Methods and thresholds used in the compendium of molecular markers for antimalarial drug resistance

Overview

The Methods and thresholds document sets out the criteria and domain specific thresholds used to assess each genetic alteration included in the "Compendium of molecular markers for antimalarial drug resistance". It explains the evaluation framework applied to determine whether an alteration is classified as a validated, candidate, or potential marker. 

The Compendium of molecular markers for antimalarial drug resistance was developed to address the need for an evidence-based, up-to-date resource presenting genetic alterations associated with reduced susceptibility to antimalarial drugs.  The compendium summarizes and classifies molecular markers using evidence from three domains: laboratory, clinical, and genetic epidemiology. These domains represent distinct but complementary lines of evidence that support the association between specific genetic alterations and drug resistance. 

The approach builds on earlier classification efforts, including those applied to PfKelch13 mutations, and is designed to evolve as new evidence emerges. The compendium will be updated annually following a review of new evidence and, where applicable, revisions to the list of markers and to the methodologies and thresholds used to assess them.