Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Feiko O. ter Kuile
Summary: Malaria is a major cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa and resistance to the recommended antimalarial, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, is threatening progress. A trial of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine as an alternative to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine showed significant reductions in placental malaria and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The results raise questions about the discrepancies with previous trials.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Helle Hansson, Daniel T. R. Minja, Sofie L. Moeller, John P. A. Lusingu, Ib C. Bygbjerg, Anna-Mathilde Yde, Rasmus W. Jensen, Sidsel Nag, Omari A. Msemo, Thor G. Theander, Michael Alifrangis, Christentze Schmiegelow
Summary: Infections with sextuple mutant haplotypes may reduce the efficacy of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy, directly affecting birth outcomes by lowering birth weight. Close monitoring and targeted malaria control during early pregnancy are crucial for improving birth outcomes.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leen N. N. Vanheer, Almahamoudou Mahamar, Emilia Manko, Sidi M. M. Niambele, Koualy Sanogo, Ahamadou Youssouf, Adama Dembele, Makonon Diallo, Seydina O. O. Maguiraga, Jody Phelan, Ashley Osborne, Anton Spadar, Merel J. J. Smit, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley, Taane G. G. Clark, William Stone, Alassane Dicko, Susana Campino
Summary: Sequence analysis of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in asymptomatic individuals in South-Western Mali reveals an increase in genetic variation and drug resistance frequencies. This is important for monitoring the emergence and spread of drug-resistant parasites, informing malaria control efforts in Mali and worldwide.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Katherine O'Flaherty, Jo-Anne Chan, Julia C. Cutts, Sophie G. Zaloumis, Elizabeth A. Ashley, Aung Pyae Phyo, Damien R. Drew, Arjen M. Dondorp, Nicholas P. Day, Mehul Dhorda, Rick M. Fairhurst, Pharath Lim, Chanaki Amaratunga, Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, Tran Tinh Hien, Ye Htut, Mayfong Mayxay, M. Abul Faiz, Olugbenga A. Mokuolu, Marie A. Onyamboko, Caterina Fanello, Eizo Takashima, Takafumi Tsuboi, Michael Theisen, Francois Nosten, James G. Beeson, Julie A. Simpson, Nicholas J. White, Freya J. Fowkes
Summary: The study found that Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 antibodies are associated with patent gametocytemia and increasing gametocyte density across multiple malaria endemic settings, including regions with emerging artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Michelle E. Roh, Issaka Zongo, Alassane Haro, Liusheng Huang, Anyirekun Fabrice Some, Rakiswende Serge Yerbanga, Melissa D. Conrad, Erika Wallender, Jennifer Legac, Francesca Aweeka, Jean-Bosco Ouedraogo, Philip J. Rosenthal
Summary: In this case-control study assessing drug levels and resistance markers for seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-amodiaquine in children in Burkina Faso, suboptimal drug levels and not increased prevalence of resistance markers was associated with incident malaria in SMC-eligible children.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Eulambius M. Mlugu, Omary Minzi, Appolinary A. R. Kamuhabwa, Eleni Aklillu
Summary: Monthly intermittent preventive treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (IPTp-DHP) showed superior protective efficacy against malaria in pregnancy and low birth weight compared to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP).
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Alexandra T. Roux, Leah Maharaj, Olukunle Oyegoke, Oluwasegun P. Akoniyon, Matthew Adekunle Adeleke, Rajendra Maharaj, Moses Okpeku
Summary: Malaria is a significant global health concern, particularly in Africa, with drug resistance being a major challenge in controlling the disease. Efforts to track drug resistance and monitor sensitivity are crucial to prevent further spread of resistant parasites and potential reappearance of sensitivity in sub-Saharan Africa.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hugo O. Valdivia, Karen Anderson, David Smith, Cielo Pasay, Carola J. Salas, Greys Braga, Carmen M. Lucas, Stephen E. Lizewski, Christie A. Joya, Jennifer M. Kooken, Juan F. Sanchez, Qin Cheng
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions in Peru and their associations with clinical symptoms and parasite genetic background. The study found a high prevalence of dual gene deletions and an increase in deletions over time, as well as a clonal replacement of circulating parasite lines. These results highlight the need for further studies and surveillance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Rodrigue Roman Dongang Nana, Suzanne Sandrine Beack Bayengue, Martin Luther Koanga Mogtomo, Anne Rosalie Ngono Ngane, Vineeta Singh
Summary: This study investigated the presence of drug-resistant alleles in asymptomatic malaria-infected individuals in Cameroon. The results showed the presence of mutant alleles and various SNPs associated with resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Regular profiling of drug resistance markers in asymptomatic populations is crucial for malaria control and elimination programs.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lungowe Sitali, Mulenga C. Mwenda, John M. Miller, Daniel J. Bridges, Moonga B. Hawela, Busiku Hamainza, Mutinta Mudenda-Chilufya, Elizabeth Chizema-Kawesha, Rachel Daniels, Thomas P. Eisele, Audun H. Nerland, James Chipeta, Bernt Lindtjorn
Summary: This study used PCR and HRM analysis to investigate mutations related to drug resistance in antimalarial drugs used in Zambia.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Seni Nikiema, Issiaka Soulama, Salif Sombie, Andre-Marie Tchouatieu, Samuel Sindie Serme, Noelie Bere Henry, Nicolas Ouedraogo, Nathalie Ouare, Raissa Ily, Oumarou Ouedraogo, Dramane Zongo, Florencia Wendkuuni Djigma, Alfred B. Tiono, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Jacques Simpore
Summary: Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is an effective strategy recommended by WHO for controlling malaria, but there are controversies regarding the development of malaria-specific immunity, drug resistance, and limited coverage in children. Evaluation of the SMC and understanding its hindrances are needed.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vivian Mushi, Christopher H. Mbotwa, Abdallah Zacharia, Theresia Ambrose, Fabiola Moshi
Summary: The uptake of optimal doses of IPTp-SP during pregnancy remains low in Tanzania. Predictors for the optimal uptake included education level, attending ANC in the first trimester, attending four or more ANC visits, choosing government health facilities for ANC visits, and geographic zone.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Haffsatou Sawadogo, Issiaka Soulama, Adama Zida, Cheikna Zongo, Patindoilba Marcel Sawadogo, Kiswendsida Thierry Guiguemde, Seni Nikiema, Salimata Emilie Badoum, Salam Sawadogo, Aicha Tou, Salif Sombie, Chanolle Tchekounou, Sindie Samuel Serme, Rasmata Ouedraogo-Traore, Tinga Robert Guiguemde, Aly Savadogo
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum and the mutation prevalence in the dhfr and dhps genes in postpartum infected placentas. The results showed a high genetic diversity in msp1 and msp2, suggesting that mutant genotypes in dhfr and dhps could be potential early warning factors for the increase in sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Neta Simon, Jaclyn Shallat, John Houck, Prasanna Jagannathan, Mary Prahl, Mary K. Muhindo, Abel Kakuru, Peter Olwoch, Margaret E. Feeney, Whitney E. Harrington
Summary: This study found that maternal peripheral Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia during early pregnancy is associated with increased detection of cord blood maternal microchimerism, but the first parasitemia episode in the infant is not associated with increased maternal microchimerism in cord blood.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Almahamoudou Mahamar, Kelsey M. Sumner, Brandt Levitt, Betsy Freedman, Aliou Traore, Amadou Barry, Djibrilla Issiaka, Adama B. Dembele, Moussa B. Kanoute, Oumar Attaher, Boubacar N. Diarra, Issaka Sagara, Abdoulaye Djimde, Patrick E. Duffy, Michal Fried, Steve M. Taylor, Alassane Dicko
Summary: This study assessed the long-term impact of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) on Plasmodium falciparum resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and amodiaquine (AQ) in Mali. The results showed that after 2 and 3 years of SMC implementation, there was an increased frequency of the Pfmdr1 N86Y mutation, but no significant change in the frequencies of Pfdhps 540E, Pfdhps 437G, and Pfcrt K76T. The study also identified for the first time the presence of mutations in the Pfdhps gene at low frequencies, suggesting the need for further surveillance in Mali.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Clifford G. Banda, Dumisile Nkosi, Elizabeth Allen, Lesley Workman, Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Marumbo Chirwa, Mayamiko Kapulula, Sharon Muyaya, Steven Munharo, Lubbe Wiesner, Kamija S. Phiri, Victor Mwapasa, Feiko O. Ter Kuile, Gary Maartens, Karen Barnes
Summary: This study investigated the effect of dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine on dolutegravir plasma exposure in pregnant women on dolutegravir-based ART. The results showed that co-administration of dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine and dolutegravir increased dolutegravir exposure without any clinically significant adverse events observed.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Frank M. Kagoro, Elizabeth Allen, Aaron Mabuza, Lesley Workman, Ray Magagula, Gerdalize Kok, Craig Davies, Gillian Malatje, Philippe J. Guerin, Mehul Dhorda, Richard J. Maude, Jaishree Raman, Karen Barnes
Summary: The study evaluated the feasibility of linking individual patient's anti-malarial resistance profiles with their case notifications and treatment response reports and mapping them to a fine spatial scale. The results showed that near-real-time mapping of molecular markers associated with anti-malarial drug resistance provides an efficient early warning system for emerging resistance.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jennifer A. Flegg, Georgina S. Humphreys, Brenda Montanez, Taryn Strickland, Zaira J. Jacome-Meza, Karen I. Barnes, Jaishree Raman, Philippe J. Guerin, Carol Hopkins Sibley, Sabina Dahlstrom Otienoburu
Summary: Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for various antimalarial preventive treatments in Africa, but its effectiveness is threatened by high resistance. Monitoring the prevalence of mutations in the dihydropteroate synthase gene can assess the effectiveness of SP. However, pfdhps mutation prevalence data in Africa are heterogeneous and incomplete.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. Farouk Chughlay, Stephan Chalon, Myriam El Gaaloul, Nathalie Gobeau, Joerg J. Moehrle, Pieter-Jan Berghmans, Katrin Van Leuven, Michael W. Marx, Anna Rosanas-Urgell, Julia Flynn, Emilie Escoffier, Daniel Izquierdo-Juncas, Bastiaan Jansen, Venelin Mitov, Anne Kuemmel, Jean-Pierre Van Geertruyden, Karen Barnes
Summary: This study evaluates the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of PfSPZ Challenge through DVI for assessing the blood-stage activity of candidate antimalarial drugs.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kasia Stepniewska, Elizabeth N. Allen, Georgina S. Humphreys, Eugenie Poirot, Elaine Craig, Kalynn Kennon, Daniel Yilma, Teun Bousema, Philippe J. Guerin, Nicholas J. White, Ric N. Price, Jaishree Raman, Andreas Martensson, Richard O. Mwaiswelo, Germana Bancone, Guido J. H. Bastiaens, Anders Bjorkman, Joelle M. Brown, Umberto D'Alessandro, Alassane A. Dicko, Badria El-Sayed, Salah-Eldin Elzaki, Alice C. Eziefula, Bronner P. Goncalves, Muzamil Mahdi Abdel Hamid, Akira Kaneko, Simon Kariuki, Wasif Khan, Titus K. Kwambai, Benedikt Ley, Billy E. Ngasala, Francois Nosten, Joseph Okebe, Aaron M. Samuels, Menno R. Smit, Will J. R. Stone, Inge Sutanto, Feiko Ter Kuile, Roger C. Tine, Alfred B. Tiono, Chris J. Drakeley, Roly Gosling, Andy Stergachis, Karen Barnes, Ingrid Chen
Summary: This study analyzed the side effects of primaquine for the treatment of falciparum malaria and found that the use of 0.25 mg/kg primaquine as a gametocytocide is safe and effective, even in individuals with G6PD deficiency.
Correction
Microbiology
Clifford G. Banda, Dumisile Nkosi, Elizabeth Allen, Lesley Workman, Mwayiwawo Madanitsa, Marumbo Chirwa, Mayamiko Kapulula, Sharon Muyaya, Steven Munharo, Joel Tarning, Kamija S. Phiri, Victor Mwapasa, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Gary Maartens, Karen I. Barnes
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Lindsey Baden, Flaminia Catteruccia, Abdoulaye Diabate, Cristina Donini, Francois Nosten, Scott O'Neill, Faith Osier, Aung Pyae Phyo, Nicholas White
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thomas J. Peto, James A. Watson, Nicholas J. White, Arjen M. Dondorp
Summary: The recent World Health Organization moratorium on rectal artesunate (RAS) for pre-referral treatment of severe childhood malaria is leading to unnecessary deaths. The decision was based on flawed findings from an observational study that provided RAS to undertrained and unsupervised community health workers. However, there is strong evidence that RAS is effective in saving lives and the delay in its deployment is causing preventable deaths.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adebanjo J. Adegbola, Omotade A. Ijarotimi, Akaninyene E. Ubom, Bukola A. Adesoji, Olajide E. Babalola, Emma F. Hocke, Helle Hansson, Andria Mousa, Oluseye O. Bolaji, Michael Alifrangis, Cally Roper
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Pfdhfr/Pfdhps mutations in P. falciparum isolates from Nigeria and present maps of their distribution. The results showed an increasing prevalence of the VAGKGS haplotype, which may have implications for the efficacy of SP-IPTp and should be reassessed.
Article
Neurosciences
Abdulmumin Ibrahim, Fleur L. L. Warton, Samantha Fry, Mark F. F. Cotton, Sandra W. W. Jacobson, Joseph L. L. Jacobson, Christopher D. D. Molteno, Francesca Little, Andre J. W. van der Kouwe, Barbara Laughton, Ernesta M. M. Meintjes, Martha J. J. Holmes
Summary: Successful prevention programmes have reduced the risk of infant HIV infection in South Africa. However, the effects of HIV and ART exposure on the developing brain are not well understood.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Emmanuel C. C. Nwosu, Martha J. J. Holmes, Mark F. F. Cotton, Els Dobbels, Francesca Little, Barbara Laughton, Andre van der Kouwe, Frances Robertson, Ernesta M. M. Meintjes
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ali Haghiri, David J. Price, Phoebe Fitzpatrick, Saber Dini, Megha Rajasekhar, Caterina Fanello, Joel Tarning, James Watson, Nicholas J. White, Julie A. Simpson
Summary: The majority of deaths from malaria occur in young African children, so it is important to determine the appropriate dosage of medication for them. The US FDA has challenged the World Health Organization's recommendation of a lower dose for younger children, but a study showed that younger children given the lower dose did not reach the same drug exposures as older children. Therefore, it is suggested to withdraw the FDA's recent lower dose recommendation.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sompob Saralamba, Julie A. Simpson, Noppon Choosri, Lisa White, Wirichada Pan-Ngum, Arjen M. Dondorp, Nicholas J. White
Summary: A new pharmacodynamic model of antimalarial drugs is proposed, which includes reversible parasite injury and temporary drug refractoriness, to explain the failure of frequent dosing to improve therapeutic efficacy in malaria. The model predicts and supports observed therapeutic responses.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
James A. Watson, Thomas J. Peto, Nicholas J. White
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aye Sandar Zaw, Ei Shwe Sin Win, Soe Wai Yan, Kyaw Sithu Thein, Vasundhara Verma, Alistair R. D. Mclean, Thar Tun Kyaw, Nicholas J. White, Frank M. Smithuis
Summary: The introduction of community health workers providing early diagnosis and treatment for malaria in remote communities in Mon state, Myanmar, has resulted in a significant reduction in malaria cases.