Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thandile Nkosi-Gondwe, Job Calis, Michael Boele van Hensbroek, Imelda Bates, Bjorn Blomberg, Kamija S. Phiri
Summary: The study found that severely anaemic children with moderate to severe acute malnutrition had a twofold higher risk of death compared to children with severe anaemia alone. Additionally, children with moderate to severe malnutrition were more likely to have malaria infections. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of hospitalizations and recurrence of severe anaemia.
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alfred Kwizera, Diomede Ntasumumuyange, Maria Small, Stephen Rulisa, Alexandra N. Moscovitz, Urania Magriples
Summary: Malaria in pregnancy is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. A prospective cohort study in Rwanda found that the occurrence of severe malaria increased as pregnancy progressed, resulting in poorer perinatal outcomes. Significant differences in perinatal outcomes were observed based on the trimester of pregnancy and severity of malaria infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert S. Paton, Alice Kamau, Samuel Akech, Ambrose Agweyu, Morris Ogero, Charles Mwandawiro, Neema Mturi, Shebe Mohammed, Arthur Mpimbaza, Simon Kariuki, Nancy A. Otieno, Bryan O. Nyawanda, Amina F. Mohamed, George Mtove, Hugh Reyburn, Sunetra Gupta, Philip Bejon, Jose Lourenco, Robert W. Snow
Summary: This study shows a positive correlation between malaria parasite prevalence and severe malaria admission rates, with severe malaria predominantly affecting children aged 3 to 59 months in the diverse community prevalence typical of East Africa. It offers a quantitative framework for linking malaria parasite prevalence and severe disease outcomes in children.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jailos Lubinda, Ubydul Haque, Yaxin Bi, Muhammad Yousaf Shad, David Keellings, Busiku Hamainza, Adrian J. Moore
Summary: In malaria-endemic countries like Zambia, significant reductions in malaria incidence among children <5 years old have been achieved, but challenges remain in older age groups. Climate factors have a greater impact on individuals aged >5 years, influencing malaria more than interventions such as mosquito nets and indoor residual spraying. Improved communication and education interventions targeting the >5 age group are urgently needed to address increasing incidence rates.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Usman Nasir Nakakana, Ridwan Muhammad Jega, Aliyu Mamman Nauzo, Yahya Mohammed, Ismaila Mohammed Ahmed
Summary: Malaria is highly prevalent in Nigeria, accounting for a significant proportion of global malaria mortality. This study aimed to provide accurate information on severe malaria in a community in Northwestern Nigeria, finding a higher prevalence of non-anaemia severe malaria than expected.
FRONTIERS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Manuel W. Hetzel, Jean Okitawutshu, Antoinette Tshefu, Elizabeth Omoluabi, Phyllis Awor, Aita Signorell, Nina C. Brunner, Jean-Claude Kalenga, Babatunde K. Akano, Kazeem Ayodeji, Charles Okon, Ocheche Yusuf, Proscovia Athieno, Joseph Kimera, Gloria Tumukunde, Irene Angiro, Giulia Delvento, Tristan T. Lee, Mark J. Lambiris, Marek Kwiatkowski, Nadja Cereghetti, Theodoor Visser, Harriet G. Napier, Justin M. Cohen, Valentina Buj, Christian Burri, Christian Lengeler
Summary: This study examined the effectiveness of pre-referral rectal artesunate treatment implemented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, and Uganda. In Nigeria, the case fatality rate was higher post-roll-out of RAS, while it remained stable in DRC and Uganda. Only in Uganda, children who received RAS were less likely to be dead or sick at follow-up.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter Winskill, Aggrey Dhabangi, Titus K. Kwambai, Amani Thomas Mori, Andria Mousa, Lucy C. Okell
Summary: Severe malarial anaemia cases are mostly present in the community rather than being hospitalized. The burden on public health depends on the severity of these cases. Strengthening the healthcare system and conducting research to understand the range of diseases associated with severe malarial anaemia cases in the community are crucial.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Aongart Mahittikorn, Wanida Mala, Polrat Wilairatana, Sukhontha Siri, Frederick Ramirez Masangkay, Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui, Manas Kotepui
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize the prevalence, anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis, and causes of death for severe imported malaria. The results showed that the prevalence of severe imported malaria and deaths attributable to severe imported malaria was significant, while the prevalence of adequate anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis was low among patients with severe imported malaria. Multi-organ failure was identified as the most common cause of death. These findings emphasize the importance of education and preventative measures for individuals visiting malaria-endemic areas to minimize the risk of severe disease or death.
TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Selidji Agnandji, Mario Recker, Benjamin Mordmueller, Stephan Gloeckner, Akim A. Adegnika, Bertrand Lell, Lucas Otieno, Walter Otieno, Seth Owusu-Agyei, Kwaku P. Asante, Tsiri Agbenyega, Daniel Ansong, Eusebio Macete, Pedro Aide, Hermann Sorgho, Halidou Tinto, Neema Mturi, John P. A. Lusingu, Samwel Gesase, Irving Hoffman, Nahya Salim Masoud, Charles R. Newton, Kalifa Bojang, Gerard Krause, Peter Gottfried Kremsner
Summary: Malaria remains a major cause of hospitalization in children in sub-Saharan Africa. Rapid risk stratification upon admission is crucial for optimal medical care and improved prognosis. While coma, deep breathing, and to some extent severe anemia are established predictors of malaria-related death, the significance of assessing prostration for risk stratification is not yet certain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Susan Winks, John G. Woodland, Goonaseelan 'Colin' Pillai, Kelly Chibale
Summary: The H3D Centre, a research unit based in South Africa, has achieved numerous successes and could potentially serve as a valuable model for drug discovery and development in Africa.
Article
Immunology
John Woodford, Issaka Sagara, Halimatou Diawara, Mahamadoun Hamady Assadou, Abdoulaye Katile, Oumar Attaher, Djibrilla Issiaka, Gaoussou Santara, Ibrahim H. Soumbounou, Seydou Traore, Moussa Traore, Oumar M. Dicko, Sidi Mohamed Niambele, Almahamoudou Mahamar, Bourama Kamate, Bayaya Haidara, Kourane Sissoko, Seydou Sankare, Sadio Dite Koni Diarra, Amatigue Zeguime, Justin Y. A. Doritchamou, Irfan Zaidi, Alassane Dicko, Patrick E. Duffy
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of recent malaria on COVID-19 in Mali. The results showed that there was no relationship between recent malaria and subsequent response to COVID-19 in communities with intense seasonal malaria. Lifetime exposure to malaria may play a role in the severity of COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Johanna Kampe, Olof Bohlin, Martin Jonsson, Robin Hofmann, Jacob Hollenberg, Rebecka Rubenson Wahlin, Per Svensson, Per Nordberg
Summary: This study aimed to identify factors associated with severe COVID-19 and 90-day mortality among individuals below 50 years of age, with a focus on differences between genders. The study found that chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, heart failure, and asthma were the strongest risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 in young adults. For 90-day mortality, previous venous thromboembolism, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes were the factors associated with increased risk, primarily driven by the female population.
ANNALS OF INTENSIVE CARE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Emanuele Rezoagli, Aldo Bonaventura, Jonathan M. Coutinho, Alessandra Vecchie, Vera Gessi, Roberta Re, Alessandro Squizzato, Fulvio Pomero, Matteo Bonzini, Walter Ageno, Francesco Dentali
Summary: In this large epidemiological study, the incidence of CVT was found to be comparable to population-based studies after 2000. The incidence of CVT increased among women over time. In-hospital CFR was low but higher in patients with concomitant ICH, with age, ICH, and a high number of comorbidities being independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.
Article
Biology
Barbara H. Stokes, Satish K. Dhingra, Kelly Rubiano, Sachel Mok, Judith Straimer, Nina F. Gnadig, Ioanna Deni, Kyra A. Schindler, Jade R. Bath, Kurt E. Ward, Josefine Striepen, Tomas Yeo, Leila S. Ross, Eric Legrand, Frederic Ariey, Clark H. Cunningham, Issa M. Souleymane, Adama Gansane, Romaric Nzoumbou-Boko, Claudette Ndayikunda, Abdunoor M. Kabanywanyi, Aline Uwimana, Samuel J. Smith, Olimatou Kolley, Mathieu Ndounga, Marian Warsame, Rithea Leang, Francois Nosten, Timothy J. C. Anderson, Philip J. Rosenthal, Didier Menard, David A. Fidock
Summary: K13-mediated artemisinin resistance is becoming more prevalent in Southeast Asia and Africa, with mutations like R561 H and C580Y causing varying levels of resistance and fitness costs in malaria parasites. These findings highlight the complex interplay between K13 mutations, parasite survival, growth, and the genetic background in the spread of artemisinin resistance.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Guo-Jing Yang, Le-Yuan Shang, Xiao-Nong Zhou, Tamsin E. Lee, Bo Bi, Michael White, Thomas A. Smith, Melissa A. Penny
Summary: This study analyzed historical data of P. vivax incubation periods and relapse patterns in China to understand the effectiveness of the national program in eliminating malaria. The findings showed distinct phenotypes of short- and long-incubation periods for P. vivax parasites, as well as a correlation between sporozoite inoculation and incubation period. A within-host model demonstrated the importance of hypnozoite clearance in controlling malaria epidemics and can inform strategies in other endemic countries.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andrew J. Shattock, Epke A. Le Rutte, Robert P. Dunner, Swapnoleena Sen, Sherrie L. Kelly, Nakul Chitnis, Melissa A. Penny
Summary: The research suggests that even with current NPI measures and rapidly scaled-up vaccine campaigns, a new wave of the epidemic is still predicted. However, a cautious phased relaxation of measures can significantly reduce population morbidity and mortality, while a faster vaccine rollout can offset the impact of such a wave and allow for earlier relaxation of NPIs. Ongoing monitoring and rapid responses to emerging viral variants are crucial for epidemic control.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
T. E. Lee, S. Bonhoeffer, M. A. Penny
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a complex health problem, and we have developed a new model to study the dynamics and competition of resistance.
RESULTS IN PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Economics
Katya Galactionova, Paola Salari, Renato Mattli, Yael Rachamin, Rahel Meier, Matthias Schwenkglenks
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness, burden of disease, and budget impact of adding inclisiran to standard-of-care lipid-lowering therapy for secondary cardiovascular prevention in Switzerland. The results showed that inclisiran treatment could provide significant benefits for patients, but it comes with a high cost.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chloe Morozoff, Euripide Avokpaho, Saravanakumar Puthupalayam Kaliappan, James Simwanza, Samuel Paul Gideon, Wongani Lungu, Parfait Houngbegnon, Katya Galactionova, Maitreyi Sahu, Khumbo Kalua, Adrian J. F. Luty, Moudachirou Ibikounle, Robin Bailey, Rachel Pullan, Sitara Swarna Rao Ajjampur, Judd Walson, Arianna Rubin Means
Summary: This study compared the costs of community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) and school-based deworming (SBD). The results showed that cMDA was generally more expensive than SBD, and the costs were sensitive to the number of treatments administered.
Article
Biology
Thiery Masserey, Tamsin Lee, Monica Golumbeanu, Andrew J. Shattock, Sherrie L. Kelly, Ian M. Hastings, Melissa A. Penny, Amy Wesolowski
Summary: Low transmission settings are more likely to develop drug resistance, and the spread of resistance to artemisinin partner drugs depends on the period of low drug concentration. Molecular surveillance and adjusting treatment accordingly are crucial to slow the spread of artemisinin resistance. Additionally, extending parasite exposure to artemisinin derivatives and reducing the selection windows of partner drugs are key to implementing sustainable treatment strategies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Monica Golumbeanu, Guo-Jing Yang, Flavia Camponovo, Erin M. Stuckey, Nicholas Hamon, Mathias Mondy, Sarah Rees, Nakul Chitnis, Ewan Cameron, Melissa A. Penny
Summary: This study presents a quantitative approach using mathematical models and machine learning to guide the development of malaria interventions. The analysis identifies the efficacy, coverage, and duration requirements needed for these interventions to achieve targeted reductions in malaria prevalence.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oliver J. Watson, Bo Gao, Tran Dang Nguyen, Thu Nguyen-Anh Tran, Melissa A. Penny, David L. Smith, Lucy Okell, Ricardo Aguas, Maciej F. Boni
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of high levels of partner-drug resistance on the early emergence of artemisinin-resistant genotypes, finding that higher frequencies of pre-existing partner-drug resistance genotypes lead to earlier establishment of artemisinin resistance. It highlights the importance of continued investment in molecular surveillance of partner-drug resistant genotypes to guide the choice of first-line ACTs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Thiery Masserey, Melissa A. Penny, Tamsin E. Lee
Summary: This study aimed to identify clusters of patients with similar parasitaemia profiles and improve the understanding of within-host variation in future mathematical models. By clustering patients based on key features, the study successfully predicted individual patient parasitaemia profiles and confirmed the personalized immune responses of patients.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sherrie L. Kelly, Epke A. Le Rutte, Maximilian Richter, Melissa A. Penny, Andrew J. Shattock
Summary: According to the model, timely administration of COVID-19 vaccine boosters to eligible individuals, prioritizing the most vulnerable, can reduce infections and hospital admissions. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for decision-makers to plan for administering COVID-19 boosters ahead of winter 2022-2023 to mitigate the health burden and stress on the healthcare system.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Flavia Camponovo, Caroline O. Buckee, Aimee R. Taylor
Summary: Genomic epidemiology has been a valuable tool for studying viral pathogens and malaria parasites, but the concept of measurably mutating pathogens does not easily apply to sexually recombining parasites. This article introduces the concept of measurably recombining malaria parasites and proposes the development of an inferential framework around recombination to guide practical research in malaria genomic epidemiology. The goal is to fully utilize the potential of genomic epidemiology for sexually recombining pathogens.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Parasitology
Flavia Camponovo, Caroline O. Buckee, Aimee R. Taylor
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jacques D. Charlwood, Thomas A. Smith, Ayubo Kampango, Erzelia V. E. Tomas, Nakul Chitnis
Summary: This study estimated the survival rate and oviposition cycle duration of malaria vectors using a time-series analysis approach. The findings suggest that female mosquitoes have lower survival rates compared to males, and that male survival is not influenced by temperature or the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets. However, there is considerable uncertainty in the estimates of oviposition cycle duration.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Narimane Nekkab, Josephine Malinga, Lydia Braunack-Mayer, Sherrie L. L. Kelly, R. Scott Miller, Melissa A. A. Penny
Summary: Global progress against malaria has stagnated, and there is a need for novel medical interventions to improve protection against infection and disease. The selection of candidates for these interventions should be evidence-based, with input from modeling evidence to link product characteristics with expected public health outcomes and inform decision-making.
COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Epke A. Le Rutte, Andrew J. Shattock, Nakul Chitnis, Sherrie L. Kelly, Melissa A. Penny
Summary: This study shows that the infectivity of future variants is the primary determinant of whether it will become most common, but this increased infectivity does not always lead to an increased public health burden. Increasing vaccination, especially for highly infectious and severe variants that the immune system responds to, is projected to have the biggest public health benefit.
COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE
(2022)