Article
Immunology
Benjamin Abuaku, Paul Boateng, Nana Yaw Peprah, Alexander Asamoah, Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie, Sena Adzoa Matrevi, Eunice Obeng Amoako, Neils Quashie, Felicia Owusu-Antwi, Keziah Laurencia Malm, Kwadwo Ansah Koram
Summary: In 2020, DHAP was adopted as a second-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of DHAP using a 42-day follow-up schedule and PCR genotyping in three malaria sentinel sites. The results showed high efficacy of DHAP, with a national average of 97.0% (95% CI: 93.4 - 98.8). This data will serve as a baseline for future DHAP efficacy studies in Ghana.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
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
Summary: In pregnant women living with HIV, the use of efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces the plasma exposure of piperaquine. However, coadministration of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and dolutegravir-based ART can increase the overall piperaquine exposure without affecting its maximum concentration. This finding suggests that the efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine will be retained in pregnant women on dolutegravir.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Emma Hughes, Erika Wallender, Richard Kajubi, Prasanna Jagannathan, Teddy Ochieng, Abel Kakuru, Moses R. Kamya, Tamara D. Clark, Philip J. Rosenthal, Grant Dorsey, Francesca Aweeka, Radojka M. Savic
Summary: This study found that repeated use of DHA-PQ does not increase the risk of QTc prolongation, and the QTc intervals decrease progressively after drug administration.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Nelli Westercamp, Mary Owidhi, Kephas Otieno, Winnie Chebore, Ann M. Buff, Meghna Desai, Simon Kariuki, Aaron M. Samuels
Summary: The study compared the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The results showed that both AL and DP were efficacious and well tolerated, but the efficacy of AL appeared to be waning.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chris Ebong, Asadu Sserwanga, Jane Frances Namuganga, James Kapisi, Arthur Mpimbaza, Samuel Gonahasa, Victor Asua, Sam Gudoi, Ruth Kigozi, James Tibenderana, John Bosco Bwanika, Agaba Bosco, Denis Rubahika, Daniel Kyabayinze, Jimmy Opigo, Damian Rutazana, Gloria Sebikaari, Kassahun Belay, Mame Niang, Eric S. Halsey, Leah F. Moriarty, Naomi W. Lucchi, Samaly S. Svigel Souza, Sam L. Nsobya, Moses R. Kamya, Adoke Yeka
Summary: In Uganda, DP remains highly effective and safe for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria, while monitoring of AL efficacy shows recurrent infections.
Article
Microbiology
Makoto Saito, Widi Yotyingaphiram, Zillah Cargill, Mary Ellen Gilder, Aung Myat Min, Aung Pyae Phyo, Thi Dar San, Hilda Poe, Cindy Chu, Nicholas J. White, Francois Nosten, Rose McGready
Summary: Quinoline antimalarials can cause drug-induced QT prolongation, with different effects observed for different antimalarial drugs in pregnant women with malaria. However, none of the antimalarial drug treatments exceeded conventional thresholds for an increased risk of torsade de pointes in pregnant women.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Cindy S. Chu, James A. Watson, Aung Pyae Phyo, Htun Htun Win, Widi Yotyingaphiram, Suradet Thinraow, Nay Lin Soe, Aye Aye Aung, Pornpimon Wilaisrisak, Kanokpich Kraft, Mallika Imwong, Warunee Hanpithakpong, Daniel Blessborn, Joel Tarning, Stephane Proux, Clare Ling, Francois H. Nosten, Nicholas J. White
Summary: Young children have lower exposure to primaquine and carboxyprimaquine as well as lower levels of methemoglobinemia compared to adults, suggesting they may need higher weight-adjusted primaquine doses than adults.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Pere Millat-Martinez, Sam Salman, Brioni R. Moore, Barbara Baro, Madhu Page-Sharp, Kevin T. Batty, Leanne J. Robinson, William Pomat, Harin Karunajeewa, Moses Laman, Laurens Manning, Oriol Mitja, Quique Bassat
Summary: Mass drug administration (MDA) with monthly dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQP) is effective in malaria control and elimination. A study found that consecutive use of piperaquine phosphate has minimal impact on QT interval prolongation, indicating the safety of the drug at standard doses.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Omary Mashiku Minzi, Rajabu Hussein Mnkugwe, Eliford Ngaimisi, Safari Kinung'hi, Anna Hansson, Anton Pohanka, Appolinary Kamuhabwa, Eleni Aklillu
Summary: The study found that co-administration of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine significantly increases systemic exposure of praziquantel, which may contribute to the increased effectiveness of praziquantel + dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine combination therapy compared to praziquantel alone in treating schistosomiasis.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Dawit Getachew Assefa, Gizachew Yismaw, Eyasu Makonnen
Summary: Both DHA-PQ and AL were effective in reducing gametocyte carriage, but DHA-PQ showed a significant increase in serum haemoglobin levels compared to AL on days 28 and 42, indicating a greater impact on haemoglobin recovery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cora M. Best, Robert Sherwood, Janet A. Novotny, Sheng Zhang, Eva K. Pressman, Kimberly O. O'Brien
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the kinetics of vitamin D in pregnant and non-pregnant women using stable isotopes. The results showed that pregnant women had a longer half-life of 25(OH)D-3 and a positive correlation between AUC of d3-25(OH)D-3 and serum DBP concentration.
JOURNAL OF STEROID BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Kurt E. Ward, David A. Fidock, Jessica L. Bridgford
Summary: Multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites pose a major threat to public health in intertropical regions. Understanding the mechanisms, origins, and spread of resistance can guide strategies to reduce the global burden of malaria. This review summarizes recent advances in elucidating the mechanistic basis of artemisinin resistance and resistance to partner drugs.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yuewu Xie, Yunrui Zhang, Huixiang Liu, Jie Xing
Summary: This study investigated the metabolic interconversion of piperaquine (PQ) and its N-oxide metabolite in vitro and in mice, indicating that it contributes to but may not significantly prolong PQ's elimination in humans. Enzyme phenotyping showed a low possibility of interaction of PQ during artemisinin drug-based combination therapy treatment.
DRUG METABOLISM AND DISPOSITION
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Huynh Hong Quang, Marina Chavchich, Nguyen Thi Minh Trinh, Kimberly A. Edgel, Michael D. Edstein, Nicholas J. Martin
Summary: Resistance to dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine has spread to southwestern Vietnam through the Greater Mekong Subregion. The presence of mutations in Pfkelch13 C580Y and multiple plasmepsin 2/3 genes in P. falciparum isolates collected from the Central Highlands highlights the urgency of drug policy decisions in Vietnam.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fanny Arcelia, Ayodhia Pitaloka Pasaribu, Gema Nazri Yanni
Summary: A cohort prospective study in Indonesia found that the artemisinin-based combination therapy, Dihydroartemisin-piperaquine (DHP), is still highly effective and safe in treating vivax malaria, with a 100% cure rate at 28 days of observation.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xin Hui S. Chan, Palang Chotsiri, Rebecca A. Capel, James Pike, Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn, Sue J. Lee, Maryam Hanafiah, Yan Naung Win, Maegan A. Cremer, Jean-Rene Kiechel, Bernhards Ogutu, Walter R. J. Taylor, Rebecca-Ann B. Burton, Joel Tarning, Nicholas J. White
Summary: Amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine have concentration-dependent effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and ventricular repolarization.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
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
Hein Nyi Maung, Kyaw Thet Aung, Thae Maung Maung, Aung Pyae Phyo, Khin Hnin Pwint, Moe Moe Aye, Nguyen Thi Thuy Hanh
Summary: This study aims to describe the prevalence of secondhand smoke (SHS) among pregnant women and the factors associated with SHS exposure. Out of 407 participants, the prevalence of SHS exposure was 65.4%. The findings highlight the importance of establishing smoke-free environments through community guidance programs, policies, and interventions, as well as conducting behavioral interventions for smokers, especially to avoid SHS for pregnant women.
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
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)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ahmar Hashmi, Mu Chae Darakamon, Ko Ko Aung, Mu Mu, Prapatsorn Misa, Podjanee Jittamala, Cindy Chu, Aung Pyae Phyo, Claudia Turner, Francois Nosten, Rose McGready, Verena I. I. Carrara
Summary: This study examined the care and outcomes of preterm neonates in a special care baby unit (SCBU) along the Myanmar-Thailand border. The study found significant reductions in neonatal mortality rates and identified implementation factors that impact the delivery of evidence-based care, such as financial issues and social support systems.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Makoto Saito, Aung Pyae Phyo, Cindy Chu, Stephane Proux, Marcus J. Rijken, Candy Beau, Htun Htun Win, Laypaw Archasuksan, Jacher Wiladphaingern, Nguyen H. Phu, Tran T. Hien, Nick P. Day, Arjen M. Dondorp, Nicholas J. White, Francois Nosten, Rose Mcgready
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors predicting higher maternal mortality and describe the fetal mortality and morbidity associated with severe falciparum malaria in pregnancy. Coma, hypotension, and respiratory failure were associated with maternal mortality. Maternal death, fetal loss, and preterm birth commonly occurred within a week of severe malaria diagnosis.
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
Navaporn Posayapisit, Jutharat Pengon, Philip J. Shaw, Chairat Uthaipibull, Darin Kongkasuriyachai, Aung Pyae Phyo, Francois Nosten, Yongyuth Yuthavong, Sumalee Kamchonwongpaisan
Summary: The effectiveness of antimalarial drug P218 against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum is still uncertain, despite its efficacy against other drug-resistant parasites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Amy Ibrahim, Emilia Manko, Jamille G. Dombrowski, Monica Campos, Ernest Diez Benavente, Debbie Nolder, Colin J. Sutherland, Francois Nosten, Diana Fernandez, Gabriel Velez-Tobon, Alberto Tobon Castano, Anna Caroline C. Aguiar, Dhelio Batista Pereira, Simone da Silva Santos, Martha Suarez-Mutis, Silvia Maria Di Santi, Andrea Regina de Souza Baptista, Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado, Claudio R. F. Marinho, Taane G. Clark, Susana Campino
Summary: Through whole genome sequencing of P. vivax isolates from 7 Brazilian states, researchers have identified distinct genetic diversity of P. vivax parasites in Brazil compared to other global regions. They have also discovered mutations in genes under selective pressure linked to antimalarial drugs and mosquito vectors. This study provides important insights into the population structure of P. vivax in Brazil and can inform future research and control measures.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sean Cavany, Stella Nanyonga, Cathrin Hauk, Cherry Lim, Joel Tarning, Benn Sartorius, Christiane Dolecek, Celine Caillet, Paul N. Newton, Ben S. Cooper
Summary: Approximately 10% of antimicrobials used in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified, which can potentially impact antimicrobial resistance levels. Our understanding of this relationship is limited, and further research is needed to understand how different drug exposures affect resistance emergence and spread, as well as the distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients in substandard and falsified medicines.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(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.