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
Veterinary Sciences
Ram Das, Kapil Vashisht, Kailash C. Pandey
Summary: A novel multiplex qPCR assay was developed to detect non-human malaria parasites in Indian populations at risk. The assay showed high specificity and sensitivity, making it a valuable tool for mass screening and surveillance programs, aiming to control and eliminate malaria from India by 2030.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Melissa D. Conrad, Victor Asua, Shreeya Garg, David Giesbrecht, Karamoko Niare, Sawyer Smith, Jane F. Namuganga, Thomas Katairo, Jennifer Legac, Rebecca M. Crudale, Patrick K. Tumwebaze, Samuel L. Nsobya, Roland A. Cooper, Moses R. Kamya, Grant Dorsey, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Philip J. Rosenthal
Summary: This study identified multifocal emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum with partial resistance to artemisinins in Uganda. The emergence and spread of resistance were predominantly observed in areas where effective malaria control had been discontinued or transmission was unstable.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Romeo Karl Imboumy-Limoukou, Jean-Claude Biteghe-Bi-Essone, Judicael Boris Lendongo Wombo, Sonia Etenna Lekana-Douki, Virginie Rougeron, Steede-Seinnat Ontoua, Lydie Sandrine Oyegue-Liabagui, Cherone Nancy Mbani Mpega Ntigui, Lady Charlene Kouna, Jean-Bernard Lekana-Douki
Summary: Due to the difficulty of obtaining blood samples, alternative non-invasive diagnostic sampling methods for the detection of Plasmodium spp. are needed. Saliva and stool samples contain trace amounts of Plasmodium DNA, but their detection rate is lower compared to blood samples. Therefore, they cannot be considered as alternatives to current blood-based malaria detection processes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brendan Fries, Carlos A. Guerra, Guillermo A. Garcia, Sean L. Wu, Jordan M. Smith, Jeremias Nzamio Mba Oyono, Olivier T. Donfack, Jose Osa Osa Nfumu, Simon Hay, David L. Smith, Andrew J. Dolgert
Summary: Different population layers performed differently in matching the gold standard distribution at different population densities. Choosing the appropriate population map has a significant impact on burden estimates in a malaria model.
Article
Parasitology
Abel Cruz Camacho, Edo Kiper, Sonia Oren, Nir Zaharoni, Netta Nir, Noam Soffer, Yael Noy, Bar Ben David, Anna Rivkin, Ron Rotkopf, Dan Michael, Teresa G. Carvalho, Neta Regev-Rudzki
Summary: A high-throughput RT-qPCR platform was developed to investigate gene expression changes of Plasmodium falciparum during its lifecycle in the human host. The study found that the antimalarial drug dihydroartemisinin and choline significantly altered gene expression patterns and developmental rate of the parasites. In addition, lactate and kynurenic acid were identified as potential regulators of sexual differentiation in malaria parasites. This research expands our understanding of gene expression changes during sexual differentiation.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Theresa Reiker, Monica Golumbeanu, Andrew Shattock, Lydia Burgert, Thomas A. Smith, Sarah Filippi, Ewan Cameron, Melissa A. Penny
Summary: Individual-based models are essential in the global fight against infectious diseases, but the complexity of the models can pose challenges for calibration. The authors propose using a Bayesian optimization framework to calibrate a complex malaria transmission simulator, resulting in improved fitting outcomes compared to previous calibrations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Lorenz M. Hofer, Prisca A. Kweyamba, Rajabu M. Sayi, Mohamed S. Chabo, Sonali L. Maitra, Sarah J. Moore, Mgeni M. Tambwe
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), light microscopy (LM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in detecting asymptomatic malaria infections that can transmit to mosquitoes. The results showed that mRDT detected the highest infection rate, while subpatent mRDT infections contributed marginally to the pool of oocyts-infected mosquitoes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chawarat Rotejanaprasert, Saranath Lawpoolsri, Patiwat Sa-angchai, Amnat Khamsiriwatchara, Chantana Padungtod, Rungrawee Tipmontree, Lynette Menezes, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Liwang Cui, Jaranit Kaewkungwal
Summary: Thailand aims to eliminate malaria by 2024 in its national strategic plan. A study used the Thailand malaria surveillance database to develop spatiotemporal models, analyzing past patterns and predicting malaria incidences at the provincial level. The study results showed different predictions for Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, suggesting the possibility of eliminating P. falciparum by 2024 but not P. vivax. Innovative approaches are needed for P. vivax-specific control and elimination plans to make Thailand malaria-free.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
James A. Watson, Sophie Uyoga, Perpetual Wanjiku, Johnstone Makale, Gideon M. Nyutu, Neema Mturi, Elizabeth C. George, Charles J. Woodrow, Nicholas P. J. Day, Philip Bejon, Robert O. Opoka, Arjen M. Dondorp, Chandy C. John, Kathryn Maitland, Thomas N. Williams, Nicholas J. White
Summary: Severe malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is difficult to accurately diagnose in children in high-transmission settings. A combination of platelet count and plasma PfHRP2 concentration can be used to identify severe falciparum malaria in severely ill patients. About one-third of children enrolled in clinical studies of severe malaria in high-transmission settings in Africa had other causes of their severe illness.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jan Stephan Wichers-Misterek, Annika M. Binder, Paolo Mesen-Ramirez, Lilian Patrick Dorner, Soraya Safavi, Gwendolin Fuchs, Tobias L. Lenz, Anna Bachmann, Danny Wilson, Friedrich Frischknecht, Tim-Wolf Gilberger
Summary: The unique three-membrane pellicle is a key feature driving the transition between different life cycle stages of the malaria parasite. A novel subpellicular microtubule-associated protein, SPM3, was identified in the genus Plasmodium. Knockout of this protein resulted in malformed gametocytes and aberrant microtubules in Plasmodium falciparum, while in Plasmodium berghei, it caused perturbed microtubule architecture, aberrant sporozoite motility, and decreased transmission efficiency.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yonas Yimam, Mehdi Mohebali, Mohammad Javad Abbaszadeh Afshar
Summary: This study compared the diagnostic performance of a new ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic test (us-RDT) and a conventional rapid diagnostic test (co-RDT) for detecting malaria. The results showed that us-RDT had higher sensitivity, especially in asymptomatic individuals and low transmission areas.
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.
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)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jui A. Shah
Summary: This commentary reviews the success factors for Thailand to achieve zero malaria, focusing on effective surveillance, and discusses other measures needed to reach the goal on time.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Logan Stuck, Aimee-Claire van Haaster, Pascalina Kapata-Chanda, Eveline Klinkenberg, Nathan Kapata, Frank Cobelens
Summary: The commonly used definition of subclinical tuberculosis lacks sensitivity to individuals with other tuberculosis symptoms, posing limitations for surveillance and control measures.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
John B. Keven, Michelle Katusele, Rebecca Vinit, Daniela Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Manuel W. Hetzel, Leanne J. Robinson, Moses Laman, Stephan Karl, Edward D. Walker
Summary: A malaria control programme in Papua New Guinea, which involved distribution of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets and artemisinin combination therapy, resulted in significant reductions in vector abundance and malaria transmission intensity. However, a study conducted seven years later showed a reversal of these reductions to some extent.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Myo T. Naung, Elijah Martin, Jacob Munro, Somya Mehra, Andrew J. Guy, Moses Laman, G. L. Abby Harrison, Livingstone Tavul, Manuel Hetzel, Dominic Kwiatkowski, Ivo Mueller, Melanie Bahlo, Alyssa E. Barry
Summary: Investigation of the diversity of malaria parasite antigens can help prioritize and validate them as vaccine candidates and identify the most common variants for inclusion in vaccine formulations. This study analyzed the global diversity and population structure of leading vaccine candidate antigens of Plasmodium falciparum using a large dataset of genomes. The analysis showed that current malaria vaccine formulations may have limited efficacy due to their focus on rare haplotypes and the high levels of diversity in the parasite antigens. The study provides important insights for the design of the next generation of malaria vaccines.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aurel Holzschuh, Cristian Koepfli
Summary: This study compared the effect of different blood sample preservation methods on the limit of detection and DNA recovery for molecular diagnosis. The results showed that whole blood had higher DNA recovery and lower limit of detection compared to dried blood spots. Magnetic bead-based and Tween-Chelex methods were found to be effective for DNA extraction.
Article
Biology
Claudia A. Vera-Arias, Aurel Holzschuh, Colins O. Oduma, Kingsley Badu, Mutala Abdul-Hakim, Joshua Yukich, Manuel W. Hetzel, Bakar S. Fakih, Abdullah Ali, Marcelo U. Ferreira, Simone Ladeia-Andrade, Fabian E. Saenz, Yaw Afrane, Endalew Zemene, Delenasaw Yewhalaw, James W. Kazura, Guiyun Yan, Cristian Koepfli
Summary: A novel assay for molecular surveillance of hrp2/hrp3 deletions was developed based on droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). The assay was able to accurately quantify hrp2, hrp3, and a control gene. A comparison with the conventional nested PCR (nPCR) assay showed that ddPCR had a higher accuracy in detecting hrp2 deletions. Screening of 830 samples from different locations revealed pronounced differences in the prevalence of hrp2 and hrp3 deletions.
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Manuel W. Hetzel, Phyllis Awor, Antoinette Tshefu, Elizabeth Omoluabi, Christian Burri, Aita Signorell, Mark J. Lambiris, Theodoor Visser, Justin M. Cohen, Valentina Buj, Christian Lengeler
Summary: Pre-referral rectal artesunate treatment can save the lives of children with severe malaria, but the success is hindered by inadequate continuity of care. Improving the entire continuum of care is necessary for the implementation of pre-referral rectal artesunate.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Aatreyee M. Das, Manuel W. Hetzel, Joshua O. Yukich, Logan Stuck, Bakar S. Fakih, Abdul-wahid H. Al-mafazy, Abdullah Ali, Nakul Chitnis
Summary: This study uses a metapopulation model to examine the role of human mobility and reactive case detection in the persistence of malaria on Zanzibar. The findings suggest that malaria would likely cease to persist on the island without imported cases from mainland Tanzania. The study also explores potential intervention scenarios but finds that none of them are sufficient to eliminate malaria.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Manuel W. W. Hetzel, Jean Okitawutshu, Antoinette Tshefu, Elizabeth Omoluabi, Phyllis Awor, Aita Signorell, Marek Kwiatkowski, Mark J. J. Lambiris, Theodoor Visser, Justin M. M. Cohen, Valentina Buj, Christian Burri, Christian Lengeler
Summary: Severe malaria is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent treatment. A clinical trial showed that pre-referral rectal artesunate (RAS) increased the chance of survival in children. However, the real-world implementation of pre-referral RAS in African countries did not have the same protective effect, highlighting the importance of addressing health system shortcomings.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aita W. Signorell, Phyllis Awor, Jean Okitawutshu, Antoinette Tshefu, Elizabeth Omoluabi, Manuel Hetzel, Proscovia K. Athieno, Joseph Kimera, Gloria Tumukunde, Irene Angiro, Jean-Claude Kalenga, Babatunde T. Akano, Kazeem C. Ayodeji, Charles J. Okon, Ocheche Yusuf, Giulia Delvento, Tristan Lee, Nina Brunner, Mark G. Lambiris, James Okuma, Nadja Cereghetti, Valentina Buj, Theodoor Visser, Harriet Napier, Christian Lengeler, Christian Burri
Summary: This study aimed to assess compliance with the recommended treatment for severe malaria in children under 5 years old. The findings showed that directly observed treatment was often incomplete, posing a high risk for partial parasite clearance and disease recurrence. Strict compliance with the WHO guidelines for severe malaria treatment is critical to effectively manage the disease and further reduce child mortality.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jean Okitawutshu, Antoinette Tshefu, Jean-Claude Kalenga, Giulia Delvento, Christian Burri, Manuel W. Hetzel, Christian Lengeler, Aita Signorell
Summary: In remote communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, malaria remains a major problem. Improving the recognition of danger signs of severe disease and introducing pre-referral Rectal Artesunate (RAS) may improve treatment-seeking and contribute to reducing malaria-related mortality among children-if quality of care can be guaranteed.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aatreyee M. Das, Manuel W. Hetzel, Joshua O. Yukich, Logan Stuck, Bakar S. Fakih, Abdul-Wahid H. Al-mafazy, Abdullah Ali, Nakul Chitnis
Summary: This study used a stochastic metapopulation model to test the impact of new interventions on malaria transmission in Zanzibar. They found that despite high case importation rates, the majority of new cases were indigenous. Increasing the coverage of interventions such as reactive case detection can lead to substantial decreases in malaria incidence, but transmission reduction in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania is necessary for elimination within the next 40 years.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aurel Holzschuh, Anita Lerch, Inna Gerlovina, Bakar S. Fakih, Abdul-wahid H. Al-mafazy, Erik J. Reaves, Abdullah Ali, Faiza Abbas, Mohamed Haji Ali, Mohamed Ali Ali, Manuel W. Hetzel, Joshua Yukich, Cristian Koepfli
Summary: A highly multiplexed PCR sequencing method was developed to investigate the genetic structure of malaria parasites in Zanzibar, providing actionable insights for malaria elimination efforts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Logan Stuck, Frank Chacky, Charles Festo, Angelina Lutambi, Ramadhani Abdul, George Greer, Renata Mandike, Rose Nathan, Ester Elisaria, Joshua Yukich
Summary: This research evaluated the School Net Programme (SNP) in Tanzania and found that the programme successfully maintained population-level ownership, use, and access to long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN). SNP reached wealthier households with children enrolled in school, but alternative delivery strategies may be needed to reach households without school-aged children.
HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING
(2022)