Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in a malaria endemic region of Colombia: Implications for radical cure of Plasmodium vivax
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) has important implications for the treatment of Plasmodium vivax , the predominant malaria species in Latin America. The only drug class available for P. vivax radical cure, the 8-aminoquinolines, can induce hemolysis in individuals with G6PDd. However, G6PDd prevalence among subpopulations and its relationship with Plasmodium infection remain poorly characterized. In Quibdó, Colombia, an area co-endemic for P. vivax and Plasmodium falciparum , cross-sectional surveys were conducted in three groups: 1) the general population, 2) Emberá dobida indigenous communities, and 3) febrile outpatients. G6PD status was determined using a quantitative test (STANDARD™ G6PD Test, SD BIOSENSOR, South Korea), and Plasmodium infection was assessed by polymerase chain reaction. G6PD activity was classified as deficient (≤4.0 IU/g hemoglobin), intermediate (4.1–6.0 in females), or normal (≥6.1 in females, ≥ 4.1 in males). Among 1,267, 194, and 542 participants in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, G6PDd prevalence was 10.4% overall and 13.7% among males in the predominantly Afro-Colombian general population, with no cases among indigenous participants. Among febrile outpatients, G6PDd prevalence was 6.9% overall and 8.2% among males, with a comparable but slightly lower prevalence among those with confirmed malaria. Plasmodium infection prevalence was 17.8%, 40.7%, and 47.8%, respectively. P. vivax mono-infection predominated in community surveys (59.1% and 60.8%), whereas P. falciparum predominated among febrile outpatients (55.6%). After adjustment for sex, Afro-Colombian ethnicity, and prior malaria, G6PD-deficient individuals in the asymptomatic general population had a lower risk of Plasmodium infection, primarily P. vivax (aPR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01–0.18), and none had P. vivax infection. These findings highlight high G6PDd prevalence among Afro-Colombians and its absence among an indigenous population with the highest P. vivax burden, suggesting that G6PDd may confer partial protection against P. vivax . This information can inform prioritization of more effective radical cure for at-risk subpopulations.
Source: PLOS Global Public Health
Authors: Lina Zuluaga-Idárraga, Alexandra Rios-Orrego, Juan Esteban Martinez-López, Daniel Camilo Aguirre-Acevedo, Alberto Tobón-Castaño, Tatiana Lopera-Mesa, Iván Cardenas, Mario J. Olivera, Milton Cardozo-Cruz, Guillermo Gonzalvez, María Paz Ade, Roberto Montoya, Erika Venegas, Heidi Mihm, Sonia Herrera, Jaclyn Flewelling, Lawrence Barat, Xue Wu, Michelle S. Hsiang, Leopoldo Villegas
Institutions: Universidad de Antioquia, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas, Pan American Health Organization (Cuba), United States Agency for International Development, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,496
OpenAlex ID: W7225781274