Articles tagged with Malaria
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 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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
Researchers have developed two rapid tests to monitor resistance spread and screen new drugs for malaria. The simple tests can predict whether a patient has slow-clearing, drug-resistant parasites in just 72 hours.
A study found that iron supplementation among children in a malaria-endemic area did not increase the incidence of malaria. However, hospital admission rates were higher in the iron group compared to the no-iron group.
Researchers found that mosquitoes have higher olfactory sensitivity and protein abundance of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) at night, making them more effective at detecting human hosts. This discovery has significant implications for developing novel insect control methods to reduce malaria transmission.
A new University of Michigan-led study reveals that irrigation systems in arid regions can increase malaria risk for over a decade, even with intensive mosquito control efforts. The research highlights the need for long-term public health and safety programs to mitigate this impact.
Researchers found that higher dosages of the PfSPZ Vaccine generated more antibodies and T cells, providing protection against malaria infection. The study's results suggest a potential breakthrough in developing a safe and effective malaria vaccine.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that barriers to preventing malaria in pregnant women are consistent across sub-Saharan African countries. Common issues include unclear policy, healthcare facility shortages, and confusion among providers, delaying antenatal care and impacting uptake of interventions.
Scientists at MIT have developed a system to grow liver tissue that can support the liver stage of malaria parasites, allowing for testing of new drugs and vaccines. The system was used to study a vaccine for P. falciparum and showed promising results.
Researchers at University of California, Riverside identified odor molecules that impair mosquitoes' carbon dioxide detection machinery. Olfactor Labs developed a wearable patch that delivers non-toxic compounds to repel mosquitoes, providing up to 48 hours of protection.
The study reveals high genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax in the Americas, similar to Asia and Oceania, suggesting multiple introductions. This diversity has important implications for control and eradication efforts.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing new gene therapies to treat Sickle Cell Disease, malaria, and Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIA. In the Journal of Clinical Investigation, scientists successfully delivered a replacement gene to the brain in mice and dogs with MPSIIIA using intra-cerebrospinal fluid gene therapy.
Researchers have developed a malaria vaccine using blood-stage parasites that are chemically attenuated, inducing immunity to multiple species. The study demonstrates protective immunity in mice for over 100 days, suggesting a promising approach to target human malaria species.
A collaborative study led by Durham University found that children from the poorest families are at double the risk of contracting malaria compared to those from less impoverished backgrounds. The research highlights the need for development programs as an essential component of malaria control to ensure transmission continues to decline.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet found that the world's poorest children are twice as likely to contract malaria as their better-off counterparts. Investing in socioeconomic development, such as improved education and nutrition, is crucial to controlling and eliminating malaria.
A Kansas State University researcher has received a prestigious fellowship to study mosquitoes and their role in spreading malaria. The goal is to understand how the mosquito's immune system responds to parasites, which could lead to new methods to limit parasite development and potentially find a cure for malaria.
Researchers have characterized the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry4B toxin as highly toxic against Anopheles gambiae, a principal vector of malaria. The study demonstrates that Cry4B can kill even Permethrin-resistant mosquito larvae, providing an environmentally safe approach to controlling malaria.
Researchers discovered how malaria parasites stick to blood vessels by binding to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR). This finding may lead to new means of combating malaria, including vaccines and drugs. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind severe malaria symptoms.
The ProMPT project distributed over 12 million mosquito nets, improving malaria prevention and treatment in Ghana. The initiative also strengthened health facilities' capacity to manage malaria, particularly during pregnancy.
The GHIT Fund will screen Japanese pharmaceutical companies' and research institutes' compound libraries for new treatments of malaria, tuberculosis, and neglected diseases like leishmaniasis and sleeping sickness.