Amplicon-based DNA sequencing to characterize Duffy antigen polymorphisms and analysis of Duffy blood system and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Mauritania

A large majority of white Moors are Duffy-positive and susceptible to P. vivax infection, but most are eligible for anti-hypnozoite therapy with primaquine at the standard dose. About 15.4% of individuals with black African ancestry were affected by G6PD A- deficiency, independently of their Duffy receptor status. This population requires G6PD screening before primaquine therapy in rare cases of P. vivax infection. These results provide important clues about the feasibility to implement an efficient anti-hypnozoite treatment in Mauritania and identify priority areas for targeted interventions against P. vivax malaria.