Review
Immunology
Cindy S. Chu, Marie Stolbrink, Daniel Stolady, Makoto Saito, Candy Beau, Kan Choun, Tha Gay Wah, Ne Mu, Klay Htoo, Be Nu, Arunrot Keereevijit, Jacher Wiladpaingern, Verena Carrara, Aung Pyae Phyo, Khin Maung Lwin, Christine Luxemburger, Stephane Proux, Prakaykaew Charunwatthana, Rose McGready, Nicholas J. White, Francois Nosten
Summary: This study reviewed all malaria cases managed by the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit along the Thailand-Myanmar border between 2000 and 2016. The results showed that Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria had higher incidence and mortality rates in this area compared to areas of low seasonal malaria transmission.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jack Adderley, Christian Doerig
Summary: This study fills gaps in the kinomes of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, highlighting their similarities and differences for target selection. It also identifies kinases that are not suitable targets for drug discovery due to their high similarity with human counterparts.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Raquel Lana, Narimane Nekkab, Andre M. Siqueira, Cassio Peterka, Paola Marchesini, Marcus Lacerda, Ivo Mueller, Michael White, Daniel Villela
Summary: As malaria transmission declines, there is an increase in heterogeneity with cases clustering into smaller subpopulations across the territory. The study found that in 2004, the top 1% of health units with the most cases accounted for 46% of all reported Plasmodium vivax cases, while in 2018, 52% of P. vivax cases occurred in the top 1% of health units.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hugo O. Valdivia, Priyaleela Thota, Greys Braga, Leonila Ricopa, Keare Barazorda, Carola Salas, Danett K. Bishop, Christie A. Joya
Summary: Gazelle, a novel rapid malaria diagnostic device, showed comparable diagnostic accuracy to light microscopy for detecting P. vivax infections and outperformed two rapid diagnostic tests, even in cases of low parasitemia infections.
Article
Microbiology
Isabell Berneburg, Satyamaheshwar Peddibhotla, Kim C. Heimsch, Kristina Haeussler, Patrick Maloney, Palak Gosalia, Janina Preuss, Mahsa Rahbari, Oleksii Skorokhod, Elena Valente, Daniela Ulliers, Luigi Felice Simula, Kathrin Buchholz, Michael P. Hedrick, Paul Hershberger, Thomas D. Y. Chung, Michael R. Jackson, Evelin Schwarzer, Stefan Rahlfs, Lars Bode, Katja Becker, Anthony B. Pinkerton
Summary: This study reports on a highly selective PfGluPho inhibitor, SBI-0797750, which shows potent activity against Plasmodium parasites. The compound disturbs the redox potential and H2O2 homeostasis of the parasites, without harming red blood cell integrity and phagocytosis.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Colleen M. Leonard, Hussein Mohammed, Mekonnen Tadesse, Jessica N. McCaffery, Doug Nace, Eric S. Halsey, Samuel Girma, Ashenafi Assefa, Jimee Hwang, Eric Rogier
Summary: This study investigated whether mixed infections were missed by microscopy in a therapeutic efficacy study in Ethiopia. The results showed that even with multiple trained readers, microscopy can miss P. falciparum/P. vivax mixed infections.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Sataporn Thongpoon, Wanlapa Roobsoong, Wang Nguitragool, Sadudee Chotirat, Takafumi Tsuboi, Eizo Takashima, Liwang Cui, Tomoko Ishino, Mayumi Tachibana, Kazutoyo Miura, Jetsumon Sattabongkot
Summary: This study aimed to investigate naturally acquired transmission-blocking immunity against Plasmodium vivax. The findings suggest that transmission-blocking immunity is primarily mediated by antibodies, with varying effectiveness against different parasite strains. These findings have implications for vaccine development.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Manuela Hauser, Jean-Bertin B. Kabuya, Molly Mantus, Luc K. Kamavu, James L. Sichivula, Wycliffe M. Matende, Nora Fritschi, Timothy Shields, Frank Curriero, Anton Kvit, Gershom Chongwe, William J. Moss, Nicole Ritz, Matthew M. Ippolito
Summary: This study examined the clinical features of malaria in refugee children in high-transmission areas of Africa. The findings showed that refugee children had higher malaria prevalence and mortality rates, partly due to delayed presentation and malnutrition. Interventions tailored to the refugee context, including rapid diagnosis and referral, are necessary to reduce malaria mortality.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Claus P. Kuepper-Tetzel, Raja Idris, Johanna Kessel, Gundolf Schuettfort, Sebastian Hoehl, Niko Kohmer, Christiana Graf, Michael Hogardt, Silke Besier, Thomas A. Wichelhaus, Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild, Christoph Stephan, Nils Wetzstein
Summary: An analysis of in-patients treated with falciparum malaria in Germany found that rates of bacterial coinfection were relatively low, but still significant. This suggests the need for individual risk assessment rather than general empirical antibiotic use.
Article
Immunology
Mohd Amirul Fitri A. Rahim, Mohd Bakhtiar Munajat, Nor Diyana Dian, Mohd Ikhwan Mukmin Seri Rakna, Wathiqah Wahid, Nuraffini Ghazali, Noor Wanie Hassan, Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap, Muhd Rafiq Mohd Kasri, Ahmad Imran Mohamed, Emelia Osman, Sriwipa Chuangchaiya, Inke Nadia D. Lubis, Paul C. S. Divis, Akira Kaneko, Kevin K. A. Tetteh, Zulkarnain Md Idris
Summary: Malaria control in Malaysia has made significant progress, but there is still a need to determine malaria exposure and transmission patterns in high-risk populations. This study used a serological method to measure the transmission levels of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax among indigenous communities. The findings showed a higher level of P. falciparum transmission and an association between living in a specific area and malaria infection. This approach can be an important tool for monitoring and surveillance in low malaria transmission settings.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sze-Ann Woon, Brioni R. Moore, Moses Laman, Paula Tesine, Lina Lorry, Bernadine Kasian, Phantica Yambo, Gumul Yadi, William Pomat, Kevin T. Batty, Sam Salman, Leanne J. Robinson, Timothy M. E. Davis, Laurens Manning
Summary: This study aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and relapse rates of ultra-short course high-dose primaquine for uncomplicated malaria in children. The results showed that ultra-short high-dose primaquine was safe and well-tolerated, and early treatment was non-inferior to delayed treatment in preventing Plasmodium vivax infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Huong Giang Le, Haung Naw, Jung-Mi Kang, Tuan Cuong Vo, Moe Kyaw Myint, Zaw Than Htun, Jinyoung Lee, Won Gi Yoo, Tong-Soo Kim, Ho-Joon Shin, Byoung-Kuk Na
Summary: This study analyzed the antimalarial drug resistance genes in malaria parasites in the Mandalay region of Myanmar and found substantial levels of mutations conferring antimalarial drug resistance. Continuous monitoring of these mutations is necessary to provide useful information for policymakers.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mariestefany Romero, Elizabeth Leiba, Fhabian S. Carrion-Nessi, Diana C. Freitas-De Nobrega, Serris Kaid-Bay, Angel F. Gamardo, Melynar Chavero, Luisamy Figuera, Natasha A. Camejo-Avila, Maria Marcano, Mary Lopez-Perez, David A. Forero-Pena
Summary: This study investigated malaria infections in pregnant women in southern Venezuela, revealing a high prevalence of pregnant women infected with malaria, with diagnoses often made in the third trimester of pregnancy. Some patients experienced complications during pregnancy or delivery, emphasizing the importance of routine malaria testing during prenatal check-ups.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rahim Ali Ahmed, Avdhesh Kumar, Ananta Swargiary, Harpal Singh Suri, Hari Shankar, Syed Shah Areeb Hussain, Gaurav Kumar, Kuldeep Singh, Dipika Kalita, Afluza Begum
Summary: The Intensified Malaria Control Project (IMCP) was implemented in 2005 to control malaria in North-Eastern and Odisha states of India. This study aimed to investigate the impact of IMCP on reducing the malaria burden in Udalguri district, Assam state. The findings showed a significant decline in annual parasite incidence (API) in Udalguri after the implementation of LLINs and RDTs.
PATHOGENS AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Susanne E. Mortazavi, Allan Lugaajju, Mark Kaddumukasa, Muyideen Kolapo Tijani, Fred Kironde, Kristina E. M. Persson
Summary: The concentration of OPN in infants was higher than in mothers and independent of maternal OPN concentrations. OPN concentrations in infants were inversely correlated with atypical MBCs and P. falciparum-specific MBCs, while positively correlated with BAFF concentrations. In vitro, OPN had no direct effect on P. falciparum growth.
Article
Pediatrics
Char Leung, Ka-Wah Khong, Kwok-Hung Chan, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes Lacerda, Carlos Henrique Michiles Frank
Summary: This study investigates the clinical features of pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 before and after the emergence of the P.1 variant. During the P.1-dominant period, infected patients had a lower case-fatality rate but a lower prevalence of fever and lower respiratory tract symptoms, and a higher prevalence of neurological symptoms.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Molly D. Kaagaard, Luan Oliveira Matos, Marliton V. P. Evangelista, Alma Wegener, Anna Engell Holm, Lasse S. Vestergaard, Suiane C. N. Do Valle, Odilson M. Silvestre, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes Lacerda, Rodrigo Medeiros de Souza, Flavia Barreto dos Santos, Tor Biering-Sorensen, Philip Brainin
Summary: This study systematically assessed the frequency of pleural effusion in patients with dengue infection and found that 1/3 of the patients presented with pleural effusion, and the frequency increased with severity and younger age. Lung ultrasound was found to be the best method for detecting pleural effusion.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adam Hendy, Eduardo Hernandez-Acosta, Danielle Valerio, Nelson Ferreira Fe, Claudia Reis Mendonca, Edson Rodrigues Costa, Eloane Silva de Andrade, Jose Tenacol Andes Junior, Flamarion Prado Assuncao, Vera Margarete Scarpassa, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes de Lacerda, Michaela Buenemann, Nikos Vasilakis, Kathryn A. Hanley
Summary: By studying mosquito community composition and environmental variables at different distances from the edge of a rainforest reserve in the central Brazilian Amazon, we found that species richness and diversity were higher closer to the forest edge and decreased further away. The composition of the mosquito community also changed significantly within the first 500 meters. Environmental variables associated with the occurrence of key mosquito taxa were identified.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Felipe Murta, Eleanor Strand, Altair Seabra de Farias, Felipe Rocha, Alicia Cacau Santos, Evellyn Antonieta Tome Rondon, Ana Paula Silva de Oliveira, Hiran Satiro Souza da Gama, Yasmim Vieira Rocha, Gisele dos Santos Rocha, Mena Ferreira, Vinicius Azevedo Machado, Marcus Lacerda, Manuela Pucca, Felipe Cerni, Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci, Anna Tupetz, Charles J. Gerardo, Ana Maria Moura-da-Silva, Fan Hui Wen, Jacqueline Sachett, Wuelton Monteiro
Summary: Research has found that snakebite envenomations are a significant problem for indigenous populations in the Brazilian Amazon. However, little research has been conducted on how indigenous peoples access and utilize the health system for snakebite treatment. The study suggests that decentralizing antivenom to local health units and providing additional resources can improve patient care, while further research is needed on preparing healthcare professionals to work in intercultural contexts.
Article
Immunology
Camila Fabbri, Glenda Quaresma Ramos, Djane Clarys Baia-da-Silva, Alexandre Oliveira Trindade, Luis Carlos Salazar-Alvarez, Juliana Costa Ferreira Neves, Ivanildes dos Santos Bastos, Allyson Guimaraes Costa, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes Lacerda, Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro, Fabio Trindade Maranhao Costa, Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of methylene blue (MB) against the asexual and sexual forms of Plasmodium vivax. The results showed that MB had high efficacy against the asexual stages and demonstrated some inhibition in the sexual forms. These findings suggest that MB may be a potential drug for the treatment of vivax malaria.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Luis Carlos Salazar Alvarez, Vanessa Carneiro Barbosa, Omaira Vera Lizcano, Djane Clarys Baia da Silva, Rosa Amelia Goncalves Santana, Camila Fabbri, Paulo Filemon Paoluci Pimenta, Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro, Letusa Albrecht, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes de Lacerda, Fabio Trindade Maranhao Costa, Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes
Summary: Plasmodium vivax is the most common type of malaria outside sub-Saharan Africa, and its ability to adhere to cells, form rosettes, and develop in the liver can impact treatment and disease control. In this study, we used ex vivo methods to evaluate the rosetting capacity of P. vivax gametocytes and investigated its effect on infection in the mosquito vector Anopheles aquasalis. We found a high frequency of cytoadhesive phenomena and a positive correlation between rosetting and infection rate and intensity in the mosquito. Disruption of rosette formation resulted in lower infection rates and intensities.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giselle da Silva Duarte, Alexandra Jones, Luciano Pamplona de Goes Cavalcanti, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Guilherme Ribeiro, Rosemary Boyton, Dhelio Batista Pereira, Julio Henrique Rosa Croda, Fabio Trindade Maranhao Costa, Angela Pinto Duarte, Marcia Edilaine Lopes Consolaro, Rodrigo Guerino Stabeli, Fabio Juliano Negrao, Jose Luiz Proenca-Modena, Juan Miguel Villalobos-Salcedo, Geraldo da Rocha Castelar Pinheiro, Amanda Pinheiro de Barros Albuquerque, Francisca Kalline de Almeida Barreto, Jose Moreira, Idalina Cristina Ferrari, Patricia Martinez Evora, Vania Ramos Sela da Silva, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes Lacerda, Daniel Altmann, REPLICK Network, Andre M. Siqueira
Summary: This study is the largest evaluation of the long-term sequelae of individuals infected with CHIKV in the Brazilian population, focusing on musculoskeletal manifestations, mental health, quality of life, and chronic pain. The aim of this study is to better understand the disease burden and costs associated with CHIKV infection and to inform therapeutic guidelines.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alice O. Andrade, Najara Akira C. Santos, Alessandra S. Bastos, Jose Daniel C. Pontual, Cristiane S. Araujo, Analice S. Lima, Leandro N. Martinez, Amalia S. Ferreira, Anna Caroline C. Aguiar, Carolina B. G. Teles, Rafael V. C. Guido, Rosa A. Santana, Stefanie C. P. Lopes, Jansen F. Medeiros, Zaira Rizopoulos, Joseph M. Vinetz, Brice Campo, Marcus Vinicius G. Lacerda, Maisa S. Araujo
Summary: Obtaining Plasmodium vivax sporozoites is crucial for understanding parasite biology, drug development, and vaccine production. However, obtaining sufficient numbers of sporozoites has been challenging. This study found that adding a combination of serum replacement and antibiotics to the membrane-feeding protocol and using a simple centrifugation method can significantly improve sporozoite production.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cesar Camilo Prado Sepulveda, Rodrigo Maciel Alencar, Rosa Amelia Santana, Igor Belem de Souza, Gigliola Mayra Ayres D'Elia, Raquel Soares Maia Godoy, Ana Paula Duarte, Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes de Lacerda, Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro, Rafael Nacif-Pimenta, Nagila Francinete Costa Secundino, Leonardo Barbosa Koerich, Paulo Filemon Paolucci Pimenta
Summary: Anophelines, the vectors of malaria, were studied to understand their immune response genes and explore potential methods for controlling malaria. The Anopheles aquasalis genome provided new information about the evolution of immune response genes. The study revealed differences in pathogen recognition and modulation genes, while genes related to the expression of effectors and reactive oxygen species production were more conserved. These findings are important for understanding and controlling malaria in the New World.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Wondimagegn Adissu, Marcelo Brito, Eduardo Garbin, Marcela Macedo, Wuelton Monteiro, Sandip Kumar Mukherjee, Jane Myburg, Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Germana Bancone, Pooja Bansil, Sampa Pal, Abhijit Sharma, Stephanie Zobrist, Andrew Bryan, Cindy S. Chu, Santasabuj Das, Gonzalo J. Domingo, Amanda Hann, James Kublin, Marcus V. G. Lacerda, Mark Layton, Benedikt Ley, Sean C. Murphy, Francois Nosten, Dhelio Pereira, Ric N. Price, Arunansu Talukdar, Daniel Yilma, Emily Gerth-Guyette
Summary: The study pooled data from clinical studies conducted in different countries to evaluate the performance of the STANDARD G6PD Test. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity in capillary and venous specimens, making it a reliable tool to guide the treatment of antimalarial drugs.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Naira Sulany Oliveira de Sousa, Juan Diego Ribeiro de Almeida, Hagen Frickmann, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes Lacerda, Joao Vicente Braga de Souza
Summary: There is a limited antifungal repertoire for the treatment of cryptococcal infections, and new alternatives are needed. Fluconazole, although widely available and harmless, leads to resistance and frequent relapses. This review discusses the search for new drugs that can kill the yeast and bypass its virulence mechanism.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Claudia Cristina de Aguiar Pereira, Thiago Silva Torres, Paula Mendes Luz, Brenda Hoagland, Alessandro Farias, Jose David Urbaez Brito, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes Lacerda, Daila Alena Raenck Silva, Marcos Benedetti, Maria Cristina Pimenta, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Valdilea Goncalves Veloso
Summary: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Latin America are disproportionately affected by HIV infection. This study assessed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) preferences among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) and identified important attributes and levels for PrEP uptake and adherence. The results showed that higher HIV protection, no side effects, and presentation (injectable or implant) were the most important factors in PrEP preferences.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Veronica Diniz Rocha, Larissa W. Brasil, Erika de Oliveira Gomes, Ricardo Khouri, Gilcivaldo de Jesus Ferreira, Beatriz Vasconcelos, Marcela de Sa Gouveia, Thais Souza Santos, Mitermayer G. Reis, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes Lacerda
Summary: Coinfection of severe malaria and COVID-19 was observed in a non-malaria-endemic region, posing challenges in differential diagnosis. A female patient, aged 44, presented with malaise, fever, hypotension, jaundice, and enlarged liver and spleen. COVID-19 coinfection was confirmed by positive reverse transcription-quantitative PCR results, while Plasmodium vivax infection was confirmed by positive rapid tests, microscopy, and quantitative PCR.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Raimunda Sandra Pacheco Souza, Monique F. dos Reis, Luiz Carlos de Lima Ferreira, Manuela C. Morais, Antonio Kassio S. Lima, Laila Rowena Albuquerque Barbosa, Gisely Cardoso de Melo, Marcus Vinicius Guimaraes de Lacerda
Summary: The study successfully standardized a method for extracting P. vivax DNA from splenic histological slices, with positive results in the control sample. However, all 200 samples tested were negative for Plasmodium sp. DNA but positive for human DNA.