Review
Immunology
Mariette E. van der Watt, Janette Reader, Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
Summary: This article discusses the complex life cycle of Plasmodium parasites in humans and Anopheles vectors, emphasizing the unique role of gametocytes in the transmission process and the importance of transmission-blocking antimalarials.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jordache Ramjith, Manon Alkema, John Bradley, Alassane Dicko, Chris Drakeley, Will Stone, Teun Bousema
Summary: Malaria transmission depends on the presence of mature Plasmodium transmission stages. Transmission-blocking antimalarial drugs and vaccines can prevent transmission by reducing gametocyte densities or infectivity to mosquitos. This online tool helps researchers calculate the sample size to detect reductions in mosquito infection rate or infection burden.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Sudhir Kumar, Biley A. Abatiyow, Meseret T. Haile, Kenza M. Z. Oualim, Amanda S. Leeb, Ashley M. Vaughan, Stefan H. I. Kappe
Summary: The study reveals that PfMaCFET is a critical female-contributed factor for parasite transmission from the human host to the mosquito vector.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Surafel K. Tebeje, Wakweya Chali, Elifaged Hailemeskel, Jordache Ramjith, Abrham Gashaw, Temesgen Ashine, Desalegn Nebret, Endashaw Esayas, Tadele Emiru, Tizita Tsegaye, Karina Teelen, Kjerstin Lanke, Eizo Takashima, Takafumi Tsuboi, Nichole D. Salinas, Niraj H. Tolia, David Narum, Chris Drakeley, Benoit Witkowski, Amelie Vantaux, Matthijs M. Jore, William J. R. Stone, Ivo S. Hansen, Fitsum G. Tadesse, Teun Bousema
Summary: This study investigated the association between antibody prevalence and the infectivity of Plasmodium vivax to mosquitoes. The results showed that antibodies against Pvs47, Pvs230, and Pvs25 were significantly associated with a reduction in mosquito infection rates. Further research can help establish causality and contribute to our understanding of P. vivax transmission and vaccine development.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Harouna M. Soumare, Wamdaogo Moussa Guelbeogo, Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Zongo Soumanaba, Alphonse Ouedraogo, Maurice S. Ouattara, Ahmad Abdullahi, Lamin Jadama, Muhammed M. Camara, Pa Modou Gaye, Michael Mendy, Nwakanma Davis, Alfred B. Tiono, Umberto D'Alessandro, Chris Drakeley, Teun Bousema, Marta Moreno, Katharine A. Collins
Summary: The study established the optimal method for storing and transporting gametocyte-infected blood using cultured Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes and direct membrane feeding assays in the field. Short-term and long-term temperature changes had minimal impact on the infectivity of gametocytes.
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
Immunology
Elamaran Meibalan, Aissata Barry, Matthew P. Gibbins, Shehu Awandu, Lisette Meerstein-Kessel, Fiona Achcar, Selina Bopp, Christopher Moxon, Amidou Diarra, Siaka Debe, Nicolas Ouedraogo, Ines Barry-Some, Emilie S. Badoum, Traore Fagnima, Kjerstin Lanke, Bronner P. Goncalves, John Bradley, Dyann Wirth, Chris Drakeley, Wamdaogo Moussa Guelbeogo, Alfred B. Tiono, Matthias Marti, Teun Bousema
Summary: The study suggests that there is no significant skin sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. Gametocyte densities in peripheral blood can be used to predict the potential transmission to mosquitoes, aiding in targeting and monitoring malaria elimination initiatives. Although more mosquitoes were infected when feeding directly on skin, concentrations of gametocytes in subdermal skin vasculature were not higher than in other blood compartments.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
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
Janette Reader, Mariette E. van der Watt, Lyn-Marie Birkholtz
Summary: This study optimized a simple and cost-effective strategy for describing the stage-specific action of antimalarial compounds against different developmental stages of the malaria parasite.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Brian R. Omondi, Michelle K. Muthui, William Muasya, Benedict Orindi, Ramadhan S. Mwakubambanya, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley, Kevin Marsh, Philip Bejon, Melissa C. Kapulu
Summary: The study found that IgG responses to crude gametocyte extract may not be an independent predictor of gametocyte carriage after adjusting for AMA1 responses, but they could predict gametocyte carriage as a proxy marker of exposure to parasites. Serological responses to AMA1 or gametocyte extract may help identify individuals in populations who contribute to malaria transmission and support the implementation of transmission-blocking interventions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marga van de Vegte-bolmer, Wouter Graumans, Rianne Stoter, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Robert Sauerwein, Katharine A. Collins, Teun Bousema
Summary: This study aimed to identify new culture-adapted transmissible P. falciparum isolates from different geographical locations. Out of 21 isolates tested, nine fulfilled selection criteria and could be transmitted to Anopheles mosquitoes, providing a valuable addition to the malaria research tool box, particularly for studying malaria transmission.
Review
Immunology
Miho Usui, Kim C. Williamson
Summary: Blocking malaria transmission is crucial for malaria control programs, especially in endemic regions with high levels of asymptomatic infections. New strategies targeting the transmissible sexual stages of the parasite, gametocytes, are needed. Research focuses on understanding genes required for gametocyte production and identifying unanswered questions, as well as utilizing tools to address these issues.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Manon Alkema, Isaie J. Reuling, Gerdie M. de Jong, Kjerstin Lanke, Luc E. Coffeng, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer, Quirijn de Mast, Reinout van Crevel, Karen Ivinson, Christian F. Ockenhouse, James S. McCarthy, Robert Sauerwein, Katharine A. Collins, Teun Bousema
Summary: The study found that the method of infection through mosquito bites or induced blood-stage malaria has a significant impact on gametocyte production, despite similar asexual parasite densities. The findings suggest that induced blood-stage malaria may be more conducive to gametocyte production compared to mosquito bites.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Domonbabele F. D. S. Hien, Prisca S. L. Pare, Amanda Cooper, Benjamin K. Koama, Edwige Guissou, Koudraogo B. Yameogo, Rakiswende S. Yerbanga, Iain W. Farrell, Jean B. Ouedraogo, Olivier Gnankine, Rickard Ignell, Anna Cohuet, Roch K. Dabire, Philip C. Stevenson, Thierry Lefevre
Summary: The study shows that certain plant compounds in nectar can affect the lifespan of mosquitoes and the infection rate of parasites, but the effects of ricinine at different concentrations vary between the two species of mosquitoes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Xinyu Feng, Jun Feng, Li Zhang, Hong Tu, Zhigui Xia
Summary: Background vector control is crucial in preventing and controlling malaria. This review systematically summarizes the evolution, adjustment, and optimization of vector control strategies towards elimination in China, and discusses the challenges ahead. The tailored and adapted vector control strategies have played a critical role in China's malaria prevention, control, and elimination, and could provide practical reference for other countries in the global effort to eliminate malaria.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Manon Alkema, Isaie J. Reuling, Gerdie M. de Jong, Kjerstin Lanke, Luc E. Coffeng, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer, Quirijn de Mast, Reinout van Crevel, Karen Ivinson, Christian F. Ockenhouse, James S. McCarthy, Robert Sauerwein, Katharine A. Collins, Teun Bousema
Summary: The study found that the method of infection through mosquito bites or induced blood-stage malaria has a significant impact on gametocyte production, despite similar asexual parasite densities. The findings suggest that induced blood-stage malaria may be more conducive to gametocyte production compared to mosquito bites.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Laurent Dembele, Jean-Francois Franetich, Valerie Soulard, Nadia Amanzougaghene, Shahin Tajeri, Teun Bousema, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Roger Le Grand, Nathalie Dereuddre-Bosquet, J. Kevin Baird, Dominique Mazier, Georges Snounou
Summary: This study found that chloroquine can potentiate the activity of 8-aminoquinoline compound primaquine against several malarial parasites in normal primary hepatocytes, but not in a hepatocarcinoma cell line.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Annelies Post, Berenger Kabore, Joel Bognini, Salou Diallo, Palpouguini Lompo, Basile Kam, Natacha Herssens, Fred van Opzeeland, Christa E. van der Gaast-de Jongh, Jeroen D. Langereis, Marien I. de Jonge, Janette Rahamat-Langendoen, Teun Bousema, Heiman Wertheim, Robert W. Sauerwein, Halidou Tinto, Jan Jacobs, Quirijn de Mast, Andre J. van der Ven
Summary: The study evaluated a software algorithm called the Infection Manager System (IMS) for differentiating causes of acute febrile illness, particularly in Burkina Faso. The findings showed that IMS has a high negative predictive value for detecting bacteremia, which may have the potential to improve antibiotic dispensing practices in healthcare facilities.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Brian R. Omondi, Michelle K. Muthui, William Muasya, Benedict Orindi, Ramadhan S. Mwakubambanya, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley, Kevin Marsh, Philip Bejon, Melissa C. Kapulu
Summary: The study found that IgG responses to crude gametocyte extract may not be an independent predictor of gametocyte carriage after adjusting for AMA1 responses, but they could predict gametocyte carriage as a proxy marker of exposure to parasites. Serological responses to AMA1 or gametocyte extract may help identify individuals in populations who contribute to malaria transmission and support the implementation of transmission-blocking interventions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdullahi Ahmad, Aurelia Prom, John Bradley, Mamadou Ndiath, Blessed Etoketim, Mamadou Bah, Jean-Pierre Van Geertruyden, Chris Drakeley, Teun Bousema, Jane Achan, Umberto D'Alessandro
Summary: The study assessed the impact of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and amodiaquine (AQ) on gametocyte carriage in asymptomatic P. falciparum infected children, with no evidence of increased gametocyte carriage before and after SMC treatment.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Harouna M. Soumare, Wamdaogo Moussa Guelbeogo, Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Zongo Soumanaba, Alphonse Ouedraogo, Maurice S. Ouattara, Ahmad Abdullahi, Lamin Jadama, Muhammed M. Camara, Pa Modou Gaye, Michael Mendy, Nwakanma Davis, Alfred B. Tiono, Umberto D'Alessandro, Chris Drakeley, Teun Bousema, Marta Moreno, Katharine A. Collins
Summary: The study established the optimal method for storing and transporting gametocyte-infected blood using cultured Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes and direct membrane feeding assays in the field. Short-term and long-term temperature changes had minimal impact on the infectivity of gametocytes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aissata Barry, John Bradley, Will Stone, Moussa W. Guelbeogo, Kjerstin Lanke, Alphonse Ouedraogo, Issiaka Soulama, Issa Nebie, Samuel S. Serme, Lynn Grignard, Catriona Patterson, Lindsey Wu, Jessica J. Briggs, Owen Janson, Shehu S. Awandu, Mireille Ouedraogo, Casimire W. Tarama, Desire Kargougou, Soumanaba Zongo, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Matthias Marti, Chris Drakeley, Alfred B. Tiono, Teun Bousema
Summary: The study found that in children in Burkina Faso, chronic infections of Plasmodium falciparum have higher gametocyte production and mosquito infectivity. Incident infections typically require treatment before reaching a sufficient density of mature gametocytes to infect mosquitoes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nuno Sepulveda, Lynn Grignard, Jonathan Curry, Laleta Mahey, Guido J. H. Bastiaens, Alfred B. Tiono, Joseph Okebe, Sam A. Coulibaly, Bronner P. Goncalves, Muna Affara, Alphonse Ouedraogo, Edith C. Bougouma, Guillaume S. Sanou, Issa Nebie, Kjerstin Lanke, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Alassane Dicko, Umberto D'Alessandro, Taane G. Clark, Susana Campino, Ingrid Chen, Alice C. Eziefula, Roly Gosling, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley
Summary: The study found that apart from the G6PD A- variant, other G6PD polymorphisms do not play a significant additional role in determining post-treatment hemolysis in individuals treated with low single-dose PQ.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Janeri Froberg, Joshua Gillard, Ria Philipsen, Kjerstin Lanke, Joyce Rust, Diana van Tuijl, Karina Teelen, Teun Bousema, Elles Simonetti, Christa E. van der Gaast-de Jongh, Mariska Bos, Frank J. van Kuppeveld, Berend-Jan Bosch, Marrigje Nabuurs-Franssen, Nannet van der Geest-Blankert, Charlotte van Daal, Martijn A. Huynen, Marien de Jonge, Dimitri A. Diavatopoulos
Summary: Limited research has been done on the role of mucosal immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study finds that mucosal antibody responses are associated with decreased viral load and faster resolution of systemic symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Receptor binding domain and spike protein-specific mucosal antibodies remained elevated up to nine months after symptom onset.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Roos M. de Jong, Lisette Meerstein-Kessel, Dari F. Da, Sandrine Nsango, Joseph D. Challenger, Marga van de Vegte-bolmer, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Elias Duarte, Noam Teyssier, Robert W. Sauerwein, Thomas S. Churcher, Roch K. Dabire, Isabelle Morlais, Emily Locke, Martijn A. Huynen, Teun Bousema, Matthijs M. Jore
Summary: This study investigated the impact of natural genetic diversity on the functional activity of transmission-blocking antibodies. Despite the conserved nature of sexual stage antigens, minor sequence variation can significantly impact the efficacy of transmission-blocking antibodies. The findings support further clinical development of mAb 45.1 and may inform Pfs48/45 vaccine design.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Charles Whittaker, Hannah Slater, Rebecca Nash, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley, Azra C. Ghani, Lucy C. Okell
Summary: The systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that submicroscopic infections predominate in low-transmission settings, with marked geographical variation and the highest proportion in South American surveys and the lowest in west African surveys. The size of the submicroscopic reservoir is influenced by geographical location, historical transmission intensity, demographic structure of the infected population, and the methodology used. In addition, there is a small yet significant influence of seasonality on the prevalence of submicroscopic infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel Ayo, Bakar Odongo, Joseph Omara, Chiara Andolina, Ole Mulder, Sarah G. Staedke, Teun Bousema
Summary: The article presents five cases of Plasmodium malariae infections from Eastern Uganda, which were initially misdiagnosed as P. falciparum. These findings highlight the importance of considering non-falciparum species in clinical malaria cases. In areas with high P. falciparum transmission, non-falciparum malaria cases may be missed due to commonly used rapid diagnostic tests.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marga van de Vegte-bolmer, Wouter Graumans, Rianne Stoter, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Robert Sauerwein, Katharine A. Collins, Teun Bousema
Summary: This study aimed to identify new culture-adapted transmissible P. falciparum isolates from different geographical locations. Out of 21 isolates tested, nine fulfilled selection criteria and could be transmitted to Anopheles mosquitoes, providing a valuable addition to the malaria research tool box, particularly for studying malaria transmission.
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
T. Bousema, J. Cohen, A. Cretu, K. Whitfield
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Fitsum G. Tadesse, Temesgen Ashine, Hiwot Teka, Endashaw Esayas, Louisa A. Messenger, Wakweya Chali, Lisette Meerstein-Kessel, Thomas Walker, Sinknesh Wolde Behaksra, Kjerstin Lanke, Roel Heutink, Claire L. Jeffries, Daniel Abebe Mekonnen, Elifaged Hailemeskel, Surafel K. Tebeje, Temesgen Tafesse, Abrham Gashaw, Tizita Tsegaye, Tadele Emiru, Kigozi Simon, Eyuel Asemahegn Bogale, Gedeon Yohannes, Soriya Kedir, Girma Shumie, Senya Asfer Sabir, Peter Mumba, Dereje Dengela, Jan H. Kolaczinski, Anne Wilson, Thomas S. Churcher, Sheleme Chibsa, Matthew Murphy, Meshesha Balkew, Seth Irish, Chris Drakeley, Endalamaw Gadisa, Teun Bousema
Summary: Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, efficient vectors in parts of Asia and Africa, were found in high numbers in Awash Sebat Kilo, Ethiopia, and are highly susceptible to Plasmodium infection, posing a challenge for malaria control in the Horn of Africa.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
