Kelch 13 gene polymorphisms of Plasmodium falciparum among human population in Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Kelch-13 is a gene produced by Plasmodium falciparum, one of the species of Malaria parasite. Malaria remains a major public health challenge especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, a major cause of mortality and morbidity, especially in children and pregnant women. WHO recommends Artemisinin-based combination therapies as the first-line drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria but the emergence and spread of Artemisinin-resistance associated with mutations in K13 gene poses a threat to ACT efficacy. Detection of mutant K13 gene may provide the information on changes in parasite susceptibility to Artemisinin. This study was aimed at detecting K13 gene polymorphisms among human population in Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nigeria. A total of 385 blood samples were collected from selected hospitals and screened for malaria by microscopy (the gold standard). Species specific screening of the P. falciparum was done using RDT. Dried blood spots made from RDT positive samples were investigated for the presence of K13 genes by nested PCR. Sequencing detected mutant K13 gene. Results: 103 samples were positive for Plasmodium falciparum by RDT, PCR confirmed 48 K13 genes with a band size of 848 bp. Nucleotide sequence alignment revealed six Single Nucleotides Polymorphisms. The nucleotide sequences were converted to protein sequences and results showed a point mutation in 1(5.0%) of the 20 Pfkelch 13 gene sequenced. Conclusively, the need for continuous surveillance following the detection of mutant gene in the study population is recommended in order to have a wider picture of the parasite diversity for effective malaria control.