Border Region Surveillance of Malaria Drug Resistance, Northern Burundi, 2023–2024
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
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.
Source: Emerging infectious diseases
Authors: Denis Niyomwungere, Pierre Sinarinzi, Emmanuelle Caspar, Lucas Thiebaut, Pierre-Emeric Strubel, Yssimini Nadège Guillène Tibiri, Laurence Ma, Jérôme Rurihafi, Pierre Ndizeyimana, Pierre Hakizimana, Nestor Niyizompa, Adélin Witonze, Vénant Ndayiragije, Floride Ndayisenga, Malachie Ndikumukiza, Olive Niyonkuru, Jean Claude Niyonsaba, Césaire Bangirinama, Jolis Lazare Bigirimana, Nicaise Ntahondi, Landrine Mugisha, Marcelline Nibakire
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7147080622