Article
Microbiology
Shreeya Garg, Oriana Kreutzfeld, Sevil Chelebieva, Patrick K. Tumwebaze, Oswald Byaruhanga, Martin Okitwi, Stephen Orena, Thomas Katairo, Samuel L. Nsobya, Melissa D. Conrad, Ozkan Aydemir, Jennifer Legac, Alexandra E. Gould, Brett R. Bayles, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Maelle Duffey, Gang Lin, Laura A. Kirkman, Roland A. Cooper, Philip J. Rosenthal
Summary: This study assessed the drug resistance and genetic variation of proteasome inhibitors against Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Uganda. The results showed that proteasome inhibitors had potent activity against circulating P. falciparum isolates in Uganda, with little genetic variation in the proteasome targets.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ketsanee Srinamon, James A. Watson, Kamolrat Silamut, Benjamas Intharabut, Nguyen Hoan Phu, Pham Thi Diep, Kirsten E. Lyke, Caterina Fanello, Lorenz von Seidlein, Kesinee Chotivanich, Arjen M. Dondorp, Nicholas P. J. Day, Nicholas J. White
Summary: Malaria diagnosis by microscopy is crucial for clinical management, providing rapid and valuable diagnostic and prognostic information. In this meta-analysis, the authors examined the diagnostic and prognostic value of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes containing malaria pigment in peripheral blood film counts of severe malaria patients. They found that the proportion of pigment-containing polymorphonuclear leukocytes can predict in-hospital mortality, especially in African children, aiding in differentiating severe malaria from other life-threatening febrile illnesses.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Oriana Kreutzfeld, Patrick K. Tumwebaze, Oswald Byaruhanga, Thomas Katairo, Martin Okitwi, Stephen Orena, Stephanie A. Rasmussen, Jennifer Legac, Melissa D. Conrad, Sam L. Nsobya, Ozkan Aydemir, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Maelle Duffey, Roland A. Cooper, Philip J. Rosenthal
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility of P falciparum field isolates to PfDHFR inhibitors in two districts of Uganda and found common resistance-mediating mutations in Uganda. However, the new compound P218 retained excellent activity against mutant parasites.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Phoebe Hazenberg, Kate Navaratnam, Paula Busuulwa, Catriona Waitt
Summary: Significant anatomical and physiological changes occur during pregnancy and labor, impacting drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Limited data are available on pregnancy-specific pharmacokinetics of anti-infectives, with further research needed to understand the clinical implications of pharmacokinetic differences between pregnant and nonpregnant individuals. Challenges in applying quality grading systems to these studies highlight the need for a refined appraisal system for pharmacokinetic studies in special populations.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xiaoxiao Wang, Xuan Zhang, Hualiang Chen, Qiaoyi Lu, Wei Ruan, Zhiping Chen
Summary: Monitoring molecular markers in exported malaria infections provides an efficient way to trace the emergence of drug resistance in countries where malaria is endemic. The study showed wide geographic spread and increasing trends in highly SP-resistant Pfdhfr genes across central African countries, emphasizing the need for enhanced molecular surveillance. Additionally, the prevalence of partially resistant, fully resistant, and superresistant Pfdhfr-Pfdhps combinations indicates an urgent concern for SP efficacy in central Africa.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
E. Guillochon, J. Fraering, V Joste, C. Kamaliddin, B. Vianou, L. Houze, L. G. Baudrin, J. F. Faucher, A. Aubouy, S. Houze, M. Cot, N. Argy, O. Taboureau, G. Bertin
Summary: This study characterized the gene expression profile associated with cerebral malaria (CM) using RNA sequencing data. The findings revealed that CM parasites had reduced circulation times and increased cytoadherence capacity. Differential expression analyses identified specific transcriptome profiles related to malaria severity. Dysregulated expression of genes involved in adhesion and erythrocyte invasion was also observed.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Makoto Saito, Rose McGready, Halidou Tinto, Toussaint Rouamba, Dominic Mosha, Stephen Rulisa, Simon Kariuki, Meghna Desai, Christine Manyando, Eric M. Njunju, Esperanca Sevene, Anifa Vala, Orvalho Augusto, Christine Clerk, Edwin Were, Sigilbert Mrema, William Kisinza, Josaphat Byamugisha, Mike Kagawa, Jan Singlovic, Mackensie Yore, Anna Maria van Eijk, Ushma Mehta, Andy Stergachis, Jenny Hill, Kasia Stepniewska, Melba Gomes, PhilippeJ Guerin, Francois Nosten, Feiko O. ter Kuile, Stephanie Dellicour
Summary: This study compared adverse pregnancy outcomes in the first trimester of pregnancy after artemisinin-based treatment (ABT) versus non-ABTs. The results showed no evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity associated with ABT during the first trimester. Artemether-lumefantrine was found to be the preferred treatment for uncomplicated P falciparum malaria in the first trimester, with fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to quinine.
Article
Microbiology
Jonas A. Kengne-Ouafo, Saikou Y. Bah, Alison Kemp, Lindsay Stewart, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Kirk W. Deitsch, Julian C. Rayner, Oliver Billker, Fred N. Binka, Colin J. Sutherland, Gordon A. Awandare, Britta C. Urban, Bismarck Dinko
Summary: Recent advances in transcriptomic analysis have greatly improved our understanding of the developmental biology of malaria parasites. However, most studies have relied on laboratory strains and have not assessed the transcriptomes of clinical isolates. This study compared the global transcriptome of mid-stage gametocytes from three clinical isolates with a laboratory strain, revealing both consistencies and differences in gene expression.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jonas A. Kengne-Ouafo, Saikou Y. Bah, Alison Kemp, Lindsay Stewart, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Kirk W. Deitsch, Julian C. Rayner, Oliver Billker, Fred N. Binka, Colin J. Sutherland, Gordon A. Awandare, Britta C. Urban, Bismarck Dinko
Summary: Recent advances in transcriptomic analysis have greatly enhanced our understanding of the developmental biology of malaria parasites. However, there is a lack of assessment on the transcriptomes of clinical isolates circulating in human populations. In this study, RNA-seq was used to compare the global transcriptome of mid-stage gametocytes derived from clinical isolates with a reference laboratory strain. The results showed differences in gene expression profiles between the clinical isolates and the reference strain, suggesting increased investment in gametocytogenesis in clinical isolates.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Run Ye, Yilong Zhang, Dongmei Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the genetic variations of Plasmodium falciparum in the China-Myanmar border region and its association with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) resistance. The results show a high prevalence of K13 mutations in parasites from the border region, while fewer parasites carry plasmepsin 2/3 amplification and novel PfCRT variants. These findings suggest the need for further evaluation of candidate markers and continuous surveillance.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Flore Nardella, Melissa Mairet-Khedim, Camille Roesch, Steven P. Maher, Sopheakvatey Ke, Rithea Leang, Didier Leroy, Benoit Witkowski
Summary: This study found strong cross-resistance between amodiaquine and AQ-13 in Cambodian P. falciparum isolates, indicating a significant risk of similar clinical efficacy of AQ-13-based combinations in areas of amodiaquine resistance.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Eric Rogier, Jessica N. McCaffery, Mohamed Ali Mohamed, Camelia Herman, Doug Nace, Rachel Daniels, Naomi Lucchi, Sophie Jones, Ira Goldman, Michael Aidoo, Qin Cheng, Edie A. Kemenang, Venkatachalam Udhayakumar, Jane Cunningham
Summary: Deletions of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes pose a threat to the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infection using rapid diagnostic tests. A study in Djibouti City found a high prevalence of P. falciparum samples with deletions in these genes, suggesting that they emerged within the Horn of Africa and were not imported.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dancan M. Wakoli, Bartholomew N. Ondigo, Douglas O. Ochora, Joseph G. Amwoma, Winnie Okore, Edwin W. Mwakio, Gladys Chemwor, Jackeline Juma, Raphael Okoth, Charles Okudo, Redemptah Yeda, Benjamin H. Opot, Agnes C. Cheruiyot, Dennis Juma, Amanda Roth, Benhards R. Ogutu, Daniel Boudreaux, Ben Andagalu, Hoseah M. Akala
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility of Kenyan parasites to various antimalarials and found that while the parasites remained sensitive to Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and other antimalarials, the response to artemether and lumefantrine was declining.
Article
Microbiology
Xiaoxiao Wang, Xuan Zhang, Hualiang Chen, Jiaqi Zhang, Qiaoyi Lu, Wei Ruan, Feng Ling
Summary: Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with a high prevalence of drug resistance-related mutations. The monitoring of molecular markers provides valuable insights into emerging drug resistance and highlights the need for timely interventions. This study highlights the importance of evaluating the impact of drug resistance on malaria treatment efficacy and the need for surveillance and appropriate drug policies.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Benedikt E. Ley, Ari Winasti Satyagraha, Mohammad Golam Kibria, Jillian Armstrong, Germana Bancone, Amy Bei, Greg Bizilj, Marcelo Brito, Xavier Ding, Gonzalo A. Domingo, Michael N. von Fricken, Gornpan Gornsawun, Brandon Lam, Didier Menard, Wuelton Monteiro, Stefano Ongarello, Sampa Pal, Lydia Visita E. Panggalo, Sunil Parikh, Daniel Pfeffer, Ric Price, Alessandra da Silva Orfano, Martina Wade, Mariusz Wojnarski, Kuntawunginn Worachet, Aqsa Yar, Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Rosalind Howes
Summary: This article reports the reproducibility of a novel handheld biosensor device (G6PD STANDARD) that measures G6PD activity within two minutes. The device showed good repeatability and inter-laboratory reproducibility, and has the potential to simplify the implementation of highly effective treatment regimens for P. vivax infections.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Dysoley Lek, Agus Rachmat, Dustin Harrison, Geoffrey Chin, Suwanna Chaoratanakawee, David Saunders, Didier Menard, William O. Rogers
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of three therapies for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Northern Cambodia. The results showed that DHA/PPQ and ATQ/PG had acceptable efficacy, while AS/MQ exhibited some level of resistance. The study also found significant evidence of artemisinin resistance in Northern Cambodia as early as 2009.
Review
Microbiology
Daniel A. Pfeffer, Ari Winasti Satyagraha, Arkasha Sadhewa, Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Germana Bancone, Yap Boum, Marcelo Brito, Liwang Cui, Zeshuai Deng, Gonzalo J. Domingo, Yongshu He, Wasif A. Khan, Mohammad Golam Kibria, Marcus Lacerda, Didier Menard, Wuelton Monteiro, Sampa Pal, Sunil Parikh, Arantxa Roca-Feltrer, Michelle Roh, Mahmoud M. Sirdah, Duoquan Wang, Qiuying Huang, Rosalind E. Howes, Ric N. Price, Benedikt Ley
Summary: This study investigates the variation in G6PD activity caused by different genetic variants and finds that different mutations can lead to varying degrees of enzyme deficiency. Some of these mutations are associated with clinically relevant enzymatic deficiencies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xinyu Yu, Changhong Wang, Yuemeng Zhao, Jianxia Tang, Meng Zhu, Lucien Platon, Richard Culleton, Guoding Zhu, Didier Menard, Qingfeng Zhang, Jun Cao
Summary: The emergence and spread of artemisinin-tolerant malaria parasites pose a global threat to malaria control programs. Mutations in the Kelch13 protein's propeller domain lead to Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin resistance (ART-R). The reduced susceptibility and extended ring stage in PfKelch13 mutant lines indicate altered energy and porphyrin metabolism, specifically in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, and amino acid metabolism. These findings suggest that the adaptative metabolic plasticity, manifested through defined metabolic remodeling, serves as a trigger for ART-R.
Article
Microbiology
Lucien Platon, David A. Baker, Didier Menard
Summary: The ring-stage survival assay is the reference assay to measure in vitro Plasmodium falciparum artemisinin partial resistance. The main challenge of the standard protocol is to generate 0-to-3-h postinvasion ring stages (the stage least susceptible to artemisinin) from schizonts obtained by sorbitol treatment and Percoll gradient.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andargie Abate, Jifar Hassen, Laurent Dembele, Didier Menard, Lemu Golassa
Summary: This study conducted a membrane feeding assay on 44 P. vivax infected patients in Adama city, Ethiopia, and found that individuals with Duffy blood group had a higher infectiousness to Anopheles mosquitoes, but the difference was not statistically significant. This suggests that Duffy antigen polymorphisms may contribute to the transmissibility of P. vivax gametocytes to mosquitoes, but further studies are needed.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mamadou Samb Yade, Baba Dieye, Romain Coppee, Aminata Mbaye, Mamadou Alpha Diallo, Khadim Diongue, Justine Bailly, Atikatou Mama, Awa Fall, Alphonse Birane Thiaw, Ibrahima Mbaye Ndiaye, Tolla Ndiaye, Amy Gaye, Abdoulaye Tine, Younouss Diedhiou, Amadou Mactar Mbaye, Cecile Doderer-Lang, Mamane Nassirou Garba, Amy Kristine Bei, Didier Menard, Daouda Ndiaye
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility to artemisinin in Senegal in 2017 and found that artemisinin was still fully effective in the Thies region. The combination of ex vivo RSA and TADS methods is important for monitoring artemisinin resistance in Africa.
Article
Parasitology
Mariangela L. L'Episcopia, Cecile Doderer-Lang, Edvige Perrotti, Giovanni Battista Priuli, Serena Cavallari, Carlotta Guidetti, Francesco Bernieri, Didier Menard, Carlo Severini
Summary: Benin, like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is still heavily burdened by malaria. This study conducted molecular surveillance on malaria parasites in Benin and found evidence of antimalarial drug resistance.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Casimire Wendlamita Tarama, Harouna Sore, Mafama Siribie, Siaka Debe, Rene Kinda, Adama Ganou, Wendyam Gerard Nonkani, Farida Tiendrebeogo, Winnie Bantango, Kassoum Yira, Aladari Sagnon, Sonia Ilboudo, Esther Yeri Hien, Moussa Wandaogo Guelbeogo, NFale Sagnon, Yves Traore, Didier Menard, Adama Gansane
Summary: This study aimed to assess the proportions of mutations in the genes associated with drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Burkina Faso. The findings suggest that the efficacy of current antimalarial drugs is not significantly affected by highly resistant mutants.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abnet Abebe, Didier Menard, Sisay Dugassa, Ashenafi Assefa, Jonathan J. Juliano, Eugenia Lo, Lemu Golassa
Summary: Both microscopy and RDT showed moderate agreement with PCR in the detection and identification of P. vivax (mono) and P. vivax/P. falciparum (mixed) infections. Therefore, to achieve malaria elimination goals, strengthening routine malaria diagnostic methods by implementing diagnostic tools with a good performance in detecting and accurately identifying malaria species in clinical settings is recommended.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mahamat Souleymane Issa, Marian Warsame, Moussa Hassane Taisso Mahamat, Issakha Diar Mahamat Saleh, Kodbsse Boulotigam, Honore Djimrassengar, Ali Haggar Issa, Ousmane Abdelkader, Manah Hassoumi, Mbanga Djimadoum, Cecile Doderer-Lang, Jean Bosco Ndihiokubwayo, Charlotte Rasmussen, Didier Menard
Summary: This study confirms the high efficacy of artemisinin-based combinations, AS-AQ and AL, in the study areas in Chad. The absence of known pfkelch13 mutations and high parasite clearance rate at day 3 suggest the absence of artemisinin resistance. The absence of pfdhfr/pfdhps quintuple or sextuple mutants supports the continued use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy. However, the presence of parasites with dual pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions poses a potential threat to the efficacy of HRP2-based rapid diagnostic tests and requires continued surveillance.
Article
Parasitology
Edvige Perrotti, Mariangela L'Episcopia, Michela Menegon, Irene S. Soares, Angel Rosas-Aguirre, Niko Speybroeck, Alejandro LLanos-Cuentas, Didier Menard, Marcelo Urbano Ferreira, Carlo Severini
Summary: This study investigates the genetic diversity of the pvetramp11.2 gene in parasite populations from the Amazonian region and worldwide. The low variability of the sequence encoding PvETRAMP11.2 protein suggests its suitability as a marker in serodiagnostic assays and vaccine design. The study also explores B-cell epitopes and their polymorphisms.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Abnet Abebe, Isabelle Bouyssou, Solenne Mabilotte, Sisay L. Dugassa, Ashenafi Assefa, Jonathan L. Juliano, Eugenia Lo, Didier L. Menard, Lemu Golassa
Summary: This study evaluated the Duffy status of P. vivax-infected patients in different malaria endemic areas in Ethiopia. The results showed that Duffy-negative individuals are not fully protected against P. vivax infection, and these infections in Duffy negatives are often associated with low parasitemia, potentially serving as hidden reservoirs of transmission in Ethiopia.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Antia Figueroa-Romero, Daniel Bissombolo, Martin Meremikwu, Arsene Ratsimbasoa, Charfudin Sacoor, Iwara Arikpo, Elsha Lemba, Abel Nhama, Rianasoambolanoro Rakotosaona, Mireia Llach, Clara Pons-Duran, Sergi Sanz, Laurence Ma, Cecile Doderer-Lang, Christina Maly, Elaine Roman, Franco Pagnoni, Alfredo Mayor, Didier Menard, Raquel Gonzalez, Clara Menendez
Summary: The study aimed to assess the effect of community delivery of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (C-IPTp) on the development of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. The results showed that C-IPTp did not increase the prevalence of molecular markers associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance after three years of implementation.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Biology
Isabelle Bouyssou, Francisco Jose Martinez, Pascal Campagne, Laurence Ma, Cecile Doderer-Lang, Chetan E. Chitnis, Didier Menard
Summary: Vivax malaria, caused by Plasmodium vivax, is a parasitic protozoan disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Recent studies have shown that cases of vivax infections are increasing in individuals without specific genes in Sub Saharan Africa, raising questions about diagnostics and the evolution of interactions between humans and parasites. Limited access to biological material has previously hindered our understanding of P. vivax biology, but the introduction of new technologies has improved our knowledge on invasion mechanisms.
COMPTES RENDUS BIOLOGIES
(2022)
