Polymorphism of pfk13-propeller in Niger: Detection of Novel Mutations

Aim: Artemisinin resistance was confirmed in Southeast Asia in 2009, and a molecular marker of resistance to artemisinin as point mutations in the region of the kelch13 gene (k13) coding for the C-terminal propeller domain of Kelch13 (K13-propeller) gene, was discovered in Cambodia in 2013.

Methods: In this context, we examined the polymorphism of k13-propeller by sequencing 602 Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected from patients with uncomplicated malaria in Niamey, Niger, during the rainy season of 2013.

Results: We observed thirteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including eight specific to Niger at a low frequency from 0.02% to 2.7%. The key mutations associated with delayed parasite clearance time in Southeast Asia (SEA) and with decrease of the ring-stage sensitivity to artemisinin in vitro (C580Y, R539T, Y493H, I543T and N458Y) were not observed. However, five particular non-synonymous mutations were found in our study area: M472I, Y558C, K563R, P570L and P615S and were not reported elsewhere.

Conclusion: These results suggest a genetic variability of P. falciparum k13-propeller domain in Niamey, Niger.