Alleles of the dhfr and dhps genes associated with resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, dhfr C59R and S108N, and dhps A437G and K540E, were present at frequencies of 52.2%, 82.5%, 1.18% and 1.18%, respectively. One hundred six Plasmodium falciparum isolates from three sub-districts were successfully analysed. Host genetic analysis, to identify the Band 3 deletion associated with Southeast Asian Ovalocytosis (SAO), revealed an overall frequency of 1.0% among the 1,484 samples examined. Results of the three surveys revealed an average slide positivity rate of 8.13%, with a relatively higher rate in certain foci. In addition, haemoglobin measurement was performed in the second and third surveys for the subjects less than 10 years old. Blood blots on filter paper were also prepared for isolation of parasite and host DNA to be used for molecular analysis of band 3 (SAO), pfcrt, pfmdr1, dhfr, and dhps. Thin and thick blood smears were stained with Giemsa and examined under binocular light microscopy. Malariometric and entomology surveys were performed in three subdistricts. The present study aims to provide baseline data for the establishment of a suitable malaria control programme in the area and to analyse the frequency distribution of drug resistance alleles associated with resistance to chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine.
Following the economic crisis at the end of 1998 and the subsequent tsunami and earthquake, in December 2004 and March 2005, respectively, the malaria control programme in the area deteriorated.
The Nias district of the North Sumatra Province of Indonesia has long been known to be endemic for malaria.
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