26 Jun Border Region Surveillance of Malaria Drug Resistance, Northern Burundi, 2023-2024
D. Niyomwungere, P. Sinarinzi, E. Caspar, L.Thiebaut, P. E Strubel, Y. N G Tibiri, L. Ma, J. Rurihafi, P. Ndizeyimana, P. Hakizimana, N. Niyizompa, A. Witonze, V.Ndayiragije, F. Ndayisenga, M. Ndikumukiza, O. Niyonkuru, J. C Niyonsaba, C. Bangirinama, J. L Bigirimana, N. Ntahondi, L. Mugisha, M. Nibakire, N. Nzoyikorera, D. Sinzinkayo, D. Menard, J. Nyandwi
Abstract
To evaluated artemisinin partial resistance (ART-R) in malaria in Burundi, during December 2023-June 2024, we studied 423 children <5 years of age with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 8 health facilities in the northern part of the country. After artemether/lumefantrine treatment with only the first dose directly observed, 4.5% remained parasitemic on day 3. No pfkelch13 mutations, validated or candidate markers of ART-R, were detected. However, markers of antifolate and 4-aminoquinoline resistance were widespread: the dhfr triple mutant N51I/C59R/S108N was nearly fixed (92%), dhps double and triple mutants were common (41% and 47%), and pfcrt CVIET, associated with chloroquine and amodiaquine resistance, predominated (84%). Geographic differences occurred in day-3 positivity and haplotype frequencies. Although ART-R markers were absent, delayed parasite clearance and near fixation of multidrug-resistant haplotypes serve as a warning. Strengthened efficacy monitoring and regional molecular surveillance are urgently needed to prevent drug-resistant P. falciparum from becoming established in Burundi.
Keywords: Burundi; Great Lakes region; Plasmodium falciparum; antimalarial drug resistance; antimicrobial resistance; artemisinin partial resistance; day-3 positivity; malaria; molecular surveillance; parasites; pfkelch13; sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine.