Genetic surveillance in the Greater Mekong Subregion and South Asia to support malaria control and elimination

Abstract

ABSTRACT National Malaria Control Programmes (NMCPs) currently make limited use of parasite genetic data. We have developed GenRe-Mekong, a platform for genetic surveillance of malaria in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) that enables NMCPs to implement large-scale surveillance projects by integrating simple sample collection procedures in routine public health procedures. Samples are processed by high-throughput technologies to genotype several drug resistance markers, species markers and a genomic barcode, delivering reports of genotypes and phenotype predictions, used to map prevalence of resistance to multiple drugs. GenRe-Mekong has worked with NMCPs and research projects in eight countries, processing 9,623 samples from clinical cases. Monitoring resistance markers has been valuable for tracking the rapid spread of parasites resistant to the dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine combination therapy. In Vietnam and Laos, GenRe-Mekong data have provided novel knowledge about the spread of these resistant strains into previously unaffected provinces. GenRe-Mekong facilitates data sharing by aggregating results from different countries, enabling cross-border resistance monitoring. Impact Statement Large-scale genetic surveillance of malaria implemented by National Malaria Control Programmes informs public health decision makers about the spread of strains resistant to antimalarials. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, UK Medical Research Council, UK Department for International Development, NIAID