WEHI PhD Completion Seminar hosted by Professor Alyssa Barry & Dr Leanne Robinson

Dulcie Lautu

Infectious Disease Systems Epidemiology/Vector Borne Disease & Tropical Public Health Group, The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health Ltd

PhD Student – Mueller Laboratory, Infection and Global Health division, WEHI

Investigating Plasmodium falciparum molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance and genetic diversity in Papua New Guinea

 

Davis Auditorium

Join via SLIDO enter code #WEHIphdcompletion

Including Q&A session

Followed by refreshments in Tapestry Lounge

Antimalarial drug resistance, particularly artemisinin resistance poses a significant challenge for malaria control and elimination.  Since the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin resistant parasites in Cambodia in 2008, resistant strains have spread rapidly throughout the Greater Mekong region. This spread threatens neighbouring malaria endemic regions, such as the Western Pacific. In this region, Papua New Guinea (PNG) carries the highest burden of malaria and in recent years have documented the growing prevalence of the P. falciparum C580Y kelch 13 mutation which is associated with artemisinin resistance. While there is no clinical evidence of artemisinin resistance in PNG to date, molecular surveillance of drug resistance is important for monitoring and early detection of emerging resistance. In this study we developed molecular assays for use in real-time drug resistance surveillance in PNG. Using both molecular and population genetics analysis approaches, we are investigating drug resistance haplotypes and exploring parasite genetic variations in parasite population over a period of 15 to identify selecting signatures for emerging artemisinin resistance in PNG. This information will be useful within the malaria control program to strategically develop targeted interventions for malaria control in PNG.

All welcome!