Research on malaria and the fight against it. Covers red-blood-cell inflammation, malaria resurgence, drug-resistant parasites, and mosquito-based control.
Researchers have identified a substance, known as PfSEA-1, that generates antibodies which can hinder the ability of malaria parasites to multiply, potentially protecting against severe malaria infection. The antigen was associated with reduced parasite levels among children and adults in malaria-endemic areas, and mice exposed to PfSE...
Researchers used anonymized mobile records to identify geographical 'hotspots' of malaria and design targeted plans for its elimination. The study combined population movement data with information about diagnosed cases, climate, and topography.
Researchers developed a single-cell genomics technique to study malaria parasites, allowing for comprehensive understanding of multiple genotype infections (MGI's) and their impact on disease progression. The findings could inform disease control interventions and reduce rates of infection and mortality.
A genomic investigation by University of British Columbia researchers has revealed that a lethal parasite infecting a wide range of insects originated from pond scum. The parasite, Helicosporidium, has shed its green past on its evolutionary journey, losing almost all its genes except those required for photosynthesis.
Researchers have created a novel method for isolating and genome sequencing individual malaria parasite cells, allowing for a better understanding of the complex interactions between parasites and their hosts. This breakthrough could lead to more effective drug design and vaccine development, tackling the major global killer malaria.
A recent NIH-funded study tracked Tanzanian children's risk of severe malaria over time, finding no simple relationship between parasite density and disease severity. The research suggests that even mild episodes of malaria may pose a significant risk of severe illness, contrary to previous mathematical models.
New research found that interactive training programmes for health workers can reduce overdiagnosis of malaria by half and prevent the wastage of valuable drugs. The study suggests that comprehensive training packages should be implemented alongside the roll-out of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in endemic countries.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists analyzed over 1000 proteins in more than 700 children with and without malaria. They found elevated muscle-specific proteins in plasma that could distinguish cerebral malaria from other syndromes. These findings suggest a link between muscle damage and the severity of cerebral malaria.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the immune system of healthy children can prevent repeated malaria fever episodes by producing anti-inflammatory molecules after a first bout of malaria. The researchers suggest that this 'premunition' response evolved as an effective immune mechanism to protect young children from life-th...
Scientists investigated the malaria pathogen's cellular skeleton using high-resolution structural biology methods. They discovered two versions of actin protein with different structures and behaviors, which may contribute to designing tailored anti-malarial medication.
Researchers found that children living in malaria-endemic regions mount an immune response to infection with malaria parasites, enabling them to partially control parasite growth and avoid repeated fever. This exposure-dependent control of inflammation may have evolved to protect young children from life-threatening illness.
Scientists have discovered a way to combat malaria drug resistance by administering chloroquine twice daily. Researchers found that the parasite protein causing resistance has an Achilles' heel, rendering it vulnerable to repeated doses of the medication.
Global health funding reached an all-time high of $31.3 billion in 2013, driven by increased support for maternal and child health. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to receive relatively little development assistance, despite being a major burden in the developing world.
Researchers have discovered a way of reducing the fertility of malaria-carrying mosquitoes by targeting an enzyme called HPX15. This could provide a new tactic to combat the disease, potentially leading to a reduction in the number of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in circulation.
A research team led by Karine Le Roch generated a 3D model of the human malaria parasite genome at three stages of its life cycle. The study revealed one major repression center for virulence genes, which could lead to new anti-malaria strategies by disrupting the parasite's genome architecture.
Researchers led by Maria Belen Cassera aim to identify new drug targets for preventing malaria transmission by studying the metabolism of the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The project focuses on understanding the role of isoprenoids in early stages of gametocytogenesis.
Researchers at the University of Geneva have discovered a new class of molecules that target the heat shock protein 90 in Plasmodium falciparum, a key factor in malaria resistance. The study reveals five candidate molecules toxic to the parasite but not human red blood cells.
University of Notre Dame biologists Nicole Achee and Neil Lobo are leading a five-year project to develop spatial repellent products for mosquito control, aiming to prevent malaria and dengue fever. The grant will generate data on the effectiveness of this new paradigm in mosquito control.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that rosiglitazone, a known diabetes drug, can prevent brain damage in mice with cerebral malaria and increase brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) levels in humans. The findings suggest that this approved drug may have protective mechanisms against long-term cognitive impairments.
Researchers have found that warmer temperatures push malaria to higher elevations in highland regions of Ethiopia and Colombia, with significant consequences for densely populated areas. Climate change is expected to result in a substantial increase in malaria cases globally unless disease monitoring and control efforts are strengthened.
New research by HHMI scientists shows that as temperatures rise in tropical regions, malaria can spread to populations at higher elevations previously unaffected. Without increased control measures, climate change will increase the burden of malaria, particularly in densely populated areas at higher elevations.
Researchers found a clear signal of climate change's impact on malaria, with cases shifting to higher elevations in warmer years and back down in cooler years. Climate warming is expected to increase malaria cases in tropical highland areas, particularly in Africa and South America.
A single genetic mutation in the GSTe2 gene causes mosquitoes to break down DDT, making them resistant to the insecticide. This discovery could help improve malaria control strategies by allowing for early detection and tracking of resistance.
Researchers have discovered a key protein, AP2-G, essential for the development of male and female sexual forms of the malaria parasite. The protein triggers the production of gametocytes, which are infectious to mosquitos, offering clues for identifying transmission mechanisms.
A Penn-led study found Plasmodium vivax's origin in wild-living apes in central Africa, overturning the dogma that it originated in Asia. The parasite infects both gorillas and chimpanzees, with ape P. vivax exhibiting infection rates consistent with stable transmission within wild communities.
Substantial reductions in malaria transmission have been achieved across most of Africa, but 57% of the population still live in areas of moderate-to-high transmission intensity. High population growth rates and emerging resistance to insecticides threaten progress.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that over half of the population in countries endemic for malaria continues to live in areas of moderate to intense transmission, with infection rates over 10%. Despite progress made between 2000-2010, the number of people living in high-risk areas fell only by 16%.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a novel way to produce malaria parasite proteins that could lead to easy and cheap vaccine manufacturing. The new approach uses a single-celled aquatic creature similar to the malaria parasite, allowing for rapid multiplication in the lab.
Researchers found that Wolbachia reduced malaria parasite infection and oocyst intensity at 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its effect varied across different temperatures, with increased oocyst intensity at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a school-based intermittent screening and treatment program for malaria had no health or education benefits in rural coastal Kenya. Despite high participation rates, the program did not reduce anemia or improve class attendance scores among children. However, the authors suggest that school...
Scientists at MIT have developed a strain of mice that mimics the human immune system, allowing them to study the interaction between the host and the malaria parasite. The research reveals that natural killer cells play a crucial role in controlling infection early on.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the mechanism of a common form of malaria. The study reveals that the parasite attaches to red blood cells using a two-step process involving two copies of a parasite protein coming together like tongs around two copies of a host protein.
Scientists have identified a way to stop malaria parasites from multiplying by targeting the NMT enzyme, which is essential for various processes in the parasite. The discovery raises hopes for new treatments and could be effective against multiple species of malaria parasites.
A team of researchers has discovered a way to identify malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasites that are resistant to artemisinin, the key drug for treating this disease. The study found that parasites with a mutant version of the K13-propeller gene were more likely to survive exposure to artemisinin.
Scientists from NTU have discovered a key process during the Malaria parasite's invasion of red blood cells and developed antibodies that can interfere with this process. This breakthrough has the potential to lead to the development of a low-cost vaccine that could save millions of lives.
The UCSF Global Health Group will conduct research on community-based strategies to identify and clear the last remaining malaria parasites in areas close to elimination. The goal is to determine risk factors associated with malaria transmission and explore effective interventions for high-risk groups.
A large pooled analysis of over 7,000 patients with malaria suggests that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is highly efficacious but that young children are at higher risk of treatment failure due to insufficient doses. The study highlights the need for optimal drug dosing levels in this population.
The RH5-basigin interaction is crucial for the invasion of red blood cells by Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The team found that this interaction allows P. falciparum to infect humans but not chimpanzees or gorillas, mirroring its known infection profile.
Researchers have identified phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase (PI4K) as a potential malaria drug target, essential throughout the Plasmodium life cycle. Imidazopyrazines inhibit PI4K activity, blocking parasite development in both liver and bloodstream stages.
Scientists have identified a key metabolic enzyme used by Plasmodium species at each stage of infection, paving the way for more effective drugs and potentially eradicating malaria. The discovery could lead to radical cures and prevent infections, blocking transmission back to mosquitoes.
Scientists discover genetic mechanisms allowing Plasmodium vivax parasite to invade red blood cells, potentially rendering Duffy-negative individuals susceptible to vivax malaria. The research suggests the parasite may be rapidly evolving, increasing the risk for millions of Africans who previously had natural protection.
Researchers have discovered genetic mutations in Plasmodium vivax that may be causing a rise in infections among Duffy negative individuals. The mutations include a duplication of the Duffy binding protein and two new proteins that resemble those used by related malaria parasites to enter red blood cells.
Researchers found that lower doses of primaquine are as effective as higher doses in reducing malaria transmission, and may play a crucial role in malaria elimination. The study suggests that low-dose primaquine is safe in G6PD-normal individuals and could be used to block malaria transmission.
The updated 2013 Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap sets a new target for vaccines to reduce malaria cases by 75 percent and be licensed by 2030. The roadmap also aims for malaria elimination through the development of safe and effective vaccines that prevent disease, death, and transmission.
Professor Alan Cowman has been recognized for his substantial contributions to understanding malaria development and drug resistance. His work has led to the development of two potential malaria vaccines, one in clinical trials and the other in preclinical development.
Scientists have developed a 3D filming technique that helps researchers understand how malaria parasites mate and spread the disease. The unique motion of malaria sperm, moving in an irregular corkscrew motion, has revealed new insights into prevention and control methods.
A 15-year study on P. vivax population genetics in South Korea found drastic genetic change occurred between 2002-2003, suggesting parasites were introduced from North Korea. This explains why South Korea was unable to eliminate vivax malaria for 20 years.
Researchers discovered a new molecular target for controlling malaria by blocking egg development in mosquitoes. The study found that a male hormone delivered during sex activates a protein switch, which boosts egg production. This finding holds promise for developing new tools to control malaria-transmitting mosquito populations.
A new study has shown that egg development in malaria mosquitoes depends on a switch activated by a male hormone delivered during sex, which could be a viable strategy for controlling the disease. Blocking this switch may impair the ability of the species to reproduce.
Researchers challenge prevailing argument that farm movement led to US malaria decline in the 1930s. Instead, targeted public health interventions and infrastructure development played a crucial role. The study's findings have significant implications for eradicating malaria in parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Researchers discovered four genera of haemosporidian parasites in West African bats, closely related to the malaria pathogen Plasmodium. The study highlights the complex relationship between bats and pathogens, with potential implications for understanding human malaria evolution and developing new vaccines.
Scientists find that malaria and toxoplasmosis parasites can survive without AMA1 protein, but still attach to host cells. This discovery challenges current therapeutic strategies and suggests alternative approaches for improving treatments.
Professor Alan Cowman's work has led to a better understanding of malaria biology, informing new treatments and vaccines. The development of potential malaria vaccines is a significant step towards eradicating the disease.
The malaria vaccine candidate RTS,S has shown significant protection against clinical malaria and severe malaria cases in young children and infants. Over 18 months of follow-up, the vaccine reduced clinical malaria cases by almost half in children aged 5-17 months and malaria hospitalizations by 42%.
Researchers uncover a wide variety of malaria parasites in West African bats, including those closely related to rodent-infecting pathogens. The study reveals two bat-infecting parasites that made evolutionary jumps from rodents into bats and then likely back again.
A CDC and Massachusetts General Hospital study finds that pretravel consultations and preventive medications can save money for both payers and most travelers. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 travelers to West Africa and found that the costs associated with contracting malaria outweighed the costs of preventive care.
A study in Malawian children found chronic inflammation in blood vessels after recurrent malaria episodes, predisposing future infections and cardiovascular disease. The findings explain high childhood mortality rates in malaria-endemic areas.
Researchers at MIT developed a new model of malaria transmission that combines global forecasts with local rainfall data, predicting minimal increase in disease incidence despite projected temperature and rainfall changes. The study aims to provide more accurate predictions for specific variables relevant to society, such as malaria in...
A study published in Vaccine suggests that genetically engineered malaria parasites can be used as a vaccine to protect against infection. The attenuated parasites, which are stunted through precise gene deletions, induce robust immune responses that provide long-lasting protection.
A new simple and rapid test can clearly identify artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in people with the disease. The test was developed using ring-stage survival assays (RSAs) and shows promise for use in field-based settings to monitor artemisinin resistance.