Malaria drug resistance markers detected in northern Burundi

A study conducted in northern Burundi between December 2023 and June 2024 has identified widespread markers of resistance to certain antimalarial drugs. Researchers evaluated 423 children under five years of age with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria across eight health facilities.

While no mutations specifically linked to artemisinin partial resistance (ART-R) were detected, the study found significant evidence of resistance to other treatments. Markers for antifolate and 4-aminoquinoline resistance were prevalent, with the dhfr triple mutant appearing in nearly 92% of cases and pfcrt CVIET, associated with chloroquine and amodiaquine resistance, appearing in 84%.

Researchers noted that although specific ART-R markers were absent, the presence of multidrug-resistant haplotypes and delayed parasite clearance serves as a warning. The findings highlight an urgent need for strengthened efficacy monitoring and regional molecular surveillance to prevent drug-resistant parasites from becoming established in the region.