Molecular surveillance of anti-malarial drug resistance genes in Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Odisha, India.

Background: Despite significant progress in eliminating malaria from the state of Odisha, India, the disease is still considered endemic. Artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (AS + SP) has been introduced since 2010 as first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mutations associated with resistance to chloroquine (CQ), sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), and artesunate (ART) in P.

A community based study on haemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency among particularly vulnerable tribal groups in hard-to-reach malaria endemic areas of Odisha, India: implications on malaria control.

Background: Haemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency are inherited disorders found mostly in malaria-endemic areas among different tribal groups of India. However, epidemiological data specific to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), important for planning and implementing malaria programmes, is limited. Therefore, the present community-based study aimed to assess the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies and G6PD deficiency among the 13 PVTGs found in the state of Odisha, reporting the maximum malaria cases in the country.

Neglected malaria parasites in hard-to-reach areas of Odisha, India: implications in elimination programme.

Background: Information on the foci of Plasmodium species infections is essential for any country heading towards elimination. Odisha, one of the malaria-endemic states of India is targeting elimination of malaria by 2030. To support decision-making regarding targeted intervention, the distribution of Plasmodium species infections was investigated in hard-to-reach areas where a special malaria elimination drive, namely Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) began in 2017.

Sequence Analysis of the -Propeller Gene in Artemisinin Challenging Isolates from Malaria Endemic Areas of Odisha, India: A Molecular Surveillance Study.

Estimation of the spread and advancement of artemisinin-resistant parasites can be done by probing polymorphisms in the kelch () domain (a validated molecular marker). This study aimed to provide baseline information for future artemisinin surveillance by analyzing the -propeller domain in field isolates collected from 24 study areas in 14 malaria hot spots of Odisha (previously Orissa) during July 2018-January 2019. A total of 178 mono infections were assessed.