Last Updated: 09/06/2024
Genetic profiling of drug resistance and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum using high-throughput next generation sequencing (GRIPS-NGS)
Objectives
The present study aims to leverage next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based sequencing approaches to determine molecular markers of resistance to both artemisinin and partner drugs, parasite genetic diversity and population structure in African settings. In addition, we will also generate evidence on the ex vivo susceptibility of antimalarial drugs.
National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Tanzania, Tanzania
The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance presents major challenges for the control and elimination of malaria. Thus, molecular monitoring of drug resistance is assumed as an important undertaking in the detection and tracking of drug-resistant parasites. The recent advancement in next-generation sequencing (NGS) has facilitated the development of cost-effective high-throughput detection of resistance and
the origin of parasite populations with different genetic backgrounds. This is relevant for monitoring antimalarial drug resistance and tracking geographic spread of parasite populations.
The samples will be collected from NMCP sentinel sites in Burkina Faso, DR Congo and Tanzania. The detection of molecular markers of drug resistance will be carried out using a high-throughput NGS platform (Illumina®-based technology) for targeted amplicon sequencing. Following multiplexing PCR amplification of the targeted sequences and indexing, pooled gene fragments will be sequenced using the Illumina Miseq® platform.
To determine the geographical origin and spread of P. falciparum population to other regions, we will use SNPs barcode in the organellar genome. Photo-induced electron transfer real-time PCR (PET-PCR) assay will be used to detect plasmepsin 2-3 and pfmdr1 copy number of the P. falciparum. Ex vivo test will be performed using HRP-2 assay.
Jan 2020 — Jul 2022
$167,994
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