Polymorphism of the dihydropteroate synthase resistance gene of Plasmodium falciparum in three hospitals in Mbouda, Western Cameroon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malaria, is an endemic disease which causes significant mortality worldwide, particularly in Africa, including Cameroon. This study aimed to characterize the Pfdhps resistance gene of Plasmodium falciparum in three hospitals in Mbouda Cameroon. METHOD: Two hundred and ninety-six samples were collected from consenting patients for rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and thick blood smear (TBS) to determine parasite intensity. Positive samples were spotted on Whatman paper for molecular analysis. Plasmodial DNA was extracted using the Chelex-100 method, and amplification was performed via nested PCR. The A437G and A581G mutations were identified using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with AvaII and BstUI enzymes, followed by 1.3% agarose gel electrophoresis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software. RESULTS: The prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum was 25.34%. The Pfdhps resistance gene prevalence was 74.66%, with A437G 56% and A581G 64% mutations. the age group [6-35] are the majority carriers of the gene and females (77.8%) have a higher prevalence of the gene than males (71.8%). Mutant alleles showed higher frequencies (57.14% for A437G and 91.66% for A581G) compared to wild-type alleles (42.85% for A437G and 8.33% for A581G). The mutant alleles of the two mutations are more predominant in the age group [6-35] and in females for A437G and in males for A581G. CONCLUSION: The Pfdhps resistance gene was prevalent in Mbouda, with high rates of A437G and A581G mutations. These findings highlight the need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance of antimalarial resistance, particularly in Mbouda.