Articles tagged with Malaria
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Researchers found that sniffer dogs could scent malaria in samples of socks worn by infected children, with an accuracy rate of 70% for malaria-infected samples. The trained dogs could distinguish between the scent of malaria parasites and uninfected individuals, providing a non-invasive way to screen for the disease at ports of entry.
A new study has successfully trained sniffer dogs to detect malaria infections in socks worn by African children, with an accuracy rate of 70% and a potential to assist in malaria elimination campaigns. The dogs were able to identify the distinctive odor emitted by malaria parasites, which was not present in uninfected individuals.
Exposure to malaria during pregnancy can trigger an immune response in the fetus, leading to higher levels of memory T cells and reduced clinical malaria incidence in childhood. Infants born to mothers with placental malaria have a lower risk of contracting malaria as children.
A study published in Parasites & Vectors found that host decoy traps baited with human or cattle odour can effectively collect outdoor-biting mosquitoes, including the main malaria vector species Anopheles arabiensis. The traps outperformed traditional methods such as human landing catch and caught more mosquitoes than expected.
Research reveals that malaria parasites exhibit elevated cyto-adhesion during fever, which contributes to microvasculature obstruction and splenic clearance issues. The study found a significant increase in phosphatidylserine expression on infected red blood cells at febrile temperatures.
University of Otago researchers have discovered a way to culture cynomolgi malaria parasites, which are almost identical to vivax malaria. This breakthrough could help eliminate the relapsing form of human malaria, a major public health concern worldwide.
A new biotechnology advancement may boost the efficacy of a transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) that prevents mosquitoes from spreading malaria. The vaccine, which induces humans to make malaria-attacking antibodies, could reduce malaria spread in sub-Saharan Africa where the disease kills over 400,000 people annually.
Researchers from MIT, SMART, and NTU have discovered a new molecular pathway that could boost the body's Natural Killer cells to fight malaria infection. The treatment targets MDA5, a receptor used by NK cells to identify infected red blood cells.
Researchers found that natural killer cells fail to respond to malaria infection in some patients, leading to more severe disease outcomes. By identifying key genes involved, they discovered a potential therapeutic target using poly I:C treatment.
Malaria parasites have evolved to replicate in sync with mosquitoes' feeding cycles, causing regular bouts of fever. Scientists discovered that these parasites are more infectious to mosquitoes during the day, and their replication patterns likely evolved to optimize transmission.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals how malaria infection triggers the immune system's first line of defense by activating natural killer cells through the MDA5 receptor. Treatment with a small molecule that activates MDA5 restores the ability of non-responder natural killer cells to clear infected red blood cells.
Nicholas Stephanopoulos and Rizal Hariadi, researchers at the Biodesign Center, received a $2.3 million grant to explore peptide DNA nanotechnology and its applications in biomedicine. The award supports exceptionally creative early career investigators with high-impact projects.
Researchers Colin Carlson and Christopher Trisos call for caution on climate engineering, citing the need for quantitative evidence and solid data. They hope to shed light on potential health consequences over the next two years, as climate change and geoengineering become increasingly intertwined.
A team from Imperial College London used gene drive to completely block the reproductive capacity of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, Anopheles gambiae. The technology successfully transmitted genetic modifications that caused female infertility and population collapse.
A new study identifies 360 proteins in human reticulocyte exosomes that may work as a vaccine against vivax malaria. The findings support further studies on using reticulocyte exosomes and HuRex as a potential vaccine delivery platform.
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified six compounds that can prevent malaria parasites from maturing inside mosquitoes, reducing disease transmission. These compounds, which target the parasite's sexual forms, could be used to develop new antimalarial drugs that not only cure individuals but also protect communities.
The enVision platform detects diseases in 30 minutes to an hour, with costs under S$1 per test. The technology uses enzyme-assisted nanocomplexes to identify nucleic acids and has demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity compared to clinical gold standard.
Human clinical trials for DesignMedix and Portland State's anti-malarial drug DM1157 have begun, assessing the drug's safety and absorption in healthy volunteers. The Phase I study aims to overcome growing resistance among malaria medicines, with potential approval for treatment of millions.
A new antimalarial drug called DM1157 is being tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial for its safety and efficacy. The trial aims to enroll up to 104 healthy volunteers and assess the drug's impact on the human body.
Researchers at ISGlobal and Oxford University found that heart failure is a pathogenic mechanism in severe malaria, leading to higher mortality rates. The study identified four clusters of patients with respiratory distress and severe anaemia, where liver size increase was associated with higher mortality.
A mathematical model for malaria shows that competition between parasite strains within a human host reduces the odds of drug resistance developing in high-transmission settings. The model reveals how once a drug-resistant strain becomes established, it will spread faster in high-transmission areas than in low-transmission areas.
Researchers discovered a brain-heart biomarker that can identify mice at risk of developing post-cerebral malaria epilepsy. This finding could translate to humans and improve therapeutic approaches for patients recovering from traumatic brain injury or stroke, which are estimated to develop epilepsy in up to 15 percent of survivors.
A new study published in EClinicalMedicine found that the loss of treated bed nets between mass campaigns significantly increases malaria transmission. Continuous distribution approaches can help maintain access to effective nets.
A new study reveals that lower-risk malaria regions are breeding grounds for drug-resistant strains of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. The research suggests that emerging resistant strains spread rapidly in areas with high transmission rates, making it crucial to tailor malaria response strategies for local conditions.
Researchers analyzed ape parasite genomes related to Plasmodium vivax, the main source of mosquito-borne malaria outside Africa. They found near-identical genomes between ape and human parasites, differing by only two percent within gene sequences that code for proteins.
Researchers have developed a new class of mosquito repellents based on naturally occurring compounds that are effective in repelling mosquitoes. The compounds mimic the mechanism of nature, which could provide additional protection against mosquitoes, while having fewer environmental side effects.
A new type of bed net showed a 12% reduction in clinical malaria cases compared to conventional nets, and children sleeping under it were 52% less likely to be anaemic. The study also found a 51% reduction in risk of malaria-infective mosquito bites.
A novel laboratory-synthesized molecule based on natural compounds found in marine gliding bacteria is capable of killing even the strain that resists conventional antimalarials. In tests, it displays low toxicity and high selectivity, acting only on the parasite and not on other cells of the host organism.
Researchers have sequenced the first complete mitochondrial genome of Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector in sub-Saharan Africa. The study reveals significant genetic diversity and ancient lineage differences that could inform new strategies to prevent malaria transmission.
Researchers found no evidence that a single mosquito species is vital to the ecosystem, reducing its removal would not significantly impact local animals. Locally eliminating this mosquito could drastically cut cases of malaria, but more research is needed.
A team of malaria experts has published results supporting the need for a radical cure strategy to tackle Plasmodium vivax, a debilitating form of malaria. The study found that chloroquine is currently given in lower doses than recommended, leading to higher rates of treatment failure.
Scientists found that malaria parasites are ten times nimbler than the fastest of our immune cells and literally outrun our immune defences. This difference is due to a key issue in how actin filaments are formed and broken down, which could lead to new drugs targeting parasite actin.
A cluster-randomized trial in Western Kenya found that coupling free diagnostic tests with discounts on artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) boosted testing rates and improved the rational use of ACTs. The intervention increased malaria diagnostic testing by 50.5% and reduced misuse of antimalarial drugs.
Researchers have identified a critical protein produced by malaria parasites that can be targeted to elicit protection against re-infection. The vaccine, which targets the protein PMIF, has shown promise in mouse models and could potentially prevent transmission of the disease.
A new study found that levels of α-Gal antibodies vary with age and are higher in low transmission zones. IgM response was associated with protection against clinical malaria, especially in infants, while total IgG were linked to malaria risk. The results suggest α-Gal could be a promising molecule for future malaria vaccines
Researchers have discovered a potential malaria vaccine target in the ICAM1 binding motif, which is critical to the parasite's virulence. Children with higher antibody levels to this motif had lower rates of clinical and severe malaria.
A new quantitative suspension array assay (qSAT) has been developed to measure antibodies against multiple Plasmodium falciparum proteins, simplifying sero-epidemiological studies and vaccine development. The assay is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for detailed analysis of natural and vaccine-induced antibody responses.
Researchers have mapped the first contact between Plasmodium vivax malaria parasites and human red blood cells using cryo-EM technology. The discovery provides critical information for developing potential new antimalarial drugs and vaccines.
Researchers discovered that NK cells can kill malaria-infected blood cells when activated by antibodies from people living in areas with high malaria transmission rates. The study provides a new mechanism for creating a malaria vaccine, offering an additional immune response to those already known.
A study by ISGlobal reveals the presence of proteins from hypnozoites in circulating extracellular vesicles, providing a potential diagnostic tool for asymptomatic patients. This breakthrough could help identify and stop malaria vivax transmission, an essential requirement to achieve the WHO's target of eliminating malaria by 2030.
Researchers found that current dosing regimens for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria may be sub-optimal for children below 5 years of age and pregnant women. A revised 5-day treatment regimen is suggested to improve treatment efficacy and delay drug resistance development.
Scientists at DKFZ and SickKids found that certain antibodies can cooperate with each other to bind stronger to malaria parasites, improving the immune response. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective vaccines against malaria.
Researchers discovered that asymptomatic malaria infections do not protect against new infections, and treating these cases could help prevent the spread of malaria. Treating asymptomatic malaria carriers reduced the risk of malaria illness by 50%.
A new prototype for a portable instrument capable of early-stage malaria detection has been developed by researchers at the University of Southern California. The device uses magnetic properties of a parasite byproduct to detect all malaria strains, making it suitable for low-resource environments.
Researchers have created the most comprehensive tree of life for malaria parasites, revealing diverse evolutionary lineages and proposing that some species should be renamed. The study included DNA sequence data from over 20 genes and sampled 58 malaria species across eight genera, correcting for biased DNA ratios.
A study revealed that Plasmodium falciparum emerged as a human-specific parasite species around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. The researchers sequenced the genomes of all known malaria parasites and discovered a chain of events leading to its emergence.
Researchers have discovered that various stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle are connected to epigenetic features and chromatin structure. The study provides insights into the connection between genome organization, epigenetics, and stage-specific gene expression in the malaria parasite.
A new study found that pregnant women in Colombia incur substantial economic costs due to transportation and time lost while seeking care for malaria. The costs range from $16 to $54, representing 18% of the monthly minimum salary in the country.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified volatile biomarkers that can detect malaria in people with no external symptoms. The study found that changes in human odours are characteristic of both acute and asymptomatic malaria infections, allowing for nearly 100% detection rate even at low pathogen quantities.
Distinct profiles of volatile skin emissions were found in malaria-infected individuals compared to uninfected ones. Machine learning models successfully identified asymptomatic infections based on skin volatile profiles, even at low parasite loads undetectable by microscopy.
Researchers discovered that altered body odor can indicate malaria infection, even when microscopic tests fail. Machine learning models using volatile biomarkers reliably identify asymptomatic infections with 100% sensitivity.
Researchers developed a new method to study liver-stage malaria in vitro, using primary human liver cells on 384-well plates. This technique reduces costs and biomaterials requirements, making it more accessible for screening preclinical drugs and vaccines.
A team of researchers has identified approximately 2,600 genes essential to the growth and survival of Plasmodium falciparum, a deadly malaria parasite. These findings could aid in the development of new or improved antimalarial drugs, highlighting key targets for future research.
Researchers at USF Health have identified 2,600 essential genes in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This breakthrough is expected to accelerate drug and vaccine development, potentially saving millions of lives.
Researchers have identified over 2,600 essential genes in Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal malaria parasite. These genes will help guide future drug development efforts targeting specific genes crucial for parasite survival.
A global charity grant will support researchers in Australia and the US to identify 'drug-like' molecules for treating malaria. The new treatments aim to target deadly forms of the disease, such as Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, with a focus on long-term effectiveness.
A large-scale study has revealed two gene variants linked to increased malaria risk and one variant that protects against other childhood diseases. The study found that the Sl2 mutation in the CR1 gene offers protection against cerebral malaria, but only if alpha-thalassaemia is not present.
A study has found that the rapid evolution of resistance to pyrethroid-based indoor residual sprays on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, is driven by metabolic changes in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The enzyme CYP9K1 plays a key role in this process.
A large proportion of malaria patients in endemic countries are likely to receive low doses of malaria medicine, leading to poorer treatment outcomes and potentially fueling drug resistance. Vulnerable groups like malnourished children and pregnant women require different treatments due to their unique response to antimalarial drugs.
A new EU grant of EUR 2.5 million will fund research on the sexual biology of malaria parasites to develop novel intervention targets. The project aims to map the functions of approximately 700 parasite genes involved in sexual reproduction to prevent malaria transmission by mosquitoes.