Antimalarial drug resistance markers in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative adults with asymptomatic malaria infections in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract Background In Nigeria, indiscriminate use of antimalarial drugs may contribute to the threat drug resistance, but this has not been evaluated among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods HIV-positive adults attending a university hospital HIV clinic and HIV-negative adult volunteers from community positive blood film were treated artemether–lumefantrine. Parasite DNA before after treatment was polymerase chain reaction amplified identify molecular markers susceptibility. Results The pfcrt76T genotype prevalent both participants (78.6% 68.2%, respectively). Three new mutations in pfmdr1 gene—F73S, S97L G165R—and uncommon pfdhps S436F variant detected, whereas K540E pfdhfr I164L absent. A437G allele predominated (62/66 [94%]). I431 V mutation found 19 66 pretreatment sequences (28.8%). 86N significantly more common at day 3 post-treatment than baseline (odds ratio 8.77 [95% confidence interval 1.21 380]). Conclusions We evidence continued chloroquine individuals. Selection for artemether–lumefantrine observed, indicating possible efficacy study area. complexity haplotypes emphasises need careful monitoring anti-folate susceptibility Nigeria.