SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS OF Pfdhfr RESISTANCE GENE AMONG SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS’ ISOLATES FROM SELECTED HOSPITALS IN IFO LGA, OGUN STATE

Abstract

Malaria remains a primary universal health concern, particularly in endemic areas where drug resistance poses a serious threat to the effectiveness of key treatment and prevention strategies. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), commonly used for malaria prophylaxis, is increasingly compromised by resistance associated with mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) gene. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of P. falciparum infection and identify the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Pfdhfr resistance gene among symptomatic patients in Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Five hundred patients with severe P. falciparum infection were recruited, and demographic data were recorded. Blood samples were analysed for P. falciparum stages and parasitemia levels using microscopy. DNA was extracted from samples with high parasitemia and genotyped for Pfdhfr mutations using PCR, followed by visualisation on 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Microscopy confirmed P. falciparum malaria in 300 patients (60%). A significantly higher prevalence (71.05%) was recorded in the 0–4 years’ age group, while males accounted for 64.31% of cases (p < 0.05). Parasitemia levels (greater than 200 parasites/100 μL) were more pronounced in males than in females, and were highest among individuals aged 0–4 years. Among the 10.67% Pfdhfr genotypes identified, males exhibited a higher frequency (6.0%) than females. The overall prevalence of pfdhfr SNPs in N51I, C59R, S108, and I64L was (96%), (96%), (100%), and (0%), respectively. tripple mutant halotype (N51I+ C59R+S108), prevance was 92%. Males have a higher mutation rate (60%) than females (40%). The overall prevalence of pfdhfr SNPs in N51I, C59R, S108, and I164L was (96%), (96%), (100%), and (0%), respectively. tripple mutant halotype (N51I+ C59R+S108), prevance was 92%. Males have a higher mutation rate (60%) than females (40%). Also, individuals aged 0-4 years (20%) and 15-20 years (20%) show higher SNPs than the other age groups. The study highlights a high prevalence of P. falciparum and emerging Pfdhfr resistance mutations, emphasising the need for continuous surveillance and targeted interventions in malaria-endemic regions, such as Ifo LGA, Nigeria.