{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Plasmodium falciparum with pfhrp2/3 Deletion Not Detected in a 2018-2021 Malaria Longitudinal Cohort Study in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
{Author}: François R;Kashamuka MM;Banek K;Bala JA;Nkalani M;Kihuma G;Atibu J;Mahilu GE;Thwai KL;Assefa A;Bailey JA;Dinglasan RR;Juliano JJ;Tshefu AK;Parr JB;
{Journal}: Am J Trop Med Hyg
{Volume}: 109
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 2023 08 2
{Factor}: 3.707
{DOI}: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0715
{Abstract}: Histidine-rich protein 2- (HRP2-) based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used to detect Plasmodium falciparum in sub-Saharan Africa. Reports of parasites with pfhrp2 and/or pfhrp3 (pfhrp2/3) gene deletions in Africa raise concerns about the long-term viability of HRP2-based RDTs. We evaluated changes in pfhrp2/3 deletion prevalence over time using a 2018-2021 longitudinal study of 1,635 enrolled individuals in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Samples collected during biannual household visits with ≥ 100 parasites/µL by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were genotyped using a multiplex real-time PCR assay. Among 2,726 P. falciparum PCR-positive samples collected from 993 participants during the study period, 1,267 (46.5%) were genotyped. No pfhrp2/3 deletions or mixed pfhrp2/3-intact and -deleted infections were identified in our study. Pfhrp2/3-deleted parasites were not detected in Kinshasa Province; ongoing use of HRP2-based RDTs is appropriate.