Genetic mutations that cause malaria drug resistance common in Asia, Africahttps://www.upi.com/Health_News/2020/12/31/Genetic-mutations-that-cause-malaria-drug-resistance-common-in-Asia-Africa/2841609440284/Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Genetic mutations that fuel resistance to a drug intended to prevent malaria in pregnant women and children are common in countries that are fighting the disease, according to a PLOS Genetics analysis.
Mutations of a gene linked with resistance to the drug sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in the parasite that causes malaria were discovered in one-fourth of the samples collected in southeast Asia and one-third of those obtained in Africa, the researchers said.
Malaria prevention and treatment has been complex for some time. The general routine for people heading for infested areas is a period of time on and GP anti-malarial, but then once in their chosen country they switch to whatever drug is appropriate for the variety of malaria prevalent in that area. And the phenomenon of resistance being developed and changing to a new/better drug has been going on for decades.
