Molecular markers in plasmodium falciparum linked to resistance to anti-malarial drugs in samples imported from Africa over an eight-year period (2002-2010): impact of the introduction of artemisinin combination therapy

摘要

BackgroundDrug resistance is a major problem to control Plasmodium falciparum infection in endemic countries. During last decade, African countries have changed first-line treatment to artemisinin-based combinations therapy (ACT); sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for Intermittent Preventive Therapy (IPT). Molecular markers related to P falciparum resistance were analysed for the period of transition from SP to ACT, in isolates imported from Africa.