Detection of Multidrug Resistance Gene 1 (MDR1) Mutation from <i>Plasmodium Falciparum</i> Isolated from some Patients in Kano Metropolis

It has been suspected that the diminishing efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies, which are presently the primary therapy for malaria globally, is causing people most especially in northern Nigeria to resort to using alternative antimalarials. To bolster evidence- based strategies for managing resistance, Scientists studied mutations linked to antimalarial resistance in the pfmdr1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum. The study involved the recruitment of one hundred adult malaria patients. Blood samples were examined via microscopy to ascertain the presence of the malaria parasite. The P. falciparum infection was found in all the samples screened for parasite density. Only samples with high parasitemia were used for molecular analysis. DNA from positive malaria samples was extracted using a DNA extraction kit. The pfmdr1 gene from the extracted DNA was amplified and resolved using gel electrophoresis and was sequenced. The gene (Pfmdr1), an essential molecular indicator signaling resistance to artemisinin, was successfully sequenced in 14 out of 100 P. falciparum isolates obtained from participants residing in selected local government areas within Kano state. Notably, the mutations were detected in 19.5% (4/30) of the isolated samples. The study identified a significant mutation associated with antimalarial resistance within the pfmdr1 gene in P. falciparum isolates from Kano, Nigeria. The N86Y allele of Pfmdr1 was found in four samples., while the Y184F and D1246Y alleles were not observed. Specifically, four non-synonymous mutations at codon N86Y were identified, with three originating from Kano municipal and one from Fagge L.G.As. The study revealed that sociodemographic characteristics has no significant association with pfmdr1 mutation (p<0.05). The existence of these mutations underscores the difficulties faced in treating malaria in northern Nigeria with antimalarial drugs. The study indicates the presence of P. falciparum strains in Kano, Northern Nigeria, that show reduced sensitivity to the artemisinin component of ACT (artemisinin-based combination therapy).