[Drug-resistant gene polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolated from Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea in 2018 and 2019].

Objective: To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance protein 1 ( PfMDR1 ), chloroquine resistance transporter ( PfCRT ) and Kelch 13 ( PfK13 ) genes in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, so as to provide insights into the development of the malaria control strategy in local areas.
Methods: A total of 85 peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with Plasmodium falciparum infections in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea in 2018 and 2019, and genomic DNA was extracted. The PfMDR1 , PfCRT and PfK13 genes were amplified using a nested PCR assay. The amplification products were sequenced, and the gene sequences were aligned.
Results: There were no mutations associated with artemisinin resistance in PfK13 gene in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, while drug-resistant mutations were detected in PfMDR1 and PfCRT genes, and the proportions of PfMDR1_N86Y, PfMDR1_Y184F and PfCRT_K76T mutations were 35.29% (30/85), 72.94% (62/85) and 24.71% (21/85), respectively.
Conclusions: There are mutations in PfMDR1 , PfCRT and PfK13 genes in P. falciparum isolates from Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.