A multiplex ligase detection reaction-fluorescent microsphere assay for simultaneous detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance

Abstract

Incomplete malaria control efforts have resulted in a worldwide increase in resistance to drugs used to treat the disease. A complex array of mutations underlying antimalarial drug resistance complicates efficient monitoring of parasite populations and limits the success of malaria control efforts in regions of endemicity. To improve the surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance, we developed a multiplex ligase detection reaction-fluorescent- microsphere-based assay (LDR-FMA) that identities single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P. falciparum dhfr (9 alleles), dhps (10 alleles), and pfcrt (3 alleles) genes associated with resistance to Fansidar and chloroquine. We evaluat..