Targeted deep amplicon sequencing of antimalarial resistance markers in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Cameroon.

Background: Recent studies showed the first emergence of the R561H artemisinin-associated resistance marker in Africa, which highlights the importance of continued molecular surveillance to assess the selection and spread of this and other drug resistance markers in the region.

Method: In this study, we used targeted amplicon deep sequencing of 116 isolates collected in two areas of Cameroon to genotype the major drug resistance genes, k13, crt, mdr1, dhfr, and dhps, and the cytochrome b gene (cytb) in Plasmodium falciparum.

Results: No confirmed or associated artemisinin resistance markers were observed in Pfk13.