A study on single nucleotide polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance during two years in Chabahar

Objective: Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance is a major problem in malaria endemic areas. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in pfcrt and pfmdr1 genes are known to be associated with chloroquine resistance in some parts of the world. The major goal of the present study was to detect the five single nucleotide polymorphisms in pfmdr1 gene and one single nucleotide polymorphisms in pfcrt gene.
Materials and Methods: Total of 26 blood samples were collected from falciparum malaria infectious person with chloroquine failure in Chabahar, a harbor located in Sistan baluchestan during 2 years. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms were carried out by Real-Time PCR using Light CyclerTM hybridization probe assay.
Results: Our data showed that the pfmdr1 N86Y mutation was detected in 6(23%) samples. Although this mutation was not observed in the first year but in the second year it was substancial. In addition the pfcrt K76T mutation was detected in 11 samples (42.3%) of CVMNT haplotype, 7 samples (26.9%) of CVIET haplotype, 5 samples (19.2%) of SVMNT haplotype and 2 samples (7.6%) of SVIET haplotype.
Conclusion: The mutations considerably have increased during 2 years. Our results showed single nucleotide polymorphisms in pfmdr1 and pfcrt genes. This could be considered as chloroquine resistance markers for malaria control in Chabahar.