G6PD deficiency in Southeast Asia and G6PD diagnostic tests in support of primaquine treatment to eliminate malaria.

Abstract

Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is highly prevalent in Southeast Asia, a malaria-endemic region, resulting from its protective effect against malaria infection. G6PD deficiency is a disorder caused by a mutation of G6PD gene which causes hemolytic anemia after exposure to antimalarial drugs including primaquine. Although primaquine is commonly used in therapy and prevention of Plasmodium transmission, it could induce severe hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficient patients. Therefore, testing for G6PD deficiency and genotyping its mutation is essential to maximize benefit and minimize harm caused by the drug. However, screening for G6PD deficiency is not available in some malaria-endemic regions. Thus, a summary of the distribution of G6PD deficient and its mutations in Southeast Asia will provide an evidence-based guideline in primaquine therapy and controlling of malaria.