Articles tagged with Malaria
A recent clinical trial found that artesunate reduces deaths from severe malaria by 22.5% compared to quinine, and is associated with fewer complications such as seizures and low blood sugar in children. The findings have prompted a call for change to treatment guidelines worldwide.
Dr. Karine Le Roch is investigating how malaria parasite multiplies in red blood cells using a $1.7 million NIH grant. The goal is to develop more effective strategies against this devastating disease, with potential new drug strategies also being explored.
The study confirms the 'malaria hypothesis', which suggests that the sickle cell gene provides protection against malaria, allowing it to survive and thrive in areas of intense transmission. The global map shows a significant geographical overlap between the frequency of the sickle cell gene and malaria prevalence.
The Lancet Series on Malaria Elimination concludes that a vaccine is crucial for successful elimination, but current efforts are hindered by high transmission rates, poor health systems, and lack of leadership. The series highlights the need for balance, humility, and rigorous analysis to pursue malaria elimination.
The Lancet authors emphasize the need for a three-part strategy to achieve malaria eradication, including aggressive control in high-risk areas, elimination from the margins inward, and research and development. They also highlight the importance of strengthening guidance and support for countries aiming to eliminate malaria.
Eliminating malaria will cost more than controlling the disease, with only moderate cost savings expected in one country. The authors suggest a paradigm shift in international funding is needed to support elimination efforts.
Countries with low risk and stable health systems have higher feasibility for malaria elimination. Latin America is in the best position to achieve this, while sub-Saharan African countries face substantial difficulties due to political instability, weak health systems, and high transmission rates.
Researchers used mathematical models and maps to estimate malaria elimination feasibility in countries with the deadliest form of the disease. The data suggest that Plasmodium falciparum malaria could be eliminated in most areas in 10-15 years if transmission is reduced by 90%.
Countries seeking to eliminate malaria must adopt a new approach, prioritizing proactive case detection, treatment with effective drugs like primaquine, and preventive measures. Effective elimination strategies are needed despite operational challenges and high costs.
The 'malaria map' has shrunk by over 150 years, with 32 countries nearing elimination and many more in controlled low-endemic states. The fight against malaria involves two main parasite species, <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> and <i>Plasmodium vivax</i>, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic tests and radical treatment options.
A global effort combines technologies and expertise from Canada and India to develop new classes of antimalarial drugs, targeting three key malaria targets. The program also harnesses novel technologies for slow-release medication delivery, potentially leading to a 'one pill cure' and reducing drug resistance.
A high-resolution microarray has shed new light on Anopheles gambiae populations, revealing the genes that enable mosquitoes to adapt to insecticides and other preventive measures. This breakthrough provides powerful new insights into the genetics of malaria vectors, supporting public health efforts to contain and eliminate the disease.
Scientists at The University of Nottingham have pinpointed 72 molecular switches controlling the malaria parasite's three key stages. Their research, funded by Wellcome Trust and MRC, is a significant breakthrough in finding cheap and effective solutions to stop malaria transmission.
Researchers funded by NIH have found that Anopheles gambiae is evolving into two distinct species, M and S, with differing traits and behaviors. These emerging species may alter disease transmission patterns, requiring new prevention strategies.
Two strains of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito are becoming genetically distinct, potentially rendering current control methods ineffective against one strain. The research highlights the need for targeted strategies to monitor and adapt to these genetic changes.
A new study reveals that malaria deaths in India are 13 times higher than currently estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The research suggests that approximately 205,000 malaria deaths occur annually in India before age 70, with a cumulative probability of death from malaria at 1.8% for individuals under 70 years old.
A fluorescent image of the mosquito heart, taken by Vanderbilt graduate student Jonas King, has won first place in Nikon's 'Small World' 2010 photomicrography competition. The image showcases the unique structure and function of the mosquito's circulatory system.
Researchers have identified a gene that enables malaria parasites to resist artemisinin treatment, leading to potential development of new drugs and control strategies.
Global malaria funding has increased by 166% since 2007 but falls 60% short of the required $4.9 billion for comprehensive control in 2010. Meanwhile, 21 countries, including 12 in Africa, have received adequate or near-adequate funds to implement effective malaria interventions.
Researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine develop a new technique to detect and monitor insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus mosquitoes. The technique involves forcing female mosquitoes to lay eggs, which are then reared into adult mosquitoes to study levels of resistance to pyrethroid/DDT insecticides.
Researchers at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new pathway used by malaria parasites to infect human cells, providing a potential vaccine target. Blocking both the glycophorin and CR1 pathways results in a 90% decrease in parasite infection, suggesting an effective vaccine could significantly reduce malaria cases.
Minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advocates for 'country ownership' to maximize development aid impact. Countries must have clear vision and control over resources, allowing them to tailor proven practices to their specific circumstances.
A BU study shows that empowering community health workers with a rapid diagnostic test and antibiotics can significantly increase the proportion of appropriately timed antibiotic treatments for non-severe pneumonia and decrease inappropriate use of anti-malarials. The study found a five-fold increase in timely treatment of pneumonia.
A study by Kojo Yeboah-Antwi found that community health workers can safely provide integrated management of pneumonia and malaria to communities. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in appropriately-timed antibiotic treatment for non-severe pneumonia.
A European Union version of the US 'priority review voucher' system could incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for neglected diseases. The system would offer accelerated regulatory review, pricing, and reimbursement decisions in exchange for developing a treatment for a neglected disease.
Researchers found that adding primaquine to fixed-dose artemisinin combination treatments significantly reduces gametocyte carriage, a key factor in malaria transmission. The artesunate-mefloquine regimen showed the highest cure rate and lowest rates of reinfection.
Researchers have identified a gene mutation that confers resistance to the antibiotic clindamycin in malaria parasites. The findings suggest that current diagnostic tests may be inadequate and highlight the need for new treatment strategies. This study contributes to our understanding of the genetic basis of drug resistance in malaria.
A new study found that a Peruvian parasite population had significant genetic instability near the telomere, leading to missed diagnoses from rapid diagnostic tests. The researchers also identified a gene mutation that confers resistance to clindamycin, a commonly administered drug for treating malaria in pregnant women and infants.
Researchers have discovered a novel compound, spiroindolone NITD609, effective against both strains of the malaria parasite and shows pharmacological properties compatible with a once-daily dosing regimen.
A research team led by Scripps Research Institute has discovered a promising new drug candidate to treat malaria, which shows an attractive safety profile and potential for treatment in a single oral dose. The study's findings provide hope for the development of new treatments against this deadly disease.
A chemical compound, NITD609, has shown promising results in clearing malaria parasites from mice after a single oral dose. The compound targets a parasite protein not attacked by existing malaria drugs and has desirable features for a new malaria therapy.
Researchers have identified a way to preserve nerve cells in a rat model of stroke and developed a modified adenovirus vaccine that provides protection against malaria in mice. The vaccine targets a protein called TRPC6, which is involved in protecting nerve cells from death after a stroke.
Researchers have characterized two families of molecular odorant sensors in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, which mediate critical behaviors like host location. The discovery suggests that these mosquitoes use multiple olfactory signaling pathways to detect human-derived odors.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University have identified a second set of olfactory receptors in the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, which responds to key human odorants. This discovery may help explain the effectiveness of DEET repellents and provide new insights into developing more effective lures and controls for malaria.
Researchers estimate ITN coverage in 44 African countries between 2000 and 2008, with some countries scaling up coverage to over 60%. However, others, such as Nigeria, remain undercovered. The study suggests increased development assistance for health is related to improved ITN coverage.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have created a synthetic drug for malaria treatment that is more potent than naturally derived artemisinin. The new drug's stability makes it last longer in the body, reducing the chance of parasite re-appearance and making it more cost-effective to mass produce.
A study found that infection with malaria parasites during antibiotic treatment developed a vaccine-like immunity against re-infection. Antibiotics can prevent malaria parasite replication in the liver, allowing the immune system to mount a robust defense against future infections.
A modeling study found that high malaria transmission areas in Africa require additional tools beyond current interventions like artemisinin-combination therapy and bednets. Targeting outdoor-biting mosquitoes with new strategies may be necessary for achieving elimination in these areas.
Researchers have identified a unique metabolic pathway in Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, which could be targeted with anti-malarial drugs. The discovery, published in Nature, reveals that the parasite uses a double-branched pathway to generate acetyl-CoA, a crucial molecule for its survival.
A global distribution map of P. vivax malaria identifies regions with extremely low or unstable transmission, where control and elimination are relatively good prospects. The study estimates that 91% of exposed individuals live in Central and South East Asia.
To eradicate malaria, it is essential to comprehend the private lives of mosquitoes beyond their usual habitats. The authors emphasize that current vector control measures are insufficient to break the Plasmodium falciparum transmission cycle in highly endemic areas.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed new techniques to identify drug resistance in malaria, enabling faster detection and saving lives. By using genetic assays and mathematical analysis, they can track drug immunity of the deadliest form of the disease in just days, far cheaper than traditional methods.
Researchers found that administering antibiotics to mice infected with malaria prevents the disease and induces long-term immunity. The treatment targets the apicoplast, a bacterial organ necessary for parasite reproduction, allowing the immune system to develop robust protection.
Researchers found that administering antibiotics during the liver stage of malaria infection generates strong protective immunity in mice. The treatment prevents malaria parasites from infecting red blood cells and builds long-term immunity against subsequent infections.
Researchers successfully engineer mosquitoes immune to malaria parasite, rendering them ineffective vectors for human infection. The breakthrough has significant implications for global health, with an estimated 1 million fatalities annually due to the disease.
A team of Duke University researchers and African colleagues will be studying strategies to curb the spread of malaria while protecting human and environmental health. The work aims to refine a model called the Malaria Decision Analysis Support Tool (MDAST) to improve malaria control effectiveness worldwide.
Penn State's Liwang Cui leads a seven-year, $14.5 million project to combat malaria in Southeast Asia. The center will address research needs in regions with high malaria morbidity and mortality rates.
Case Western Reserve University has been named an International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, a $7.9M seven-year grant to accelerate malaria control and elimination worldwide. The research will focus on regions where malaria is endemic in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Latin America.
The University of California, Irvine will lead a groundbreaking malaria field research project in China, Myanmar, and Thailand with $4.7 million federal funding. Researchers aim to develop broader results by working with transient populations and Chinese residents near the Myanmar border.
The University of California, San Diego will lead a seven-year, $9.2 million NIH grant-funded effort to study and understand the complete disease cycle of malaria in the Amazon basin. The goal is to comprehensively address the ongoing public health problem of malaria, which affects over 3 billion people worldwide.
Researchers and graduate students from low-income countries can apply for conference bursaries to attend the Parasite to Prevention conference in Edinburgh, UK. The bursaries cover travel, accommodation, and conference registration costs.
A MSU-led research team will use the grant to create new prevention and control strategies for malaria in Malawi, focusing on identifying factors contributing to the disease's incidence and prevalence. The team aims to tailor strategies to specific seasons and locations.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has funded 10 international centers for excellence in malaria research, with a focus on cutting-edge research in endemic areas. The program aims to generate critical knowledge, tools, and evidence-based strategies to support intervention and control programs in regions most affe...
Tulane University will establish an International Center of Excellence in Malaria Research for West and Central Africa, aiming to achieve malaria control in the region. The seven-year project will involve 48 investigators from 10 institutions, including four African partners.
African children suffer from an estimated 656 million fevers annually, with many cases likely due to non-malarial causes. A new study estimates that only 60-103 million of these fevers are caused by the most dangerous form of malaria.
Scientists are analyzing over 2,500 marine samples from the deep sea for potential malaria treatments. Preliminary tests have identified 300 samples that can kill malaria parasites, with one compound showing promise.
Scientists discovered that adding antioxidant therapy to traditional antimalarial treatment can prevent long-lasting cognitive impairment in cerebral malaria. Oxidative stress is present in the brains of mice infected with cerebral malaria, and treating with antioxidants prevents cognitive damage.
A recent study published in Current Biology reveals that malaria is tens of thousands of years older than previously thought, evolving alongside anatomically modern humans. The research found a clear correlation between the geographic spread of malaria and human migration patterns, suggesting a shared origin and route of spread.
Researchers have identified the complement receptor 1 (CR1) as an alternative protein used by the malaria parasite to invade red blood cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of a vaccine against malaria, and may help prevent the proliferation of parasites that rely on this pathway.
A recent study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers links deforestation in the Amazon to a significant increase in malaria cases, with a 48% rise reported in areas with a 4% loss of forest cover. The findings suggest that clearing tropical forests creates ideal habitat for mosquitoes that transmit malaria.