Research on malaria and the fight against it. Covers red-blood-cell inflammation, malaria resurgence, drug-resistant parasites, and mosquito-based control.
Research team led by Miguel Soares discovered that specific bacterial components in the human gut microbiota can trigger a natural defense mechanism against malaria. High levels of circulating anti-alpha-gal antibodies induced by vaccination are highly protective against malaria transmission.
A study reveals that white blood cells can cause increased blood pressure and impaired blood flow in the brain, leading to death from cerebral malaria in mice. The researchers used a mouse model of Plasmodium berghei ANKA-induced cerebral malaria to investigate the role of white blood cells in this disease.
Scientists have identified a range of new chemicals with potent anti-malarial properties that could lead to new treatments for the disease. The compounds block a molecular salt pump at the surface of the parasite, causing it to swell and burst.
Canada has awarded $1.2 million in grants to 11 new global health innovations in La Francophonie member states, aiming to address pressing health challenges such as malaria, malnutrition and sanitation. The projects focus on improving maternal, newborn and child health, with a particular emphasis on low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 16 mosquito species found in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to understand how they transmit malaria. The study found that some species have varying capabilities for transmitting the disease and adapting to new environments.
A Virginia Tech graduate student has received a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fellowship to study the effects of mercury contamination on red-winged blackbird populations. Her research aims to investigate how stress hormones and disease are connected in birds, with potential implications for understanding avian malaria infections.
The ASMQ FDC has shown non-inferior efficacy to AL FDC in treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in children under 5 years old. No significant concerns of tolerability were observed with either treatment.
A new study reveals that monkey-borne Plasmodium knowlesi is the leading cause of malaria hospitalizations in Malaysia, with 68% of cases attributed to this parasite. Deforestation and increased human interactions with macaques are potential culprits behind this rise in infections.
Researchers are developing two types of malaria vaccines: anti-infection vaccines that prevent people from becoming infected, and transmission-blocking vaccines that prevent mosquitoes from being infected. The goal is to induce an unnatural immunity in humans and mosquitoes, reducing the human parasite reservoir.
Researchers found that simple text messages can help patients complete their full malaria medication regimen, boosting rates of treatment completion and reducing the risk of drug-resistant diseases. The study used SMS reminders in Ghana and showed a significant impact on treatment adherence.
Genetics expert Muntaser Ibrahim's research on human genetic variation and population structure sheds light on disease susceptibility, offering potential insights into novel vaccines. His studies have identified key gene variants that can protect against malaria and other infectious diseases.
A study found that a gut bacterium, Csp_P, can reduce infection of mosquitoes by malaria parasites and dengue virus. The bacterium directly inhibits these pathogens in test tubes and shortens the life span of mosquitoes that transmit both diseases.
A new skin patch has successfully detected malaria proteins in live mice, paving the way for a less painful and more accessible diagnostic method. The patch, designed by Simon R. Corrie's team, captures multiple biomarkers for diseases like malaria, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment.
Malaria causes over 200 million cases annually, with P. falciparum responsible for most deaths; researchers seek inhibitors of sugar metabolism enzyme to fight the disease.
A recent study found that mefloquine, an antimalarial drug, was not effective as an alternative to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for malaria prevention during pregnancy. Despite its safety profile, the drug showed poor tolerability and limited benefits for fetal health in HIV-positive women.
Grand Challenges Canada announces $2.4 million in grants for 22 innovative projects addressing maternal, newborn and child health globally. These projects include programs improving infant nutrition, malaria diagnosis, and vaccine storage, as well as initiatives to combat iron deficiency and improve access to healthcare.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technique called vectored immunoprophylaxis (VIP) to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, malaria, and influenza. This method provides specific antibodies that can neutralize pathogens, offering a potential solution for widespread use in the less developed world.
The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund) has awarded $15.3 million in grants to support the development of promising vaccines and drugs against three insect-borne diseases: malaria, dengue, and Chagas disease. These investments aim to tackle diseases that disproportionately affect the world's poorest populations.
Researchers found that malaria parasites in birds react to mosquito bites, triggering increased parasite loads and higher infection rates of mosquitoes. This 'plastic' transmission strategy may improve malaria control by better understanding its ecological determinants.
Scientists have identified a weak spot in the life cycle of malaria parasites, where female parasites store fat differently to males. This discovery could lead to new drugs targeting the fat molecule gABCG2, potentially preventing the spread of the disease.
Researchers have identified a genetic region controlling red blood cell invasion in the chimpanzee malaria parasite, which differs from the human malaria parasite. This finding provides potential pathways for developing vaccines against human malaria.
Experts recommend prioritizing pregnant women for long-lasting insecticide treated nets through antenatal care clinics. This distribution strategy can help improve maternal, neonatal, and infant health by preventing malaria, which has adverse effects on mothers and infants.
Researchers at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs by repurposing an existing antibiotic called emetine. The study revealed how emetine blocks the molecular machinery required for malaria parasite survival, offering a promising approach to com...
Researchers have developed a new malaria diagnosis technique using magnetic resonance relaxometry (MRR) to detect hemozoin crystals produced by the Plasmodium parasite. This method offers a more reliable and minimally invasive way to diagnose malaria, with potential for low-cost field deployment.
A UCSF-led team found that children with repeated malaria exposure experience fewer clinical symptoms, but also have reduced immune responses. This depletion of gamma delta T cells may be beneficial in some ways, but detrimental in others, allowing the disease to spread.
Researchers have discovered over 30 enzyme-blocking molecules that can curb malaria before symptoms start, targeting the liver stage of the parasite's lifecycle. These protein kinase inhibitors, also used to treat cancer, could diversify the antimalarial arsenal and extend the lifespan of existing drugs.
A novel decision support system combines computer vision algorithms with visualization of relevant areas to aid in malaria diagnosis. The method was shown to be accurate comparable to World Health Organization quality criteria, with over 90% of infected samples correctly diagnosed.
Researchers developed a new computational method to study disease-causing genes, starting with Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The method allowed for the prediction of protein functions and revealed the role of EXP1 in detoxifying metabolic byproducts and drug susceptibility.
Researchers discovered that HP1 proteins play a crucial role in regulating gene expression in malaria parasites, allowing them to survive and transmit. The study found that depleting HP1 enabled the parasite to express high levels of var genes, which can evade the immune system.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have found a potential new path toward malaria immunization by injecting a vaccine-like compound into mice. The approach, known as Vector Immunoprophylaxis (VIP), triggers the creation of antibodies that prevent malaria in 70% of mice.
A systematic review of studies found that 1 in 4 pregnant women experience malaria, yet most receive inappropriate treatment. Barriers include poor knowledge among healthcare providers and reliance on clinical diagnosis.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that treating young children with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) decreases their risk of contracting malaria. The study showed a protective efficacy of 58% against malaria episodes, making DP a promising alternative to current treatments.
A year-round preventive drug treatment substantially reduces young children's risk of contracting malaria, with no serious adverse events reported. The study found that a monthly dose of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine was the most effective at reducing malaria risk in children from 6 months to 24 months of age.
Drug-resistant malaria parasites have spread to critical border regions of Southeast Asia, posing a significant threat to global malaria control efforts. The study found artemisinin resistance in several countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar, with signs of emerging resistance in other areas.
Artemisinin resistance has become widespread in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. A six-day course of artemisinin-based combination therapy proved highly effective in treating drug-resistant malaria cases.
Researchers discovered new vaccine targets that could help combat malaria by identifying previously untested antigens and gaining insights into antigen combination. A group of infected children was followed over six months to identify combinations of antibodies providing up to 100% protection against clinical episodes.
A malaria vaccine has been shown to provide continued protection against clinical malaria in young infants and children, with the effect of vaccination diminishing over time. The vaccine efficacy was highest in the first 6 months after vaccination, with estimates suggesting it could have a major public health impact.
A groundbreaking study in Tanzania successfully infects volunteers with malaria in a controlled laboratory setting, paving the way for accelerated development of new treatments. The innovative PfSPZ Challenge method eliminates the need for live mosquitoes, reducing costs and increasing accessibility to malaria research and treatment.
Scientists found mutations in the PfHAD1 protein, which normally slows down isoprenoid synthesis. This discovery is relevant for other infectious diseases like tuberculosis and bacterial infections.
The study shows accelerated progress in reducing the global burden of HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) since governments adopted MDG 6. The number of people living with HIV has risen to around 29 million, while TB prevalence rates have decreased in many regions.
The number of deaths from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria has decreased significantly worldwide since 2000. In sub-Saharan Africa, child deaths from malaria have dropped by 31.5% in the past decade. Researchers attribute the decline to improved access to antiretroviral therapy and treatment.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a potential target for malaria drug development by identifying a key protein involved in the parasite's protein secretion process. Disrupting this protein, heat shock protein 101 (HSP101), prevents the parasite from secreting its proteins into the red blood cell.
Researchers at Monash University have developed a novel test using Fourier Transform Infrared (FITR) spectroscopy to detect malaria parasites in blood. The technique uses an anti-tank Javelin missile detector to identify infected red blood cells, providing highly detailed information on a sample area in minutes.
A new assay developed by Oregon State University can detect counterfeit malaria drugs at a cost of a few cents, saving thousands of lives annually. The technology uses paper-based microfluidics to verify the presence and level of artesunate, a crucial drug for treating serious malaria cases.
A WPI research team will test a plant-based therapy for malaria that may be highly effective and low-cost. The therapy uses dried leaves from the sweet wormwood plant, Artemisia annua.
Researchers have completed a comprehensive study on the role of protein phosphatases in malaria parasite development and differentiation. The study, published in Cell Host and Microbe, identifies 16 genes that are crucial for parasite growth and could be future drug targets.
Researchers used a statistical technique to downscale global climate models and found that population centers in cool, highland regions of East Africa may be more vulnerable to malaria than previously thought. The study suggests that fine-scale predictions can improve local adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have developed a compound that blocks Plasmepsin V, a critical enzyme essential for malaria parasite survival. The compound, WEHI-916, has shown promising results in killing malaria parasites and could lead to effective treatment of all species of the parasite.
Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute developed a compound that blocks Plasmepsin V, a key enzyme essential for malaria parasite survival. This breakthrough could lead to new antimalarial drugs effective against all species of malaria parasites.
Researchers found that malaria-infected mice are more attractive to mosquitos than uninfected mice, especially during recovery from symptoms. This altered scent profile may help identify asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the disease.
Researchers found that malaria parasites manipulate host body odor to make infected individuals more attractive to hungry mosquitoes. Even after symptoms have subsided, the scent of infected mice remained elevated for life, suggesting a lifelong impact on the disease.
Researchers at NIAID have developed a vaccine that delivers the AMA1-RON2 complex, protecting mice from lethal malaria. The improved antibody response to this vaccine provides protection against infection even in non-vaccinated animals.
Researchers adapt mathematical tool for geographic profiling to target infectious disease breeding sites, reducing search areas from 300km to just 10.7km. The new model has the potential to identify sources of TB, cholera, and Legionnaires' disease, offering a promising solution for public health control.
A team of scientists has developed a chromosome map for about half of the genome of Aedes agypti mosquito, which transmits dengue fever and yellow fever. The study reveals striking contrasts between this mosquito and Anopheles gambiae, the malaria vector, that may help prevent diseases by manipulating sex ratios.
A new genetic 'barcode' for malaria parasites has been found, enabling the tracking and containment of disease spread. The barcode can identify the geographic origin of infections and monitor the spread of drug-resistant parasites.
African malaria mosquito expert Bradley White receives $1.8M NIH grant to create fine-scale recombination rate maps for Anopheles gambiae. The project aims to model and predict efficacy of novel vector control strategies.
Researchers discovered malaria-infected red blood cells exhibit altered motion patterns, affecting flow dynamics. This discovery may lead to better-targeted drug treatments for malaria.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a method to distort the sex ratio of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, eradicating female populations that transmit malaria. The genetically modified mosquitoes produced 95% male offspring, eliminating entire wild-type populations in six generations.
Researchers have found evidence of an intercellular bacterial infection in natural populations of two species of Anopheles mosquitoes, a major vector of malaria. The Wolbachia infection has been shown to reduce the incidence of pathogen infections in mosquitoes and could be used to control malaria-transmitting mosquito populations.
A Cochrane review found that rectal artesunate reduces deaths in young children with severe malaria, but its use in older children and adults is less clear due to low-quality evidence. The treatment could be a lifesaver in rural areas where injections are unavailable.