K13 Propeller Gene Polymorphisms in Malaria and COVID-19 Co-infected Pregnant Women in Nigeria
This project investigates the genetic polymorphisms in the K13 propeller gene of Plasmodium falciparum isolates obtained from pregnant women co-infected with malaria and COVID-19 in Kano State, Nigeria. The study aimed to explore the prevalence and potential implications of K13 mutations, particularly those associated with artemisinin resistance, in a vulnerable population.A total of 400 pregnant women were recruited from antenatal clinics across three major hospitals. Blood samples from participants were screened for malaria parasites using microscopy and for SARS-CoV-2 using real-time PCR. Positive P. falciparum isolates were further analyzed for K13 propeller gene mutations using nested PCR and Sanger sequencing.The genetic analysis revealed five distinct K13 haplotypes, including non-synonymous mutations such as Q661P and K610N, which may indicate emerging drug resistance. Synonymous mutations like P667P and E688E were also detected. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity analyses suggested selective pressure on the K13 gene, potentially driven by widespread use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).This dataset provides detailed sequence information on the K13 gene mutations in P. falciparum, contributing to the global understanding of malaria drug resistance in the context of COVID-19 co-infection. The findings have significant implications for the development of targeted treatment strategies in regions with high burdens of malaria and COVID-19.