Genetic surveillance in the Greater Mekong Subregion and South Asia to support malaria control and elimination
Authors: Jacob Christopher G , Thuy-Nhien Nguyen , Mayxay Mayfong , Maude Richard J , Quang Huynh Hong , Hongvanthong Bouasy , Vanisaveth Viengxay , Duc Thang Ngo , Rekol Huy , van der Pluijm Rob W , Von Seidlein Lorenz , Fairhurst Rick M , Nosten Francois H , Hossain Md Amir , Park Naomi , Goodwin Scott , Ringwald Pascal , Chindavongsa Keobouphaphone , Newton Paul N , Ashley Elizabeth A , Phalivong Sonexay , Maude Rapeephan R , Leang Rithea , Huch Cheah , Dong Le Thanh , Nguyen Kim-Tuyen , Nhat Tran Minh , Hien Tran Tinh , Nguyen Hoa , Zdrojewski Nicole , Canavati Sara E , Sayeed Abdullah Abu , Uddin Didar , Buckee Caroline , Fanello Caterina I , Onyamboko Marie , Peto Thomas , Tripura Rupam , Amaratunga Chanaki , Thu Aung Myint , Delmas Gilles , Landier Jordi , Parker Daniel M , Chau Nguyen Hoang , Lek Dysoley , Suon Seila , Callery James J , Jittamala Podjanee , Hanboonkunupakarn Borimas , Pukrittayakamee Sasithon , Phyo Aung Pyae , Smithuis Frank , Lin Khin , Thant Myo , Hlaing Tin Maung , Satpathi Parthasarathi , Satpathi Sanghamitra , Behera Prativa K , Tripura Amar , Baidya Subrata , Valecha Neena , Anvikar Anupkumar R , Islam Akhter ul , Faiz Abul , Kunasol Chanon , Drury Eleanor , Kekre Mihir , Ali Mozam , Love Katie , Rajatileka Shavanthi , Jeffreys Anna E , Rowlands Kate , Hubbart Christina S , Dhorda Mehul , Vongpromek Ranitha , Kotanan Namfon , Wongnak Phrutsamon , Garcia Jacob Almagro , Pearson Richard D , Ariani Cristina V , Chookajorn Thanat , Malangone Cinzia , Nguyen T , Stalker Jim , Jeffery Ben , Keatley Jonathan , Johnson Kimberly J , Muddyman Dawn , Chan Xin Hui S , Sillitoe John , Amato Roberto , Simpson Victoria , Gonçalves Sonia , Rockett Kirk , Day Nicholas P , Dondorp Arjen M , Kwiatkowski Dominic P , Miotto Olivo 
Published: July 2020

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