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BACKGROUND: Artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites are now present across much of mainland Southeast Asia, where ongoing surveys are measuring and mapping their spatial distribution. These efforts require substantial resources. Here we propose a generic 'smart surveillance' methodology to identify optimal candidate sites for future sampling and thus map the distribution of artemisinin resistance most efficiently. METHODS: The approach uses the 'uncertainty' map generated iteratively by a geostatistical model to determine optimal locations for subsequent sampling. RESULTS: The methodology is illustrated using recent data on the prevalence of the K13-propeller polymorphism (a genetic marker of artemisinin resistance) in the Greater Mekong Subregion. CONCLUSION: This methodology, which has broader application to geostatistical mapping in general, could improve the quality and efficiency of drug resistance mapping and thereby guide practical operations to eliminate malaria in affected areas.

Original publication

DOI

10.1186/s12942-016-0064-6

Type

Journal article

Journal

Int J Health Geogr

Publication Date

24/10/2016

Volume

15

Keywords

Artemisinin, Drug resistance, Greater Mekong Subregion, Malaria, Surveillance, Anti-Infective Agents, Artemisinins, Asia, Southeastern, Communicable Diseases, Emerging, Disease Management, Drug Resistance, Geography, Health Status, Humans, Malaria, Falciparum, Plasmodium falciparum, Population Surveillance