title: Sentinel network for monitoring in vitro susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to antimalarial drugs in Colombia: a proof of concept.
abstract: Drug resistance is one of the principal obstacles blocking worldwide malaria control. In Colombia, malaria remains a major public health concern and drug-resistant parasites have been reported. In vitro drug susceptibility assays are a useful tool for monitoring the emergence and spread of drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. The present study was conducted as a proof of concept for an antimalarial drug resistance surveillance network based on in vitro susceptibility testing in Colombia. Sentinel laboratories were set up in three malaria endemic areas. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay-histidine rich protein 2 and schizont maturation methods were used to assess the susceptibility of fresh P. falciparum isolates to six antimalarial drugs. This study demonstrates that an antimalarial drug resistance surveillance network based on in vitro methods is feasible in the field with the participation of a research institute, local health institutions and universities. It could also serve as a model for a regional surveillance network. Preliminary susceptibility results showed widespread chloroquine resistance, which was consistent with previous reports for the Pacific region. However, high susceptibility to dihydroartemisinin and lumefantrine compounds, currently used for treatment in the country, was also reported. The implementation process identified critical points and opportunities for the improvement of network sustainability strategies.
authors: Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento en Investigaciones Médicas, Cali, Colombia.
authors: Samanda L
authors: SL
authors: Aponte
authors: Gustavo
authors: G
authors: Díaz
authors: Zuleima
authors: Z
authors: Pava
authors: Diego F
authors: DF
authors: Echeverry
authors: Darío
authors: D
authors: Ibarguen
authors: Melissa
authors: M
authors: Rios
authors: Luz M
authors: LM
authors: Murcia
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Quelal
authors: Claribel
authors: C
authors: Murillo
authors: Pedro
authors: P
authors: Gil
authors: Anders
authors: A
authors: Björkman
authors: Lyda
authors: L
authors: Osorio
mesh_terms: D000962:Antimalarials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003105:Colombia; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000469:parasitology; D021261:Parasitic Sensitivity Tests / Q000379:methods; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000962:Antimalarials