alternative approach for handling new infections, which accounts for them as a competing risk event. The complement of the estimate derived using the K-M method (1 minus K-M), and the CIF were used to derive the risk of recrudescence at the end of the follow-up period using data from studies collated in the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network data repository. Absolute differences in the failure estimates derived using these two methods were quantified. In comparative studies, the equality of two K-M curves was assessed using the log-rank test, and the equality of CIFs using Gray's k-sample test (both at 5% level of significance). Two different regression modelling strategies for recrudescence were considered: cause-specific Cox model and Fine and Gray's sub-distributional hazard model. RESULTS Data were available from 92 studies (233 treatment arms, 31,379 patients) conducted between 1996 and 2014. At the end of follow-up, the median absolute overestimation in the estimated risk of cumulative recrudescence by using 1 minus K-M approach was 0.04% (interquartile range (IQR): 0.00-0.27%, Range: 0.00-3.60%). The overestimation was correlated positively with the proportion of patients with recrudescence [Pearson's correlation coefficient (ρ): 0.38, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.30-0.46] or new infection [ρ: 0.43; 95% CI 0.35-0.54]. In three study arms, the point estimates of failure were greater than 10% (the WHO threshold for withdrawing antimalarials) when the K-M method was used, but remained below 10% when using the CIF approach, but the 95% confidence interval included this threshold. CONCLUSIONS The 1 minus K-M method resulted in a marginal overestimation of recrudescence that became increasingly pronounced as antimalarial efficacy declined, particularly when the observed proportion of new infection was high. The CIF approach provides an alternative approach for derivation of failure estimates in antimalarial trials, particularly in high transmission settings.
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19
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Ozawa S, Evans DR, Higgins CR, Laing SK, Awor P. Development of an agent-based model to assess the impact of substandard and falsified anti-malarials: Uganda case study. Malar J 2019; 18:5. [PMID: 30626380 PMCID: PMC6327614 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2628-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global efforts to address the burden of malaria have stagnated in recent years with malaria cases beginning to rise. Substandard and falsified anti-malarial treatments contribute to this stagnation. Poor quality anti-malarials directly affect health outcomes by increasing malaria morbidity and mortality, as well as threaten the effectiveness of treatment by contributing to artemisinin resistance. Research to assess the scope and impact of poor quality anti-malarials is essential to raise awareness and allocate resources to improve the quality of treatment. A probabilistic agent-based model was developed to provide country-specific estimates of the health and economic impact of poor quality anti-malarials on paediatric malaria. This paper presents the methodology and case study of the Substandard and Falsified Antimalarial Research Impact (SAFARI) model developed and applied to Uganda. RESULTS The total annual economic impact of malaria in Ugandan children under age five was estimated at US$614 million. Among children who sought medical care, the total economic impact was estimated at $403 million, including $57.7 million in direct costs. Substandard and falsified anti-malarials were a significant contributor to this annual burden, accounting for $31 million (8% of care-seeking children) in total economic impact involving $5.2 million in direct costs. Further, 9% of malaria deaths relating to cases seeking treatment were attributable to poor quality anti-malarials. In the event of widespread artemisinin resistance in Uganda, we simulated a 12% yearly increase in costs associated with paediatric malaria cases that sought care, inflicting $48.5 million in additional economic impact annually. CONCLUSIONS Improving the quality of treatment is essential to combat the burden of malaria and prevent the development of drug resistance. The SAFARI model provides country-specific estimates of the health and economic impact of substandard and falsified anti-malarials to inform governments, policy makers, donors and the malaria community about the threat posed by poor quality medicines. The model findings are useful to illustrate the significance of the issue and inform policy and interventions to improve medicinal quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Ozawa
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, CB#7574, Beard Hall 115H, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | | | - Colleen R. Higgins
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, CB#7574, Beard Hall 115H, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Sarah K. Laing
- Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, CB#7574, Beard Hall 115H, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Phyllis Awor
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makarere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
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20
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Drake TM, Knight SR, Harrison EM, Søreide K. Global Inequities in Precision Medicine and Molecular Cancer Research. Front Oncol 2018; 8:346. [PMID: 30234014 PMCID: PMC6131579 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine based upon molecular testing is heralded as a revolution in how cancer is prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Large efforts across the world aim to conduct comprehensive molecular profiling of disease to inform preclinical models, translational research studies and clinical trials. However, most studies have only been performed in patients from high-income countries. As the burden on non-communicable diseases increases, cancer will become a pressing burden across the world, disproportionately affecting low-middle income settings. There is emerging evidence that the molecular landscape of disease differs geographically and by genetic ancestry, which cannot be explained by environmental factors alone. There is a lack of good quality evidence that characterises the molecular landscape of cancers found in low-middle income countries. As cancer medicine becomes increasingly driven by molecular alterations in high-income settings, low-income settings may become left behind. Further efforts on an international scale must be made by researchers, funders, and policymakers to ensure cancer research addresses disease across the world, so models are not limited to subtypes of disease found in high-income countries. In this review, we discuss differences found in the molecular profiles of tumours worldwide and the implication this has for the future of global cancer care. Finally, we identify several barriers currently limiting progress in this field and innovative solutions, which may address these shortcomings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Drake
- Department of Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen R. Knight
- Department of Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ewen M. Harrison
- Department of Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kjetil Søreide
- Department of Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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21
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Abstract
The last two decades have seen a surge in antimalarial drug development with product development partnerships taking a leading role. Resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to the artemisinin derivatives, piperaquine and mefloquine in Southeast Asia means new antimalarials are needed with some urgency. There are at least 13 agents in clinical development. Most of these are blood schizonticides for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria, under evaluation either singly or as part of two-drug combinations. Leading candidates progressing through the pipeline are artefenomel-ferroquine and lumefantrine-KAF156, both in Phase 2b. Treatment of severe malaria continues to rely on two parenteral drugs with ancient forebears: artesunate and quinine, with sevuparin being evaluated as an adjuvant therapy. Tafenoquine is under review by stringent regulatory authorities for approval as a single-dose treatment for Plasmodium vivax relapse prevention. This represents an advance over standard 14-day primaquine regimens; however, the risk of acute haemolytic anaemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency remains. For disease prevention, several of the newer agents show potential but are unlikely to be recommended for use in the main target groups of pregnant women and young children for some years. Latest predictions are that the malaria burden will continue to be high in the coming decades. This fact, coupled with the repeated loss of antimalarials to resistance, indicates that new antimalarials will be needed for years to come. Failure of the artemisinin-based combinations in Southeast Asia has stimulated a reappraisal of current approaches to combination therapy for malaria with incorporation of three or more drugs in a single treatment under consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Ashley
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar.
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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22
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Byakika-Kibwika P, Achan J, Lamorde M, Karera-Gonahasa C, Kiragga AN, Mayanja-Kizza H, Kiwanuka N, Nsobya S, Talisuna AO, Merry C. Intravenous artesunate plus Artemisnin based Combination Therapy (ACT) or intravenous quinine plus ACT for treatment of severe malaria in Ugandan children: a randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:794. [PMID: 29281988 PMCID: PMC5745850 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2924-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe malaria is a medical emergency associated with high mortality. Adequate treatment requires initial parenteral therapy for fast parasite clearance followed by longer acting oral antimalarial drugs for cure and prevention of recrudescence. Methods In a randomized controlled clinical trial, we evaluated the 42-day parasitological outcomes of severe malaria treatment with intravenous artesunate (AS) or intravenous quinine (QNN) followed by oral artemisinin based combination therapy (ACT) in children living in a high malaria transmission setting in Eastern Uganda. Results We enrolled 300 participants and all were included in the intention to treat analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar across treatment arms. The median and interquartile range for number of days from baseline to parasite clearance was significantly lower among participants who received intravenous AS (2 (1–2) vs 3 (2–3), P < 0.001). Overall, 63.3% (178/281) of the participants had unadjusted parasitological treatment failure over the 42-day follow-up period. Molecular genotyping to distinguish re-infection from recrudescence was performed in a sample of 127 of the 178 participants, of whom majority 93 (73.2%) had re-infection and 34 (26.8%) had recrudescence. The 42 day risk of recrudescence did not differ with ACT administered. Adverse events were of mild to moderate severity and consistent with malaria symptoms. Conclusion In this high transmission setting, we observed adequate initial treatment outcomes followed by very high rates of malaria re-infection post severe malaria treatment. The impact of recurrent antimalarial treatment on the long term efficacy of antimalarial regimens needs to be investigated and surveillance mechanisms for resistance markers established since recurrent malaria infections are likely to be exposed to sub-therapeutic drug concentrations. More strategies for prevention of recurrent malaria infections in the most at risk populations are needed. Trial registration The study was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201110000321348).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Byakika-Kibwika
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box, 7072, Kampala, Uganda. .,Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Jane Achan
- Medical Research Council Unit, Serekunda, The Gambia
| | | | | | | | - Harriet Mayanja-Kizza
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box, 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noah Kiwanuka
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sam Nsobya
- Department of Pathology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Concepta Merry
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda.,Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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23
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Changing Antimalarial Drug Sensitivities in Uganda. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.01516-17. [PMID: 28923866 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01516-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) has demonstrated excellent efficacy for the treatment and prevention of malaria in Uganda. However, resistance to both components of this regimen has emerged in Southeast Asia. The efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine, the first-line regimen to treat malaria in Uganda, has also been excellent, but continued pressure may select for parasites with decreased sensitivity to lumefantrine. To gain insight into current drug sensitivity patterns, ex vivo sensitivities were assessed and genotypes previously associated with altered drug sensitivity were characterized for 58 isolates collected in Tororo, Uganda, from subjects presenting in 2016 with malaria from the community or as part of a clinical trial comparing DP chemoprevention regimens. Compared to community isolates, those from trial subjects had lower sensitivities to the aminoquinolines chloroquine, monodesethyl amodiaquine, and piperaquine and greater sensitivities to lumefantrine and mefloquine, an observation consistent with DP selection pressure. Compared to results for isolates from 2010 to 2013, the sensitivities of 2016 community isolates to chloroquine, amodiaquine, and piperaquine improved (geometric mean 50% inhibitory concentrations [IC50] = 248, 76.9, and 19.1 nM in 2010 to 2013 and 33.4, 14.9, and 7.5 nM in 2016, respectively [P < 0.001 for all comparisons]), the sensitivity to lumefantrine decreased (IC50 = 3.0 nM in 2010 to 2013 and 5.4 nM in 2016 [P < 0.001]), and the sensitivity to dihydroartemisinin was unchanged (IC50 = 1.4 nM). These changes were accompanied by decreased prevalence of transporter mutations associated with aminoquinoline resistance and low prevalence of polymorphisms recently associated with resistance to artemisinins or piperaquine. Antimalarial drug sensitivities are changing in Uganda, but novel genotypes associated with DP treatment failure in Asia are not prevalent.
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24
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Ayalew MB. Therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:157. [PMID: 29137664 PMCID: PMC5686809 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-017-0372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan countries with a great burden of malaria the effectiveness of first line anti-malarial drugs is the major concern. The aim of this study was to synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Ethiopia. This was done by performing a meta-analysis of recent studies conducted in the country on this topic. Methods Studies published between January 2010 and January 2017 that reported on the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of P. falciparum malaria in Ethiopian patients were searched for using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Ten prospective single-arm cohort studies that followed patients for 28–42 days were included in this analysis. All of the included studies were deemed to be of high quality. Results Ten studies involving 1179 patients that were eligible for meta-analysis were identified. At recruitment, the average parasite count per patient was 1 2981/μl of blood. On the third day of treatment, 96.7% and 98.5% of the study subjects become fever-free and parasite-free, respectively. Based on the per protocol analysis, the cure rate after use of artemether-lumefantrine was 98.2% (polymerase chain reaction corrected) and 97.01% (polymerase chain reaction uncorrected) after 28 days of follow-up. The reinfection rate within 28 days was 1.1% and the recrudescence rate was 1.9%. Conclusions This review found that the cure rate for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria using artemether-lumefantrine in Ethiopia is still high enough to recommend the drug as a first-line agent. There should be careful periodic monitoring of the efficacy of this drug, as treatment failure may occur due to resistance, sub-therapeutic levels that may occur due to non-adherence, or inadequate absorption. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-017-0372-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Biset Ayalew
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia.
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25
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Conrad MD, Mota D, Musiime A, Kilama M, Rek J, Kamya M, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ. Comparative Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum Resistance-Associated Genetic Polymorphisms in Parasites Infecting Humans and Mosquitoes in Uganda. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1576-1580. [PMID: 29016309 PMCID: PMC5817777 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlling malaria in high transmission areas, such as much of sub-Saharan Africa, will require concerted efforts to slow the spread of drug resistance and to impede malaria transmission. Understanding the fitness costs associated with the development of drug resistance, particularly within the context of transmission, can help guide policy decisions to accomplish these goals, as fitness constraints might lead to decreased transmission of drug-resistant strains. To determine if Plasmodium falciparum resistance-mediating polymorphisms impact on development at different parasite stages, we compared the genotypes of parasites infecting humans and mosquitoes from households in Uganda. Genotypes at 14 polymorphic loci in genes encoding putative transporters (pfcrt and pfmdr1) and folate pathway enzymes (pfdhfr and pfdhps) were characterized using ligase detection reaction-fluorescent microsphere assays. In paired analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, prevalences of mutations at 12 loci did not differ significantly between parasites infecting humans and mosquitoes. However, compared with parasites infecting humans, those infecting mosquitoes were enriched for the pfmdr1 86Y mutant allele (P = 0.0001) and those infecting Anopheles gambiae s.s. were enriched for the pfmdr1 86Y (P = 0.0001) and pfcrt 76T (P = 0.0412) mutant alleles. Our results suggest modest directional selection resulting from varied fitness costs during the P. falciparum life cycle. Better appreciation of the fitness implications of drug resistance mediating mutations can inform optimal malaria treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa D. Conrad
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel Mota
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Alex Musiime
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maxwell Kilama
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Rek
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Kamya
- Infectious Disease Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda;,Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California;,Address correspondence to Philip J. Rosenthal, Department of Medicine, University of California, Box 0811, San Francisco, CA 94946. E-mail:
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26
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Balikagala B, Mita T, Ikeda M, Sakurai M, Yatsushiro S, Takahashi N, Tachibana SI, Auma M, Ntege EH, Ito D, Takashima E, Palacpac NMQ, Egwang TG, Onen JO, Kataoka M, Kimura E, Horii T, Tsuboi T. Absence of in vivo selection for K13 mutations after artemether-lumefantrine treatment in Uganda. Malar J 2017; 16:23. [PMID: 28068997 PMCID: PMC5223472 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1663-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individual drug treatment may select resistant parasites in the human body, a process termed in vivo selection. Some single nucleotide polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-resistance transporter (pfcrt) and multidrug resistance gene 1 (pfmdr1) genes have been reportedly selected after artemether–lumefantrine treatment. However, there is a paucity of data regarding in vivo selection of P. falciparum Kelch propeller domain (pfkelch13) polymorphisms, responsible for artemisinin-resistance in Asia, and six putative background mutations for artemisinin resistance; D193Y in ferredoxin, T484I in multiple resistance protein 2, V127M in apicoplast ribosomal protein S10, I356T in pfcrt, V1157L in protein phosphatase and C1484F in phosphoinositide-binding protein. Methods Artemether–lumefantrine efficacy study with a follow-up period of 28 days was conducted in northern Uganda in 2014. The above-mentioned genotypes were comparatively analysed before drug administration and on days; 3, 7, and 28 days after treatment. Results In 61 individuals with successful follow-up, artemether–lumefantrine treatment regimen was very effective with PCR adjusted efficacy of 95.2%. Among 146 isolates obtained before treatment, wild-type alleles were observed in 98.6% of isolates in pfkelch13 and in all isolates in the six putative background genes except I356T in pfcrt, which had 2.4% of isolates as mixed infections. In vivo selection study revealed that all isolates detected in the follow-up period harboured wild type alleles in pfkelch13 and the six background genes. Conclusion Mutations in pfkelch13 and the six background genes may not play an important role in the in vivo selection after artemether–lumefantrine treatment in Uganda. Different mechanisms might rather be associated with the existence of parasites after treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1663-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Balikagala
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Mita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
| | - Mie Ikeda
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Miki Sakurai
- Department of International Affairs and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shouki Yatsushiro
- Health Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Takahashi
- Department of International Affairs and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Tachibana
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Mary Auma
- St. Mary's Hospital LACOR, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Edward H Ntege
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Eizo Takashima
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Nirianne Marie Q Palacpac
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | | | - Joseph Okello Onen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Masatoshi Kataoka
- Health Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Eisaku Kimura
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Horii
- Department of Molecular Protozoology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, 3 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama, Ehime, 790-8577, Japan.
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Ursing J, Rombo L, Rodrigues A, Kofoed PE. Artemether-Lumefantrine versus Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Children Aged Less than 15 Years in Guinea-Bissau - An Open-Label Non-Inferiority Randomised Clinical Trial. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161495. [PMID: 27649561 PMCID: PMC5030079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) was introduced for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Guinea-Bissau in 2008. Malaria then resurged and recurrent malaria after treatment with AL and stock-outs of AL were common. This study therefore aimed to assess the efficacy of AL and identify an alternative second line antimalarial. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) was chosen as it has been shown to be safe and efficacious and to reduce the incidence of recurrent malaria. Methods and Findings In a multicentre randomised open-label non-inferiority clinical trial, AL or DP were given over 3 days to children aged 6 months-15 years with uncomplicated P. falciparum mono-infection. Intake was observed and AL was given with milk. Children were seen on days 0, 1, 2 and 3 and then weekly days 7–42. Recurring P. falciparum were classified as recrudescence or new infections by genotyping. Between November 2012 and July 2015, 312 children were randomised to AL (n = 155) or DP (n = 157). The day 42 PCR adjusted per protocol adequate clinical and parasitological responses were 95% and 100% in the AL and DP groups respectively, Mantel-Haenszel weighted odds ratio (OR) 0.22 (95% CI 0–0.68), p = 0.022. In a modified intention to treat analysis in which treatment failures day 0 and reinfections were also considered as treatment failures adequate clinical and parasitological responses were 94% and 97% (OR 0.42 [95% CI, 0.13–1.38], p = 0.15). Parasite clearance and symptom resolution were similar with both treatments. Conclusions Both treatments achieved the WHO recommended efficacy for antimalarials about to be adopted as policy. DP was not inferior to AL for treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Guinea-Bissau. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NTC01704508
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ursing
- Projecto de Saúde de Bandim, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 16, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Danderyds Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail: (JU); (PEK)
| | - Lars Rombo
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet Nobels väg 16, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research, Sörmland county council, Eskilstuna, Sweden and Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Poul-Erik Kofoed
- Projecto de Saúde de Bandim, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Department of Paediatrics, Kolding Hospital, Kolding, Denmark
- * E-mail: (JU); (PEK)
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de Wit M, Funk AL, Moussally K, Nkuba DA, Siddiqui R, Bil K, Piriou E, Bart A, Bahizi Bizoza P, Bousema T. In vivo efficacy of artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria: an open-randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Malar J 2016; 15:455. [PMID: 27599612 PMCID: PMC5013565 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Between 2009 and 2012, malaria cases diagnosed in a Médecins sans Frontières programme have increased fivefold in Baraka, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The cause of this increase is not known. An in vivo drug efficacy trial was conducted to determine whether increased treatment failure rates may have contributed to the apparent increase in malaria diagnoses. Methods In an open-randomized non-inferiority trial, the efficacy of artesunate–amodiaquine (ASAQ) was compared to artemether–lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in 288 children aged 6–59 months. Included children had directly supervised treatment and were then followed for 42 days with weekly clinical and parasitological evaluations. The blood samples of children found to have recurring parasitaemia within 42 days were checked by PCR to confirm whether or not this was due to reinfection or recrudescence (i.e. treatment failure). Results Out of 873 children screened, 585 (67 %) were excluded and 288 children were randomized to either ASAQ or AL. At day 42 of follow up, the treatment efficacy of ASAQ was 78 % before and 95 % after PCR correction for re-infections. In the AL-arm, treatment efficacy was 84 % before and 99.0 % after PCR correction. Treatment efficacy after PCR correction was within the margin of non-inferiority as set for this study. Fewer children in the AL arm reported adverse reactions. Conclusions ASAQ is still effective as a treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Baraka, South Kivu, DRC. In this region, AL may have higher efficacy but additional trials are required to draw this conclusion with confidence. The high re-infection rate in South-Kivu indicates intense malaria transmission. Trial registration NCT02741024 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1444-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit de Wit
- Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1018 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna L Funk
- Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1018 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Krystel Moussally
- Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1018 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Aksanti Nkuba
- Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1018 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruby Siddiqui
- Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), 10 Furnival Street, London, EC4A 1AB, UK
| | - Karla Bil
- Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1018 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erwan Piriou
- Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1018 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldert Bart
- Academisch Medisch Centrum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Bahizi Bizoza
- Programme National de lutte contre le Paludisme, Kinshasa, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Teun Bousema
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Gametocyte carriage in uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria following treatment with artemisinin combination therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data. BMC Med 2016; 14:79. [PMID: 27221542 PMCID: PMC4879753 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0621-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gametocytes are responsible for transmission of malaria from human to mosquito. Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) reduces post-treatment gametocyte carriage, dependent upon host, parasite and pharmacodynamic factors. The gametocytocidal properties of antimalarial drugs are important for malaria elimination efforts. An individual patient clinical data meta-analysis was undertaken to identify the determinants of gametocyte carriage and the comparative effects of four ACTs: artemether-lumefantrine (AL), artesunate/amodiaquine (AS-AQ), artesunate/mefloquine (AS-MQ), and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP). METHODS Factors associated with gametocytaemia prior to, and following, ACT treatment were identified in multivariable logistic or Cox regression analysis with random effects. All relevant studies were identified through a systematic review of PubMed. Risk of bias was evaluated based on study design, methodology, and missing data. RESULTS The systematic review identified 169 published and 9 unpublished studies, 126 of which were shared with the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN) and 121 trials including 48,840 patients were included in the analysis. Prevalence of gametocytaemia by microscopy at enrolment was 12.1 % (5887/48,589), and increased with decreasing age, decreasing asexual parasite density and decreasing haemoglobin concentration, and was higher in patients without fever at presentation. After ACT treatment, gametocytaemia appeared in 1.9 % (95 % CI, 1.7-2.1) of patients. The appearance of gametocytaemia was lowest after AS-MQ and AL and significantly higher after DP (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR), 2.03; 95 % CI, 1.24-3.12; P = 0.005 compared to AL) and AS-AQ fixed dose combination (FDC) (AHR, 4.01; 95 % CI, 2.40-6.72; P < 0.001 compared to AL). Among individuals who had gametocytaemia before treatment, gametocytaemia clearance was significantly faster with AS-MQ (AHR, 1.26; 95 % CI, 1.00-1.60; P = 0.054) and slower with DP (AHR, 0.74; 95 % CI, 0.63-0.88; P = 0.001) compared to AL. Both recrudescent (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 9.05; 95 % CI, 3.74-21.90; P < 0.001) and new (AOR, 3.03; 95 % CI, 1.66-5.54; P < 0.001) infections with asexual-stage parasites were strongly associated with development of gametocytaemia after day 7. CONCLUSIONS AS-MQ and AL are more effective than DP and AS-AQ FDC in preventing gametocytaemia shortly after treatment, suggesting that the non-artemisinin partner drug or the timing of artemisinin dosing are important determinants of post-treatment gametocyte dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- WWARN Gametocyte Study Group
- />Department of Medical Microbiology 268, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, 6500HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- />WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Churchill Hospital, CCVTM, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LE UK
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Nega D, Assefa A, Mohamed H, Solomon H, Woyessa A, Assefa Y, Kebede A, Kassa M. Therapeutic Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem®) in Treating Uncomplicated P. falciparum Malaria in Metehara, Eastern Ethiopia: Regulatory Clinical Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154618. [PMID: 27128799 PMCID: PMC4851404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As per the WHO recommendation, the development of resistance by P. falciparum to most artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) triggered the need for routine monitoring of the efficacy of the drugs every two years in all malaria endemic countries. Hence, this study was carried out to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem®) in treating the uncomplicated falciparum malaria, after 9 years of its introduction in the Metehara, Eastern Ethiopia. METHOD This is part of the therapeutic efficacy studies by the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia, which were conducted in regionally representative sentinel sites in the country from October 2014 to January 2015. Based on the study criteria set by WHO, febrile and malaria suspected outpatients in the health center were consecutively recruited to study. A standard six-dose regimen of AL was administered over three days and followed up for measuring therapeutic responses over 28 days. Data entry and analysis was done by using the WHO designed Excel spreadsheet and SPSS version 20 for Windows. Statistical significant was considered for P-value less than 0.05. RESULT Of the 91 patients enrolled, the day-28 analysis showed 83 adequate clinical and parasitological responses (ACPRs). Per protocol analysis, PCR-uncorrected & corrected cure rates of Coartem® among the study participants were 97.6% (95%CI: 93.6-99.5) and 98.8% (CI: 93.5-100%), respectively. No parasite detected on day 3 and onwards. Fever clearance was above 91% on day-3. Mean hemoglobin was significantly increased (P<0.000) from 12.39 g/dl at day 0 to 13.45 g/dl on day 28. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed among the study participants. CONCLUSION This study showed high efficacy of AL in the study area, which suggests the continuation of AL as first line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in the study area. This study recommends further studies on drug toxicity, particularly on repeated cough and oral ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desalegn Nega
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Ashenafi Assefa
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hussein Mohamed
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hiwot Solomon
- Malaria research team, disease prevention and control directorate, Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adugna Woyessa
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Amha Kebede
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Moges Kassa
- Malaria and Other Vector-Borne Parasitic Diseases Research Team, Bacterial, Parasitic and Zoonotic Diseases Research Directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Adjei A, Narh-Bana S, Amu A, Kukula V, Nagai RA, Owusu-Agyei S, Oduro A, Macete E, Abdulla S, Halidou T, Sie A, Osei I, Sevene E, Asante KP, Mulokozi A, Compaore G, Valea I, Adjuik M, Baiden R, Ogutu B, Binka F, Gyapong M. Treatment outcomes in a safety observational study of dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine (Eurartesim(®)) in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria at public health facilities in four African countries. Malar J 2016; 15:43. [PMID: 26818128 PMCID: PMC4729128 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) is one of five WHO recommended artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. However, little was known on its post-registration safety and effectiveness in sub-Saharan Africa. DHA-PQ provides a long post-treatment prophylactic effect against re-infection; however, new infections have been reported within a few weeks of treatment, especially in children. This paper reports the clinical outcomes following administration of DHQ-PQ in real-life conditions in public health facilities in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mozambique, and Tanzania for the treatment of confirmed uncomplicated malaria. Methods An observational, non-comparative, longitudinal study was conducted on 10,591 patients with confirmed uncomplicated malaria visiting public health facilities within seven health and demographic surveillance system sites in four African countries (Ghana, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Mozambique) between September 2013 and April 2014. Patients were treated with DHA-PQ based on body weight and followed up for 28 days to assess the clinical outcome. A nested cohort of 1002 was intensely followed up. Clinical outcome was assessed using the proportion of patients who reported signs and symptoms of malaria after completing 3 days of treatment. Results A total of 11,097 patients were screened with 11,017 enrolled, 94 were lost to follow-up, 332 withdrew and 10,591 (96.1 %) patients aged 6 months–85 years met protocol requirements for analysis. Females were 52.8 and 48.5 % were <5 years of age. Malaria was diagnosed by microscopy and rapid diagnostic test in 69.8 % and 29.9 %, respectively. At day 28, the unadjusted risk of recurrent symptomatic parasitaemia was 0.5 % (51/10,591). Most of the recurrent symptomatic malaria patients (76 %) were children <5 years. The mean haemoglobin level decreased from 10.6 g/dl on day 1 to 10.2 g/dl on day 7. There was no significant renal impairment in the nested cohort during the first 7 days of follow-up with minimal non-clinically significant changes noted in the liver enzymes. Conclusion DHA-PQ was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria and provides an excellent alternative first-line ACT in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alberta Amu
- Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana.
| | - Vida Kukula
- Dodowa Health Research Centre, Dodowa, Ghana.
| | | | | | | | - Eusebio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique.
| | | | - Tinto Halidou
- Nanoro Health Research Centre, Nanoro, Burkina Faso.
| | - Ali Sie
- Nouna Health Research Centre, Nouna, Burkina Faso.
| | - Isaac Osei
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana.
| | - Esperance Sevene
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Manhiça, Mozambique.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fred Binka
- INDEPTH-Network, Accra, Ghana. .,University of Science and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.
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Yeka A, Kigozi R, Conrad MD, Lugemwa M, Okui P, Katureebe C, Belay K, Kapella BK, Chang MA, Kamya MR, Staedke SG, Dorsey G, Rosenthal PJ. Artesunate/Amodiaquine Versus Artemether/Lumefantrine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria in Uganda: A Randomized Trial. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:1134-42. [PMID: 26597254 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In treating malaria in Uganda, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) has been associated with a lower risk of recurrent parasitemia, compared with artesunate-amodiaquine (AS/AQ), but changing treatment practices may have altered parasite susceptibility. METHODS We enrolled 602 children aged 6-59 months with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from 3 health centers in 2013-2014 and randomly assigned them to receive treatment with AS/AQ or AL. Primary outcomes were risks of recurrent parasitemia within 28 days, with or without adjustment to distinguish recrudescence from new infection. Drug safety and tolerability and Plasmodium falciparum resistance-mediating polymorphisms were assessed. RESULTS Of enrolled patients, 594 (98.7%) completed the 28-day study. Risks of recurrent parasitemia were lower with AS/AQ at all 3 sites (overall, 28.6% vs 44.6%; P < .001). Recrudescences were uncommon, and all occurred after AL treatment (0% vs 2.5%; P = .006). Recovery of the hemoglobin level was greater with AS/AQ (1.73 vs 1.39 g/dL; P = .04). Both regimens were well tolerated; serious adverse events were uncommon (1.7% in the AS/AQ group and 1.0% in the AL group). AS/AQ selected for mutant pfcrt/pfmdr1 polymorphisms and AL for wild-type pfcrt/pfmdr1 polymorphisms associated with altered drug susceptibility. CONCLUSIONS AS/AQ treatment was followed by fewer recurrences than AL treatment, contrasting with older data. Each regimen selected for polymorphisms associated with decreased treatment response. Research should consider multiple or rotating regimens to maintain treatment efficacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adoke Yeka
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Kigozi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Myers Lugemwa
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Okui
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Katureebe
- World Health Organization, President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kassahun Belay
- US Agency for International Development, President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bryan K Kapella
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michelle A Chang
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah G Staedke
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, President's Malaria Initiative, Kampala, Uganda London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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Wang Y, Yang Z, Yuan L, Zhou G, Parker D, Lee MC, Yan G, Fan Q, Xiao Y, Cao Y, Cui L. Clinical Efficacy of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria at the China-Myanmar Border. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:577-83. [PMID: 26283743 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are currently used as the first-line therapy for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, the recent emergence and/or spread of artemisinin resistance in parts of Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of southeast Asia requires close monitoring of the therapeutic efficacy of ACTs. This study was conducted from March 2012 to December 2013 in four clinics and seven villages along the China-Myanmar border. A total of 109 patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were treated with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) and followed up on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42 after treatment. A total of 71 patients (22 children and 49 adults) completed the 42-day follow-up. DP remained highly efficacious for treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria with an overall 42-day cure rate of 100%. The day 3 parasite-positive rate was 7.04% (5/71). Within 14 days of treatment, a total of 13 (18.31%) patients had detectable gametocytes and a large proportion of these were persistent from the first three days of treatment. The presence of gametocytes in patients through 14 days after DP treatment suggests that the incorporation of a single dose of primaquine for clearing gametocytemia should be considered for blocking parasite transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Lili Yuan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel Parker
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Qi Fan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Yuping Xiao
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Yaming Cao
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Liwang Cui
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China; Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California; Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Pfeil J, Borrmann S, Bassat Q, Mulenga M, Talisuna A, Tozan Y. An Economic Evaluation of the Posttreatment Prophylactic Effect of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine Versus Artemether-Lumefantrine for First-Line Treatment of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Across Different Transmission Settings in Africa. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:961-6. [PMID: 26240155 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria disproportionately affects young children. Clinical trials in African children showed that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) is an effective antimalarial and has a longer posttreatment prophylactic (PTP) effect against reinfections than other artemisinin-based combination therapies, including artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Using a previously developed Markov model and individual patient data from a multicenter African drug efficacy trial, we assessed the economic value of the PTP effect of DP versus AL in pediatric malaria patients from health-care provider's perspective in low-to-moderate and moderate-to-high transmission settings under different drug co-payment scenarios. In low-to-moderate transmission settings, first-line treatment with DP was highly cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -76 to 196) per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. In moderate-to-high transmission settings, DP first-line treatment led to a mean cost saving of US$1.09 (95% CI = -0.88 to 3.85) and averted 0.05 (95% CI = -0.08 to 0.22) DALYs per child per year. Our results suggested that DP might be superior to AL for first-line treatment of uncomplicated childhood malaria across a range of transmission settings in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Pfeil
- Parasitology Unit, Department for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; General Pediatrics Unit, Center for Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Department of Public Health Research, University of Oxford-KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York; College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Parasitology Unit, Department for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; General Pediatrics Unit, Center for Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Department of Public Health Research, University of Oxford-KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York; College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Quique Bassat
- Parasitology Unit, Department for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; General Pediatrics Unit, Center for Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Department of Public Health Research, University of Oxford-KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York; College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Modest Mulenga
- Parasitology Unit, Department for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; General Pediatrics Unit, Center for Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Department of Public Health Research, University of Oxford-KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York; College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ambrose Talisuna
- Parasitology Unit, Department for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; General Pediatrics Unit, Center for Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Department of Public Health Research, University of Oxford-KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York; College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yesim Tozan
- Parasitology Unit, Department for Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; General Pediatrics Unit, Center for Childhood and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Centre for Infectious Diseases (DZIF), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia; Department of Public Health Research, University of Oxford-KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya; Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York; College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Institute of Public Health, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Maghanga M, Gerald O, David M. Pharmacoeconomics of Antimalarials in Private-for-Profit (PFP) Drug-Outlets in Gulu and Kitgum Towns, Northern Uganda. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2015; 3:38-43. [PMID: 26114152 PMCID: PMC4477041 DOI: 10.12691/ajps-3-2-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinically-diagnosed malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Uganda accounting for 25 to 40% of outpatients, 15 to 20% of all hospital admissions, and 9 to 14% of all hospital deaths. This situation was exacerbated by The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebellion in northern Uganda which completely ran down the health care system. While malaria remains the number one killer disease in northern Uganda, antimalarials are lacking in the public health facilities. Consequently, Private-for-profit drug-outlets have come up to help bridge the gap. However, the cost-effectiveness and treatment outcome ratings of antimalarials are not clear. Objective: To assess the pharmacoeconomics of malaria treatment in Private-for-profit (PFP) drug-outlets in Gulu Municipality and Kitgum Town Council. METHODOLOGY This was a descriptive cross-sectional study sites were registered drug outlets. Study participants were drug-outlet owners, their employees, and malaria patients. We employed both purposive and random sampling methods to select the study participants. Data were collected using questionnaires and analysed using the SPSS computer package. RESULTS Up to 91.1% of the respondents indicated that antimalarials are expensive. The prices varied from less than 5,000 to over 20,000 Ugandan shillings per dose (Exchange rate: 1$ = Ush 2,650). Fansidar and chloroquine were rated as being relatively cheap and ACTs expensive (Ush 11,000 to 15,000). Duration of treatment, frequency of administration, needles and syringes, raised the cost of some medicines. Most patients preferred cheap medicines (76.2%); those with low administration frequencies (77.5%); and those with short treatment duration (95%). Most patients (80.9%) buy antimalarials without testing, while 66.6% do not buy full doses. CONCLUSION The cost benefit analysis of the use of antimalarials is unfavourable. The unit price of the medicines, their irrational use and the lack of professionals in the outlets together add up to high overall costs and poor treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mshilla Maghanga
- Faculty of Business and Development Studies, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166 Gulu, Uganda
| | - Obai Gerald
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166 Gulu, Uganda
| | - Musoke David
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166 Gulu, Uganda
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Laman M, Benjamin JM, Moore BR, Salib M, Tawat S, Davis WA, Siba PM, Robinson LJ, Davis TME. Artemether-lumefantrine versus artemisinin-naphthoquine in Papua New Guinean children with uncomplicated malaria: a six months post-treatment follow-up study. Malar J 2015; 14:121. [PMID: 25889150 PMCID: PMC4374335 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0624-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a recent trial of artemisinin-naphthoquine (artemisinin-NQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AM-LM) therapy in young children from Papua New Guinea (PNG), there were no treatment failures in artemisinin-NQ-treated children with Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax compared with 2.2% and 30.0%, respectively, in AM-LM-treated children during 42 days of follow-up. To determine whether, consistent with the long elimination half-life of NQ, this difference in efficacy would be more durable, clinical episodes of malaria were assessed in a subset of trial patients followed for six months post-treatment. METHODS For children completing trial procedures and who were assessable at six months, all within-trial and subsequent clinical malaria episodes were ascertained, the latter by clinic attendances and/or review of hand-held health records. Presentations with non-malarial illness were also recorded. Differences between allocated treatments for pre-specified endpoints were determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS Of 247 children who were followed to Day 42, 176 (71.3%) were included in the present sub-study, 87 allocated to AM-LM and 89 to artemisinin-NQ. Twenty children in the AM-LM group (32.8%) had a first episode of clinical malaria within six months compared with 10 (16.4%) in the artemisinin-NQ group (P = 0.033, log rank test). The median (interquartile range) time to first episode of clinical malaria was 64 (50-146) vs 116 (77-130) days, respectively (P = 0.20). There were no between-group differences in the incidence of first presentation with non-malarial illness (P = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS The greater effectiveness of artemisinin-NQ over conventional AM-LM extends to at least six months post-treatment for clinical malaria but not non-malarial illness. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000913077 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Laman
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, PO Box 480, Fremantle, 6959, WA, Australia. .,Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea.
| | - John M Benjamin
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea.
| | - Brioni R Moore
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, PO Box 480, Fremantle, 6959, WA, Australia. .,Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea.
| | - Mary Salib
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea.
| | - Somoyang Tawat
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea.
| | - Wendy A Davis
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, PO Box 480, Fremantle, 6959, WA, Australia.
| | - Peter M Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea.
| | - Leanne J Robinson
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea. .,Infection and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Timothy M E Davis
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Fremantle Hospital, PO Box 480, Fremantle, 6959, WA, Australia.
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Impact of antimalarial treatment and chemoprevention on the drug sensitivity of malaria parasites isolated from ugandan children. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2015; 59:3018-30. [PMID: 25753626 DOI: 10.1128/aac.05141-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Changing treatment practices may be selecting for changes in the drug sensitivity of malaria parasites. We characterized ex vivo drug sensitivity and parasite polymorphisms associated with sensitivity in 459 Plasmodium falciparum samples obtained from subjects enrolled in two clinical trials in Tororo, Uganda, from 2010 to 2013. Sensitivities to chloroquine and monodesethylamodiaquine varied widely; sensitivities to quinine, dihydroartemisinin, lumefantrine, and piperaquine were generally good. Associations between ex vivo drug sensitivity and parasite polymorphisms included decreased chloroquine and monodesethylamodiaquine sensitivity and increased lumefantrine and piperaquine sensitivity with pfcrt 76T, as well as increased lumefantrine sensitivity with pfmdr1 86Y, Y184, and 1246Y. Over time, ex vivo sensitivity decreased for lumefantrine and piperaquine and increased for chloroquine, the prevalences of pfcrt K76 and pfmdr1 N86 and D1246 increased, and the prevalences of pfdhfr and pfdhps polymorphisms associated with antifolate resistance were unchanged. In recurrent infections, recent prior treatment with artemether-lumefantrine was associated with decreased ex vivo lumefantrine sensitivity and increased prevalence of pfcrt K76 and pfmdr1 N86, 184F, and D1246. In children assigned chemoprevention with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine with documented circulating piperaquine, breakthrough infections had increased the prevalence of pfmdr1 86Y and 1246Y compared to untreated controls. The noted impacts of therapy and chemoprevention on parasite polymorphisms remained significant in multivariate analysis correcting for calendar time. Overall, changes in parasite sensitivity were consistent with altered selective pressures due to changing treatment practices in Uganda. These changes may threaten the antimalarial treatment and preventive efficacies of artemether-lumefantrine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, respectively.
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Kapisi J, Bigira V, Clark T, Kinara S, Mwangwa F, Achan J, Kamya M, Soremekun S, Dorsey G. Efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the setting of three different chemopreventive regimens. Malar J 2015; 14:53. [PMID: 25652127 PMCID: PMC4333162 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0583-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of malaria remains high for children in parts of Africa despite the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). Chemoprevention has the potential of reducing the malaria burden; however, limited data exist on the efficacy and safety of anti-malarial therapy in the setting of chemoprevention. Methods 600 children 4–5 months of age were enrolled in Tororo, Uganda, an area of high transmission intensity. Participants were given ITNs, and caregivers instructed to bring their child to a study clinic whenever they were ill. Starting at six months of age, 579 were randomized to no chemoprevention, monthly sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), daily trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (TS), or monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP). Study drugs were administered unsupervised at home until 24 months of age. Episodes of uncomplicated malaria were treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) with active follow-up for 28 days. The cumulative risk of recurrent malaria within 84 days and the risk of adverse events within 28 days were compared across study arms using a Cox proportional hazards model and generalized estimating equations, respectively. Results A total of 1007, 919, 736, and 451 episodes of malaria were treated in the no chemoprevention, SP, TS, and DP arms, respectively. Only 19 (0.6%) treatments were for severe malaria. Early response to therapy with AL was excellent with 96.5% fever clearance and 99.4% parasite clearance by day 3. However, over 50% of AL treatments were followed by recurrent parasitaemia within 28 days. Compared to the no chemoprevention arm, the cumulative risk of recurrent malaria within 84 days following treatment of uncomplicated malaria with AL was significantly lower in the DP arm (HR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.95, p = 0.01) but not the SP or TS arms. Compared to the no chemoprevention arm, none of the chemopreventive regimens were associated with an increased risk of adverse events following treatment of malaria with AL. Conclusions The risk of severe malaria was very low in this cohort of young children living in a high transmission setting. In the setting of chemoprevention, treatment of uncomplicated malaria with AL was safe and efficacious, with moderate protection against recurrent malaria among children assigned monthly DP. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00948896.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kapisi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital Complex, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Victor Bigira
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital Complex, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Tamara Clark
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Stephen Kinara
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital Complex, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Florence Mwangwa
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital Complex, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Jane Achan
- Department of Pediatrics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Moses Kamya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Seyi Soremekun
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Pascual A, Madamet M, Briolant S, Gaillard T, Amalvict R, Benoit N, Travers D, Pradines B. Multinormal in vitro distribution of Plasmodium falciparum susceptibility to piperaquine and pyronaridine. Malar J 2015; 14:49. [PMID: 25848972 PMCID: PMC4323025 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0586-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2002, the World Health Organization recommended that artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) be used to treat uncomplicated malaria. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and artesunate-pyronaridine are two of these new combinations. The aim of the present work was to assess the distribution of the in vitro values of pyronaridine (PND) and piperaquine (PPQ) and to define a cut-off for reduced susceptibility for the two anti-malarial drugs. Methods The distribution and range of the 50% inhibitory concentration values (IC50) of PND and PPQ were determined for 313 isolates obtained between 2008 and 2012 from patients hospitalized in France for imported malaria. The statistical Bayesian analysis was designed to answer the specific question of whether Plasmodium falciparum has different phenotypes of susceptibility to PND and PPQ. Results The PND IC50 values ranged from 0.6 to 84.6 nM, with a geometric mean of 21.1 ± 16.0 nM (standard deviation). These values were classified into three components. The PPQ IC50 values ranged from 9.8 to 217.3 nM, and the geometric mean was 58.0 ± 34.5 nM. All 313 PPQ values were classified into four components. Isolates with IC50 values greater than 60 nM or four-fold greater than 3D7 IC50 are considered isolates that have reduced susceptibility to PND and those with IC50 values greater than 135 nM or 2.3-fold greater than 3D7 IC50 are considered isolates that have reduced susceptibility to PPQ. Conclusion The existence of at least three phenotypes for PND and four phenotypes for PPQ was demonstrated. Based on the cut-off values, 18 isolates (5.8%) and 13 isolates (4.2%) demonstrated reduced susceptibility to PND and PPQ, respectively.
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Gimode WR, Kiboi DM, Kimani FT, Wamakima HN, Burugu MW, Muregi FW. Fitness cost of resistance for lumefantrine and piperaquine-resistant Plasmodium berghei in a mouse model. Malar J 2015; 14:38. [PMID: 25627576 PMCID: PMC4336485 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0550-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The evolution of drug-resistant parasites is a major hindrance to malaria control, and thus understanding the behaviour of drug-resistant mutants is of clinical relevance. The study aimed to investigate how resistance against lumefantrine (LU) and piperaquine (PQ), anti-malarials used as partner drugs in artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), impacts parasite fitness. This is important since resistance to ACT, the first-line anti-malarial regimen is increasingly being reported. Methods The stability of Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain that was previously selected for LU and PQ resistance was evaluated using the 4-day assay and established infection test in mice. Fitness cost of resistance was determined by comparing parasites proliferation rates in absence of drug pressure for the drug-exposed parasites between day 4 and 7 post-infection (pi), relative to the wild-type. Statistical analysis of data to compare mean parasitaemia and growth rates of respective parasite lines was carried out using student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance, with significance level set at p<0.05. Results During serial passaging in the absence of the drug, the PQ-resistant parasite maintained low growth rates at day 7 pi (mean parasitaemia, 5.6% ± 2.3) relative to the wild-type (28.4% ± 6.6), translating into a fitness cost of resistance of 80.3%. Whilst resistance phenotype for PQ was stable, that of LU was transient since after several serial passages in the absence of drug, the LU-exposed line assumed the growth patterns of the wild-type. Conclusions The contrasting behaviour of PQ- and LU-resistance phenotypes support similar findings which indicate that even for drugs within the same chemical class, resistance-conferred traits may vary on how they influence parasite fitness and virulence. Resistance-mediating polymorphisms have been associated with less fit malaria parasites. In the absence of drug pressure in the field, it is therefore likely that the wild-type parasite will out-compete the mutant form. This implies the possibility of reintroducing a drug previously lost to resistance, after a period of suspended use. Considering the recent reports of high failure rates associated with ACT, high fitness cost of resistance to PQ is therefore of clinical relevance as the drug is a partner in ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie R Gimode
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Daniel M Kiboi
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62 000, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Francis T Kimani
- Centre for Biotechnology Research and Development, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Hannah N Wamakima
- Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), P.O. Box 54840, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Marion W Burugu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Francis W Muregi
- Directorate of Research and Development, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya.
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Toure OA, Assi SB, N'Guessan TL, Adji GE, Ako AB, Brou MJ, Ehouman MF, Gnamien LA, Coulibaly MAA, Coulibaly B, Beourou S, Bassinka I, Soumahoro A, Kadjo F, Tano MA. Open-label, randomized, non-inferiority clinical trial of artesunate-amodiaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine fixed-dose combinations in children and adults with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Côte d'Ivoire. Malar J 2014; 13:439. [PMID: 25409546 PMCID: PMC4251865 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergence of artemisinin resistance has raised concerns that the most potent anti-malarial drug may be under threat. Artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) are, respectively, the first- and second-line treatments for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Côte d’Ivoire. Constant monitoring by National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) of drug efficacy is an important tool in establishing rational anti-malarial drug policies in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods In an open label, randomized controlled clinical trial, children and adults were randomized to receive AS-AQ or AL. Both drug regimens were given for three days, and follow-up was for 42 days. The primary endpoint was the 42-day cure rate and was defined as proportion of patients with PCR-corrected cure rate after 42 days of follow-up. Results A total of 383 patients who were attending the Anonkoua-koute (Abidjan), Petit Paris (Korhogo) and Libreville (Man) hospitals and presenting with symptomatic acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria were randomized to receive AS-AQ (188) and AL (195). The intention-to-treat analysis showed effectiveness rates of 94.7% and 96.4% for AS-AQ and AL, respectively on day 42. After adjustment for PCR, these rates were 96.8% and 99%, respectively. At day 42, in per-protocol analysis, Adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) PCR uncorrected was 97.8% and 97.4% for AS-AQ and AL, respectively. The PCR adjusted ACPR was 100% for each combination and both regimens were well tolerated. Conclusions This study has shown the high efficacy of AS-AQ in patients of all ages with acute uncomplicated falciparum malaria and AS-AQ was non-inferior to AL. Continuous efficacy monitoring is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Offianan A Toure
- Malariology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire, PO Box 490, Abidjan 01, Côte d'Ivoire.
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In vivo selection of Plasmodium falciparum Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 variants by artemether-lumefantrine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in Burkina Faso. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 59:734-7. [PMID: 25403659 DOI: 10.1128/aac.03647-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum Pfcrt-76 and Pfmdr1-86 gene polymorphisms were determined during a clinical trial in Burkina Faso comparing the efficacies of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL). Significant selection of Pfcrt-K76 was observed after exposure to AL and DHA-PPQ, as well as selection of Pfmdr1-N86 after AL but not DHA-PPQ treatment, suggesting reverse selection on the Pfcrt gene by PPQ. These results support the rational use of DHA-PPQ in settings where chloroquine (CQ) resistance is high.
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Mori AT, Ngalesoni F, Norheim OF, Robberstad B. Cost-effectiveness of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine compared with artemether-lumefantrine for treating uncomplicated malaria in children at a district hospital in Tanzania. Malar J 2014; 13:363. [PMID: 25223864 PMCID: PMC4171550 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DhP) is highly recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. This study aims to compare the costs, health benefits and cost-effectiveness of DhP and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) alongside “do-nothing” as a baseline comparator in order to consider the appropriateness of DhP as a first-line anti-malarial drug for children in Tanzania. Methods A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using a Markov decision model, from a provider’s perspective. The study used cost data from Tanzania and secondary effectiveness data from a review of articles from sub-Saharan Africa. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was used to incorporate uncertainties in the model parameters. In addition, sensitivity analyses were used to test plausible variations of key parameters and the key assumptions were tested in scenario analyses. Results The model predicts that DhP is more cost-effective than AL, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of US$ 12.40 per DALY averted. This result relies on the assumption that compliance to treatment with DhP is higher than that with AL due to its relatively simple once-a-day dosage regimen. When compliance was assumed to be identical for the two drugs, AL was more cost-effective than DhP with an ICER of US$ 12.54 per DALY averted. DhP is, however, slightly more likely to be cost-effective compared to a willingness-to-pay threshold of US$ 150 per DALY averted. Conclusion Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is a very cost-effective anti-malarial drug. The findings support its use as an alternative first-line drug for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in children in Tanzania and other sub-Saharan African countries with similar healthcare infrastructures and epidemiology of malaria. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1475-2875-13-363) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani T Mori
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, P,O, Box 7804, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
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Polymorphisms in K13 and falcipain-2 associated with artemisinin resistance are not prevalent in Plasmodium falciparum isolated from Ugandan children. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105690. [PMID: 25144768 PMCID: PMC4140830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to artemisinin derivatives in Southeast Asia, manifested as delayed clearance of Plasmodium falciparum following treatment with artemisinins, is a major concern. Recently, the artemisinin resistance phenotype was attributed to mutations in portions of a P. falciparum gene (PF3D7_1343700) encoding kelch (K13) propeller domains, providing a molecular marker to monitor the spread of resistance. The P. falciparum cysteine protease falcipain-2 (FP2; PF3D7_1115700) has been shown to contribute to artemisinin action, as hemoglobin degradation is required for potent drug activity, and a stop mutation in the FP2 gene was identified in parasites selected for artemisinin resistance. Although delayed parasite clearance after artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has not yet been noted in Uganda and ACTs remain highly efficacious, characterizing the diversity of these genes is important to assess the potential for resistance selection and to provide a baseline for future surveillance. We therefore sequenced the K13-propeller domain and FP2 gene in P. falciparum isolates from children previously treated with ACT in Uganda, including samples from 2006–7 (n = 49) and from 2010–12 (n = 175). Using 3D7 as the reference genome, we identified 5 non-synonymous polymorphisms in the K13-propeller domain (133 isolates) and 35 in FP2 (160 isolates); these did not include the polymorphisms recently associated with resistance after in vitro selection or identified in isolates from Asia. The prevalence of K13-propeller and FP2 polymorphisms did not increase over time, and was not associated with either time since prior receipt of an ACT or the persistence of parasites ≥2 days following treatment with an ACT. Thus, the K13-propeller and FP2 polymorphisms associated with artemisinin resistance are not prevalent in Uganda, and we did not see evidence for selection of polymorphisms in these genes.
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Zongo I, Somé FA, Somda SAM, Parikh S, Rouamba N, Rosenthal PJ, Tarning J, Lindegardh N, Nosten F, Ouédraogo JB. Efficacy and day 7 plasma piperaquine concentrations in African children treated for uncomplicated malaria with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103200. [PMID: 25133389 PMCID: PMC4136730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One promising new Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ). However, the pharmacokinetics of piperaquine and the relationship between drug levels and clinical efficacy are incompletely characterized, particularly in children. METHODS We performed a single-arm open-label trial in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. A total of 379 participants aged 6 months or more with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were enrolled. Each participant received daily dose of DHA-PQ for three days and followed for 42 days. Parasitological efficacy was analyzed, considering rates of recrudescence and overall recurrence. PK was an exploratory endpoint and a priori, no sample size had been determined. Day 7 capillary and venous plasma concentrations of piperaquine were measured in children aged 2-10 years. RESULTS Of the 379 participants, 365 (96.3%) completed 42 days of follow-up. The median daily dose of PQ was 18.5 mg/kg [6.5-24]. Treatment with DHA-PQ was well tolerated with fever and parasitemia resolution within 48 hours in nearly all children. Recurrent malaria within 42 days of follow-up occurred in 31.3% (10/34) of children less than 2 years old, 16.0% (16/106) of those aged 2-5 years, 9.4% (15/160) of those aged 5-10 years, and none (0/68) of those over 10 years old. After genotyping, 3 of 41 recurrent episodes were recrudescence. An exploratory analysis shows that children with successful treatment outcomes had significantly higher median plasma concentrations of PQ compared to those with recurrent malaria within 42 days after therapy, considering either capillary samples (68 ng/ml [50-85] compared to 48 ng/ml [36-55], p<0.001) or venous samples (42 ng/ml [29-59] compared to 25 ng/ml [19-44], p<0.001). CONCLUSION DHA-PQ was effective for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria treatment and offers an alternative to other ACTs. Recurrent malaria was mainly due to new infections after treatment and was correlated with low day 7 PQ concentration in the youngest patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN59761234.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issaka Zongo
- Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Fabrice A. Somé
- Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Serge A. M. Somda
- Non Transmissible disease department, Centre Muraz Bobo-Dioulasso, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Sunil Parikh
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Noel Rouamba
- Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Philip J. Rosenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Joel Tarning
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Niklas Lindegardh
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - François Nosten
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Bosco Ouédraogo
- Direction Régionale de l'Ouest, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Non Transmissible disease department, Centre Muraz Bobo-Dioulasso, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemotherapy of malaria has become a rapidly changing field. Less than two decades ago, treatment regimens were increasingly bound to fail due to emerging drug resistance against 4-aminoquinolines and sulfa compounds. By now, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) constitute the standard of care for uncomplicated falciparum malaria and are increasingly also taken into consideration for the treatment of non-falciparum malaria. AREAS COVERED This narrative review provides an overview of the state-of-art antimalarial drug therapy, highlights the global portfolio of current Phase III/IV clinical trials and summarizes current developments. EXPERT OPINION Malaria chemotherapy remains a dynamic field, with novel drugs and drug combinations continuing to emerge in order to outpace the development of large-scale drug resistance against the currently most important drug class, the artemisinin derivatives. More randomized controlled studies are urgently needed especially for the treatment of malaria in first trimester pregnant women. ACTs should be used for the treatment of imported malaria more consequently. Gaining sufficient efficacy and safety information on ACT use for non-falciparum species including Plasmodium ovale and malariae should be a research priority. Continuous investment into malaria drug development is a vital factor to combat artemisinin resistance and successfully improve malaria control toward the ultimate goal of elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Visser
- University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Centre, Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Makanga M. A review of the effects of artemether-lumefantrine on gametocyte carriage and disease transmission. Malar J 2014; 13:291. [PMID: 25069530 PMCID: PMC4126813 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While significant advances have been made in the prevention and treatment of malaria in recent years, these successes continue to fall short of the World Health Organization (WHO) goals for malaria control and elimination. For elimination strategies to be effective, limited disease transmission, achieved through rapid reduction in the infectious parasite reservoir and decreased gametocyte carriage, will be critical. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) forms the cornerstone of WHO-recommended treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and in combination with other effective interventions will undoubtedly play a vital role in elimination programmes. The gametocytocidal properties of artemisinins are a bonus attribute; there is epidemiological evidence of reductions in malaria incidence and transmission in African regions since the introduction of these agents. Many studies and analyses have specifically investigated the effects of the ACT, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) on gametocyte carriage. In this systematic review of 62 articles published between 1998 and January 2014, the effects of AL on gametocyte carriage and malaria transmission are compared with other artemisinin-based anti-malarials and non-ACT. The impact of AL treatment of asymptomatic carriers on population gametocyte carriage, and the potential future role of AL in malaria elimination initiatives are also considered. Despite the inherent difficulties in comparing data from a range of different studies that also utilized different diagnostic approaches to assess baseline gametocyte counts, the gametocytocidal effect of AL was proportionately consistent across the studies reviewed, suggesting that AL will continue to play a vital role in the treatment of malaria and contribute to clearing the path towards malaria elimination. However, the specific place of AL is the subject of much ongoing research and will undoubtedly be dependent on different demographic and geographical scenarios. Utilizing ACT, such as AL, within malaria elimination strategies is also associated with a number of other challenges, such as balancing potential increased use of ACT (e g, treatment of asymptomatic carriers and home-based treatment) with rational use and avoidance of drug resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Makanga
- European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Andagalu B, Mativo J, Kamau E, Ogutu B. Longitudinal study on Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriage following artemether-lumefantrine administration in a cohort of children aged 12-47 months living in Western Kenya, a high transmission area. Malar J 2014; 13:265. [PMID: 25007860 PMCID: PMC4105514 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects that artemether-lumefantrine (AL) has on gametocyte dynamics in the short-term have recently been described. However there is limited long-term longitudinal data on the effect of AL on gametocyte dynamics in asymptomatic children. METHODS An epidemiological study was conducted in Kombewa, Western Kenya, in which 270 asymptomatic children aged between 12 and 47 months were enrolled. The subjects were randomized to receive either a course of AL or placebo at enrolment. Active follow-up was conducted for one year. RESULTS The gametocyte prevalence and density dynamics throughout the study period mirrored that of the asexual forms. The proportion of initially parasitaemic subjects becoming gametocytaemic was significantly lower in the AL arm for the first 12 weeks following randomization. The geometric mean gametocyte density was lower in the AL arm for 2 weeks following randomization. None of the variables of interest had a statistically significant effect on the duration of gametocytaemia. There is no effect seen in subjects who are not parasitaemic at the time of drug administration. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of asymptomatic parasitaemic subjects with AL results in a significant reduction in the proportion of subjects who become gametocytaemic for at least 12 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edwin Kamau
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases-Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (DEID-GEIS) Program, United States Army Medical Research Unit-Kenya (USAMRU-K), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Walter Reed Project, P,O, Box 54, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya.
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Does the Use of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine in Treating Patients with Uncomplicated falciparum Malaria Reduce the Risk for Recurrent New falciparum Infection More Than Artemether-Lumefantrine? Malar Res Treat 2014; 2014:263674. [PMID: 25045575 PMCID: PMC4089906 DOI: 10.1155/2014/263674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria contributes significantly to the global disease burden. The World Health Organization recommended the use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria a decade ago in response to problems of drug resistance. This review compared two of the ACTs-Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DP) and Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) to provide evidence which one has the ability to offer superior posttreatment prophylaxis at 28 and 42 days posttreatment. Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database and Global Health) were searched on June 2, 2013 and a total of seven randomized controlled trials conducted in sub-Sahara Africa were included. Results involving 2, 340 participants indicates that reduction in risk for recurrent new falciparum infections (RNIs) was 79% at day 28 in favour of DP [RR, 0.21; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.32, P < 0.001], and at day 42 was 44% favouring DP [RR, 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.90; P = 0.02]. No significant difference was seen in treatment failure rates between the two drugs at days 28 and 42. It is concluded that use of DP offers superior posttreatment prophylaxis compared to AL in the study areas. Hence DP can help reduce malaria cases in such areas more than AL.
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Detection of persistent Plasmodium spp. infections in Ugandan children after artemether-lumefantrine treatment. Parasitology 2014; 141:1880-90. [PMID: 24837880 PMCID: PMC4255323 DOI: 10.1017/s003118201400033x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
During a longitudinal study investigating the dynamics of malaria in Ugandan lakeshore communities, a consistently high malaria prevalence was observed in young children despite regular treatment. To explore the short-term performance of artemether-lumefantrine (AL), a pilot investigation into parasite carriage after treatment(s) was conducted in Bukoba village. A total of 163 children (aged 2–7 years) with a positive blood film and rapid antigen test were treated with AL; only 8·7% of these had elevated axillary temperatures. On day 7 and then on day 17, 40 children (26·3%) and 33 (22·3%) were positive by microscopy, respectively. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that multi-species Plasmodium infections were common at baseline, with 41·1% of children positive for Plasmodium falciparum/Plasmodium malariae, 9·2% for P. falciparum/ Plasmodium ovale spp. and 8·0% for all three species. Moreover, on day 17, 39·9% of children infected with falciparum malaria at baseline were again positive for the same species, and 9·2% of those infected with P. malariae at baseline were positive for P. malariae. Here, chronic multi-species malaria infections persisted in children after AL treatment(s). Better point-of-care diagnostics for non-falciparum infections are needed, as well as further investigation of AL performance in asymptomatic individuals.
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