Research on malaria and the fight against it. Covers red-blood-cell inflammation, malaria resurgence, drug-resistant parasites, and mosquito-based control.
Researchers at University of Washington and Washington State University found that combining high-pressure oxygen with artemisinin increases cancer cell death by 50% compared to using artemisinin alone. Artemisinin, a natural malaria remedy, has been shown to kill cancerous cells in previous studies.
A collaborative €12 million project, AvecNet, aims to secure the effectiveness of existing malaria control methods by developing and evaluating new insecticides and techniques. The project seeks to overcome insecticide resistance and increase knowledge about mosquito biology and behavior.
The Government of Canada has announced a breakthrough in producing an affordable and reliable malaria treatment, expected to treat 200 million cases and prevent over one million deaths annually. The new technology is the result of a public-private partnership led by OneWorld Health and will be made available on a not-for-profit basis.
Researchers studied malaria parasite reproduction, finding damaging male and female forms can prevent disease transmission without killing them entirely.
An updated systematic review finds that artesunate is more effective at preventing death from severe malaria compared to quinine. The new evidence shows a significant reduction in mortality rates among both adults and children treated with artesunate.
Researchers are exploring traditional medicine as a starting point for developing new antimalarial treatments. Plant extracts and natural compounds have shown anti-malarial properties and potential synergies.
Researchers discover that malaria parasite relies on host cell signaling pathways to proliferate. A class of cancer-fighting drugs targeting these pathways can effectively kill the parasite.
A new study by NIH-funded researchers has developed genetically modified fungi that can kill malaria-causing parasites in mosquitoes, significantly reducing parasite development. The transgenic fungi block the development of malaria parasites in mosquitoes, preventing transmission to humans.
A University of Maryland-led team has developed a transgenic fungal approach that targets malaria-causing sporozoites, reducing disease transmission by at least five-fold. The method uses a fungus naturally attacking mosquitoes and inserts genes for human anti-malarial antibodies or scorpion toxins.
Researchers have developed a method to disperse pathogenic fungi as a means of preventing malaria spread, using synthetic oil to increase dispersal effectiveness. The fungi cause muscardine disease in mosquito larvae, killing up to 50% more larvae than untreated spores and reducing pupation levels.
The University of South Florida is collaborating with Draper Laboratory to develop human liver models and long-term continuous culture systems for P. vivax malaria. This research aims to accelerate the discovery of new drugs or vaccines, targeting the dormant liver forms of the parasite.
A combination of IPTc and insecticide-treated bednets can substantially reduce the incidence of severe malaria in children, with a protective efficacy of up to 70%. IPTc also reduced the prevalence of malaria infection at the end of the transmission season by 73%.
Two trials found that intermittent preventive treatment provided substantial additional protection against clinical malaria, severe malaria, and hospital admissions. A third trial demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based delivery by volunteer village health workers in rural areas.
In sub-Saharan Africa, an estimated 32 million pregnant women are at risk of malaria every year. Despite national policies to reduce and control malaria during pregnancy, coverage rates of two key interventions, insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive treatment, remain inadequate.
The MalERA initiative outlines priority research areas for eight thematic areas, including basic science and enabling technologies; drugs; vaccines; vector control; health systems; and more. The collection identifies common research priorities across themes, providing a roadmap for malaria eradication.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that malaria protection methods for pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa are underutilized. Despite WHO policy, estimated coverage of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) is only 25% and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are used by just 17% of pregnant women at risk.
Researchers use OMX 3D SIM super resolution microscopy to visualize malaria parasite invasion, revealing key molecular and cellular events. This technology may pave the way for developing new treatments for malaria.
The RTS,S/AS01E vaccine provides sustained protection against malaria for at least 15 months after vaccination, making it a promising public-health intervention. The vaccine works by attacking the malaria parasite in its early stages, preventing infection of red blood cells and serious symptoms.
Researchers found a genetic difference in TEP1 gene conferring resistance to human malaria parasites in one of two emerging Anopheles gambiae species, M and S. The study suggests that this resistance could impact malaria transmission efforts.
Malaria-infected red blood cells stiffen up to 50 times more than healthy ones, blocking capillaries and impeding nutrient and oxygen delivery. This deformation changes blood viscosity and flow, potentially leading to severe organ damage.
Researchers focus on disrupting FLVCR protein in mosquitoes to block Plasmodium transmission, a crucial step in preventing malaria spread. By targeting this protein, they hope to develop a vaccine to stimulate an immune response and prevent the disease.
A study led by Boston University School of Public Health researcher Yesim Tozan found that giving emergency artesunate suppositories to children with suspected severe malaria before referral improves management and is cost-effective. The intervention could avert 37 child deaths and 967 disability-adjusted life-years over five years.
A modelling study shows that rectal artesunate can avert 967 DALYs at a cost of $77 per DALY averted, making it a critical stop-gap for treating severe childhood malaria in areas with poor access to healthcare. The intervention has the potential to improve management of sick children at the household and community level.
The Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) has received a $50 million grant to develop new insecticides for malaria and other neglected tropical diseases. The new funding will support the development of three new Active Ingredients for public health insecticides by 2020.
Researchers at Michigan State University have linked cerebral malaria to epilepsy and behavioral disorders in African children, affecting hundreds of thousands. The study reveals that acute seizures and extreme fevers are key risk factors for these disorders.
Arizona State University has received a $100 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop long-acting insect repellents for malaria prevention. The project aims to create skin-bonding repellents that can provide continuous protection against mosquitoes for two to three weeks.
Two Portuguese researchers are awarded $100,000 to develop a novel approach to combat malaria. By harnessing the power of human antibodies against gut flora, they aim to prevent infection immediately after mosquito bites. The project's innovative method has the potential to revolutionize malaria prevention and eradication efforts.
A Hebrew University-developed insect control method, applied in Mali, demonstrates a significant decline in malaria-bearing mosquitoes. The Attractive Toxic Sugar Bait Method (ATSB) significantly reduced mosquito populations and is considered a powerful tool for controlling malaria vectors.
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 '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.
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.
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.