Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (pfnhe1) polymorphisms among imported African malaria parasites isolated in Wuhan, Central China

BACKGROUND: Quinine (QN) remains an effective drug for malaria treatment. However, quinine resistance (QNR) in Plasmodium falciparum has been reported in many malaria-endemic regions particularly in African countries. Genetic polymorphism of the P. falciparum Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (pfnhe1) is considered to influence QN susceptibility. Here, ms4760 alleles of pfnhe1 were analysed from imported African P. falciparum parasites isolated from returning travellers in Wuhan, Central China. METHODS: A total of 204 dried-blood spots were collected during 2011–2016. The polymorphisms of the pfnhe1 gene were determined using nested PCR with DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Sequences were generated for 99.51% (203/204) of the PCR products and 68.63% (140/204) of the isolates were analysed successfully for the pfnhe1 ms4760 haplotypes. In total, 28 distinct ms4760 alleles containing 0 to 5 DNNND and 1 to 3 NHNDNHNNDDD repeats were identified. For the alleles, ms4760–1 (22.86%, 32/140), ms4760–3 (17.86%, 25/140), and ms4760–7 (10.71%, 15/140) were the most prevalent profiles. Furthermore, 5 undescribed ms4760 alleles were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The study offers an initial comprehensive analysis of pfnhe1 ms4760 polymorphisms from imported P. falciparum isolates in Wuhan. Pfnhe1 may constitute a good genetic marker to evaluate the prevalence of QNR in malaria-endemic and non-endemic regions.