Parasite Gene Expression and Evidence of Emerging Lonart Resistant Falciparum Malaria Infection in Patients in Benin Metropolis, South-South, Nigeria

This study investigated the possible emergence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria resistance to Lonart, a drug used in the treatment of malaria. The expression of the PFK13 gene, known for its association with resistance to artemisinin, was examined. One hundred patients who had a relapse of malaria, after treating with Lonart, were recruited for this study. The patients were treated with Quinine following their relapse. Blood samples were collected before, and 2 weeks after treatment with Quinine Malaria parasite (MP) and full blood count (FBC) tests were performed and compared with a Control group. The expression of the PFK13 gene of the plasmodium falciparum parasite in the blood of these patients, was also investigated. The results show that the MP test was positive, while the FBC of patients, before their treatment with Quinine, was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of the Control. The MP test was negative, with no significant difference (p>0.05) in the FBC of the patients, after their treatment with Quinine, compared to the Control. The PFK13 gene was significantly expressed (p<0.05) in patients who had a relapse after treatment with Lonart, compared to the Control. This study revealed the potential emergence of Lonart resistant malaria in Benin Metropolis.