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)
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
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)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vysakh K. Viswanath, Suraj T. Gore, Ashwathi Valiyaparambil, Subhendhu Mukherjee, Anirudha Lakshminarasimhan
Summary: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium species with Plasmodium falciparum being the most deadly. These parasites depend on vertebrate hosts and blood-sucking insects for their life cycle. Plasmodium chitinases play a crucial role in parasite penetration and are different between long and short forms.
Article
Biology
Wei Huang, Joel Vega-Rodriguez, Chritopher Kizito, Sung-Jae Cha, Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena
Summary: This study provides an in-depth assessment of transgenesis and paratransgenesis for combating malaria. The combination of these two approaches significantly reduces Plasmodium development and effectively inhibits transmission in mice.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Konrad Beyer, Simon Kracht, Jessica Kehrer, Mirko Singer, Dennis Klug, Friedrich Frischknecht
Summary: The study focused on the gene deletion of TRAP family adhesion proteins in malaria parasites, finding that deletion of a single TRAP gene had a significant impact, while parasites lacking all three proteins were still able to move actively. The research suggests that TRAP family adhesion proteins play different functional roles in motility and infection, with other proteins contributing to substrate adhesion and gliding motility.
Article
Entomology
Jordan E. Hoffman, Ilinca I. Ciubotariu, Limonty Simubali, Twig Mudenda, William J. Moss, Giovanna Carpi, Douglas E. Norris, Jennifer C. Stevenson
Summary: Despite significant reductions in malaria cases in the catchment area of Macha Hospital, Choma District, Southern Province in Zambia, Anopheles squamosus specimens still pose a residual malaria transmission risk, primarily exhibiting exophagic and zoophilic behavior, making them difficult to be eliminated by current control measures. The study emphasizes the importance of molecular identification of vectors and suggests that indoor vector control strategies may not be sufficient for malaria elimination in southern Zambia.
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
Entomology
Naminata Tondossama, Chiara Virgillito, Zanakoungo Ibrahima Coulibaly, Verena Pichler, Ibrahima Dia, Alessandra della Torre, Andre Offianan Toure, Akre Maurice Adja, Beniamino Caputo, Rui-De Xue
Summary: Despite high usage of insecticide-treated bed nets, malaria transmission rates remain high in two studied villages, possibly due to mosquito and human behaviors.
Review
Parasitology
Betwel J. Msugupakulya, Naomi H. Urio, Mohammed Jumanne, Halfan S. Ngowo, Prashanth Selvaraj, Fredros O. Okumu, Anne L. Wilson
Summary: The contribution of different vector species to malaria transmission has changed over the past 20 years, with An. funestus now dominant in most settings in East and Southern Africa, replacing the declining An. gambiae.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Jonathan Karisa, Kelly Ominde, Simon Muriu, Vanessa Munyao, Kioko Mwikali, Lawrence Babu, Zedekiah Ondieki, Brian Bartilol, Mercy Tuwei, Caroline Wanjiku, Marta Maia, Janet Midega, Martin Rono, Norbert Peshu, Charles Mbogo, Joseph M. Mwangangi
Summary: This study evaluated the bionomics of malaria vectors in ecologically distinct sites in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya. The study found that Anopheles gambiae, An. funestus, and An. coustani are key malaria vectors in the region, showing both indoor and outdoor transmission. Furthermore, these vectors showed a higher preference for bovine and goat blood.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Neil-Michel Longo-Pendy, Larson Boundenga, Boris Kevin Makanga, Clark Mbou-Boutambe, Lemonde Bouafou, Ousmane Akone-Ella, Lynda Chancelya Nkoghe-Nkoghe, Sonia Lekana-Douki, Jean-Bernard Lekana-Douki, Pierre Kengne
Summary: Despite efforts to control malaria, it remains a major health burden, particularly in Sub-Saharan countries. In Gabon, there is a lack of knowledge on malaria transmission, specifically the diversity of Anopheles species involved. This study aimed to determine the Anopheles diversity in different environments of Gabon's Nyanga province.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Eleonora Perugini, Wamdaogo M. Guelbeogo, Federica Guglielmo, Cristiana Poggi, Eugenio Gabrieli, Hilary Ranson, Alessandra della Torre, Marco Pombi
Summary: This study estimated malaria transmission risk in a village in Burkina Faso by integrating vector biting rhythms with key information about human habits. The results showed that high mosquito densities and the interplay between human and mosquito activities mean that 10% of malaria transmission cannot be prevented by insecticide-treated nets.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Parasitology
Michela Bertola, Matteo Mazzucato, Marco Pombi, Fabrizio Montarsi
Summary: Despite the eradication of malaria in most European countries, the mosquito vectors that transmit the disease still exist. Malaria cases reported in Europe mostly occur in travelers who have acquired the infection in endemic areas. However, the possibility of acquiring malaria from locally infected mosquitoes in Europe has been poorly investigated. This review provides an update on the occurrence of potential malaria vectors in Europe, examining their distribution and bionomic features, as well as their competence in transmitting the parasite.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Claudine Grace Tatsinkou Maffo, Maurice Marcel Sandeu, Amen Nakebang Fadel, Magellan Tchouakui, Daniel Nguiffo Nguete, Benjamin Menze, Michael O. Kusimo, Flobert Njiokou, Grant L. Hughes, Charles S. Wondji
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and maternal transmission of Asaia in natural populations of Anopheles mosquitoes in Cameroon. Results showed that Asaia was vertically transmitted at a high frequency among four mosquito species, providing valuable information for using Asaia in the control of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Thomas P. Eisele, Immo Kleinschmidt, Sophie Sarrassat, Feiko TerKuile, John Miller, Javan Chanda, Kafula Silumbe, Aaron Samuels, Julia Janssen, Caroline Ogwang, John Bradley, Erica Orange, Josh Yukich, Ruth Ashton, Irene Kyomuhangi, Angela F. Harris, Seydou Doumbia, Mahamoudou Toure, Mohamed Moumine, Silas Majambere, Monicah Mirai Mburu, Gift Mwaanga, Limonty Simubali, Edgar Simulundu, Adam Bennett, Laurence Slutsker, Gunter Muller, Eric Ochomo, John Gimnig, Paul C. D. Johnson, Joseph Wagman, Megan Litrell
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs) on malaria transmission and morbidity. The study will be conducted in Mali, Kenya, and Zambia, with multiple study sites and a range of vectors to improve external validity. The study uses a fried-egg design, providing two ATSBs in ATSB clusters, with primary outcomes measured in the core area of each cluster.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Sophie Jullien, Felicity Fitzgerald, Suzanne Keddie, Oliver Baerenbold, Quique Bassat, John Bradley, Jane Falconer, Colin Fink, Ruth Keogh, Heidi Hopkins, Marie Voice
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Luminex NxTAG respiratory pathogen panels for detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza viruses. The results showed high sensitivity and specificity of the test for RSV and influenza A/B. However, the performance of other comparator tests varied. Further research is needed to assess its performance in different populations.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christian Julian Villabona-Arenas, Stephane Hue, James A. C. Baxter, Matthew Hall, Katrina A. Lythgoe, John Bradley, Katherine E. Atkins
Summary: The accuracy of phylogenetic ancestral-state reconstruction to determine the transmission direction of HIV-1 infection depends mainly on the topology of the phylogeny. Documenting larger differences in relative intrahost diversity increases confidence in the transmission direction inference, which is important for population-level studies of HIV.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mamtuti Panneh, Mitzy Gafos, Emily Nyariki, Jennifer Liku, Pooja Shah, Rhoda Wanjiru, Mary Wanjiru, Alicja Beksinska, James Pollock, Zaina Jama, Hellen Babu, Rupert Kaul, Janet Seeley, John Bradley, Joshua Kimani, Tara Beattie
Summary: This study examines the mental health experiences and perceived risk factors of female sex workers in Kenya. The results indicate that factors such as poverty, low education levels, lack of family support, gender norms, intimate partner violence, and family bereavement contribute to poor mental health among sex workers.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Catriona Macrae, Jayne Ellis, Suzanne H. Keddie, Jane Falconer, John Bradley, Ruth Keogh, Oliver Baerenbold, Heidi Hopkins, Joseph N. Jarvis
Summary: This article systematically evaluated the diagnostic performance of IMMY CrAg LFA in HIV-negative populations through a systematic review. The results showed that this test has high sensitivity and specificity in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid, providing an effective diagnostic method for cryptococcosis in HIV-negative individuals.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Suzanne H. Keddie, Oliver Baerenbold, Ruth H. Keogh, John Bradley
Summary: Latent class models are used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests with conditional dependence. It is important to choose the correct conditional dependence structure to avoid biased estimates. Even if researchers are unsure of the presence of conditional dependence, it is recommended to account for it.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Guillermo A. A. Garcia, Mark Janko, Dianna E. B. Hergott, Olivier T. T. Donfack, Jordan M. M. Smith, Jeremias Nzamio Mba Eyono, Kylie R. R. DeBoer, Restituto Mba Nguema Avue, Wonder P. P. Phiri, Edward M. M. Aldrich, Christopher Schwabe, Thomas C. C. Stabler, Matilde Riloha Rivas, Ewan Cameron, Carlos A. A. Guerra, Jackie Cook, Immo Kleinschmidt, John Bradley
Summary: The study found that the risk of malaria infection on Bioko Island is determined by a combination of factors interacting with local mosquito ecology. The most significant risk factor identified is travel to mainland Equatorial Guinea. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for adapting control measures accordingly.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abdullahi Ahmad, Nuredin Ibrahim Mohammed, Fatou Joof, Muna Affara, Musa Jawara, Ismaela Abubakar, Joseph Okebe, Serign Ceesay, Majidah Hamid-Adiamoh, John Bradley, Alfred Amambua-Ngwa, Davis Nwakanma, Umberto D'Alessandro
Summary: In a study conducted in eastern Gambia, it was found that the level of Plasmodium falciparum carriage at the end of one transmission season strongly predicted the level of carriage just before the start of the next season. Rural areas and children aged 5-15 years were identified as the high-risk populations for persistent carriage. In rural areas, carriage before the start of the season was associated with a lower risk of clinical malaria during the season.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Iornum Shambe, Katherine Thomas, John Bradley, Tanya Marchant, Helen A. Weiss, Emily L. Webb
Summary: This case study examines the representation of authors from low and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions in research publications. The findings indicate that authors affiliated with LMIC institutions are under-represented in first and last authorship positions compared to those from high-income country (HIC) institutions. Additionally, the study reveals a lower proportion of senior authors from LMIC institutions in high impact journals and multicountry studies.
Article
Parasitology
Elizabeth Pretorius, Mojca Kristan, John Bradley, Eunice Teixeira da Silva, Harry Hutchins, Fatucha Barri, Ansumane Cassama, Sainey Ceesay, Mamadou Ousmane Ndiath, Amabelia Rodrigues, James G. G. Logan, Anna Last, Robert T. T. Jones
Summary: This study validated a methodology that uses dried mosquito specimens to assess the age structure of mosquito populations, providing a cost-effective and logistical solution for remote areas. The results showed high agreement between assessors and demonstrated the feasibility of using this method in field conditions.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Corine Ngufor, Renaud Govoetchan, Augustin Fongnikin, Corneille Hueha, Juniace Ahoga, Thomas Syme, Abel Agbevo, Abdoulaye Daleb, Graham Small, Derric Nimmo, John Bradley, Rock Aikpon, Laurent Iyikirenga, Razaki Osse, Filemon Tokponnon, Germain Gil Padonou
Summary: VECTRON (TM) T500 was found to be non-inferior to Fludora (R) Fusion in controlling pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors in central Benin. The insecticide showed prolonged residual efficacy on house walls and had high acceptability among homeowners. This community application provides improved and prolonged control of pyrethroid-resistant vectors and enhances our capacity to manage insecticide resistance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Harry Hutchins, John Bradley, Elizabeth Pretorius, Eunice Teixeira da Silva, Hristina Vasileva, Robert T. Jones, Mamadou Ousmane Ndiath, Harouna Dit Massire Soumare, David Mabey, Ernesto Jose Nante, Cesario Martins, James G. Logan, Hannah Slater, Chris Drakeley, Umberto D'Alessandro, Amabelia Rodrigues, Anna R. Last
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of combining ivermectin with artemisinin-based combination therapy in mass drug administration on malaria transmission. The primary objective is to determine if adding ivermectin is more effective in reducing malaria prevalence compared to ACT alone. The study will also assess other relevant indicators and the safety of combined mass drug administration.
Article
Cell Biology
Isabella A. T. M. Ferreira, Colin Y. C. Lee, William S. Foster, Adam Abdullahi, Lisa M. Dratva, Zewen Kelvin Tuong, Benjamin J. Stewart, John R. Ferdinand, Stephane M. Guillaume, Martin O. P. Potts, Marianne Perera, Benjamin A. Krishna, Ana Penalver, Mia Cabantous, Steven A. Kemp, Lourdes Ceron-Gutierrez, Paul Lyons, Kenneth G. C. Smith, John Bradley, Dami A. Collier, Laura E. Mccoy, Agatha van der Klaauw, James E. D. Thaventhiran, I. Sadaf Farooqi, Sarah A. Teichmann, Paul A. Macary, Rainer Doffinger, Mark R. Wills, Michelle A. Linterman, Menna R. Clatworthy, Ravindra K. Gupta
Summary: Elderly individuals have suboptimal immune responses to primary vaccination against COVID-19, but there is no significant difference in neutralizing antibody levels between elderly and younger individuals after receiving a booster dose of mRNA vaccine. This study highlights the differential effects of adenoviral and mRNA vaccine formats on the memory B cell response.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Tamalee Roberts, Suzanne H. Keddie, Sayaphet Rattanavong, Santiago Rayment Gomez, John Bradley, Ruth H. Keogh, Oliver Barenbold, Jane Falconer, Petra F. Mens, Heidi Hopkins, Elizabeth A. Ashley
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated high estimated pooled sensitivity and specificity of DAT for the diagnosis of VL, although there were variations in sensitivity and specificity for different patient groups and geographical locations. Standardization of DAT methods and preparations, along with data availability from more geographical locations, are highlighted as areas for improvement in future studies.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sayoki Mfinanga, Cecilia Kanyama, Charles Kouanfack, Saulos Nyirenda, Sokoine Lesikari Kivuyo, Timothee Boyer-Chammard, Sam Phiri, Jonathon Ngoma, Meshack Shimwela, Daniel Nkungu, Lauriane Nomene Fomete, Rehema Simbauranga, Chimwemwe Chawinga, Nicaine Ngakam, Tom Heller, Sandrine Sa'a Lontsi, Elnara Aghakishiyeva, Katri Jalava, Sebastian Fuller, Anne-Marie Reid, Radha Rajasingham, David S. Lawrence, Mina C. Hosseinipour, Emma Beaumont, John Bradley, Shabbar Jaffar, Olivier Lortholary, Thomas Harrison, Sile F. Molloy, Aude Sturny-Leclere, Angela Loyse
Summary: The DREAMM project successfully reduced mortality from HIV-related CNS infection in resource-limited settings in Africa, contributing to the reduction of deaths in public hospitals and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
