# Plasmodium falciparum Kelch-13 artemisinin partial resistance markers in Fort Portal, Western Uganda, 2024

## TL;DR

The study found early signs of artemisinin resistance in malaria parasites in Fort Portal, Uganda, near known resistance hotspots.

## Contribution

The study reports the presence of Kelch13 mutations in Uganda, suggesting the incipient emergence of artemisinin resistance.

## Key findings

- Artemisinin resistance-associated mutations in Kelch13 were present in 4.8% of samples.
- A mutation of unknown relevance (490T) occurred in 9.5% of samples.
- PfMDR1 variants suggested increased lumefantrine tolerance (N86, 100%).

## Abstract

In Fort Portal, Uganda, artemisinin resistance-associated mutations in Plasmodium falciparum Kelch13 (n = 126) were present in 4.8% (675V, 561H, and 441L). A mutation of unknown relevance, 490T, occurred in 9.5%. PfMDR1 variants suggested increased lumefantrine tolerance (N86, 100%). Mutation 500N was absent, and 199S occurred in 12.8%. The latter is of unknown relevance. These data indicate an incipient emergence of artemisinin resistance in a crucial location between Rwandan and Ugandan resistance hotspots and hardly affected DR Congo.