Sensitivity of 3D7 and W2 Clones in a Formulated Transport Medium and EDTA Anticoagulants against a Panel of Antimalarials

Abstract

Introduction: in vitro drug sensitivity relies on the growth of plasmodium in the presence of the antimalarials. These fresh isolates brought in for assay from collection sites normally not near the laboratory require a medium to keep the parasites viable in order to produce results which are a representation of the field situation in terms of drug susceptibility. Since factors such as mixed infection of drug resistant and sensitive parasites occurring in most field isolates can influence drug test outcome because they have different drug susceptibilities, Method: This study validated the use of a formulated transport medium (TM) by assaying clones which have been culture adapted in the lab for 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) against four antimalarials using SYBR Green 1 in vitro assay. These clones (3D7 and W2) were revived and recultured for assay. Prior to subjecting them to drugs, they were exposed to 2ml formulated TM and the conventional EDTA anticoagulant in 5ml vacutainer tubes to act as control.Results: Similarity was detected with no significant difference (P >0.05) observed in the medians inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) between samples in the EDTA anticoagulant and TM holds however, samples in EDTA generally had higher IC50 values.Conclusion: This study concludes that the formulated TM holds promise for future use,