Information from the abstract
Cambodia is nearing Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) elimination, but targeted interventions are needed to prevent resurgence. Identity-by-descent (IBD)-based methods offer insight into parasite relatedness and transmission dynamics. Pairwise genetic relatedness was estimated among 107 P. falciparum isolates collected from military personnel and farmers during two clinical trials in Cambodia from 2014 to 2016. Using existing whole-genome sequence data, IBD relatedness was estimated as the proportion of the genome shared IBD between isolates. Associations between relatedness and epidemiological factors, including occupation, location, time, age, and sex, were evaluated. Network-based clustering was used to identify highly related isolate groups and associated covariates. High mean IBD sharing (40%) suggested clonal expansion or low transmission; isolates from Oddar Meanchey Province shared >20% more of their genome IBD than Kratie Province isolates (P 90% IBD) were associated with occupation, K13 mutation (C580Y versus R539T), and P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter mutation (P = 0.0027, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively). Isolates from mixed-occupation pairs had lower odds of being highly related (>90% IBD) than farmer pairs (pd = 0.958). High overall IBD sharing may reflect elimination efforts and the expansion of drug-resistant lineages. Differences in between-province relatedness underscore how geography shapes relatedness patterns. Lower relatedness among mixed-occupation pairs compared with farmer pairs suggests occupation-associated exposure differences, with occupation potentially acting as a proxy for micro-epidemiological exposure factors such as location or behavior, highlighting the need for locally tailored interventions.
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Related topics: Malaria Research and Control · Parasites and Host Interactions · Leprosy Research and Treatment
Thai researcher and institutional participation
Mariusz Wojnarski · Michele D. Spring · Sabaithip Sriwichai · Brian A. Vesely · Norman C. Waters · Sasikanya Thaloengsok · Piyaporn Sai-ngam · Chaiyaporn Chaisatit · Paphavee Lertsethtakarn · Sidhartha Chaudhury · Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Science
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