Articles tagged with Malaria
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes use proteins called LRIM1 and APL1C to detect and destroy malaria parasites. The study found that 80-90% of parasites are killed, but only a few manage to evade detection, allowing the disease to be transmitted to humans.
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine's Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium has been awarded €3.6 million to research optimizing the use of an antimalarial drug given to prevent malaria in pregnancy in Africa. The project aims to determine whether pregnant women need a different dose of the SP drug due to changes during pregnancy.
The CANTAM network, the first EDCTP-funded regional Network of Excellence, aims to build research capacity in Central Africa. Partner institutions from Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, and Germany will collaborate to conduct clinical trials under best practices.
Researchers at LSTM and UoL aim to develop a new antimalarial drug that targets a novel enzyme in Plasmodium falciparum, potentially eliminating malaria symptoms. The project will use computational techniques and molecular modeling to design effective inhibitors.
A team of researchers found that the malaria parasite breaks down essential amino acid arginine to trigger a more deadly phase of the disease. By depleting this substance, the parasite may be able to 'switch off' human immune functions that threaten its survival.
Climate change is altering malaria patterns due to daily temperature fluctuations, which can affect the incubation period of malaria parasites in mosquitoes. This can lead to changes in transmission rates, with warmer temperatures potentially increasing the risk of infection.
Researchers have identified specific mosquito genes associated with resistance to a common class of insecticide, a significant step toward effective malaria control strategies. Two cytochrome P450 genes in Anopheles funestus mosquitoes are linked to pyrethroid resistance.
Researchers at Monash University have made a breakthrough in treating malaria by deactivating the parasite's digestive machinery. The discovery could provide treatment for millions of people worldwide and offers hope against drug-resistant malaria.
MIT researchers have developed a new computer model that analyzes different methods of controlling malaria's spread. The model shows that environmental measures such as leveling land and eliminating pools of water can be an effective strategy in the fight against malaria.
Researchers found that Plasmodium falciparum relies heavily on the Pcalp protein, which is essential for its cell cycle progression. By manipulating Pcalp levels, they revealed the parasite's vulnerability to inhibition.
Researchers argue that integrating malaria and neglected tropical disease control interventions at the community level can increase antimalarial treatment rates by over twice as much. They propose that global funders recognize this approach to expand coverage of both diseases.
Researchers at University of Washington developed prototype malaria test printed on disposable Mylar card that can work months later without refrigeration. The test uses microfluidics and dry reagents stabilized with sugar to retain activity after 60 days.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute identified saglin and TRAP as essential proteins for Plasmodium's invasion of the Anopheles mosquito salivary gland, a critical step in transmitting malaria to humans. This discovery could lead to novel approaches for disrupting the parasite's lifecycle and preventing malaria spread.
A new study has found that build-up of infected blood cells in brain's narrow vessels leads to lack of oxygen, causing lethal damage. The research provides strong evidence for understanding why cerebral malaria is so deadly and may lead to new therapeutic measures.
Two experts disagree on whether all African children with fever should be treated presumptively with antimalarial drugs. Blaise Genton and colleagues argue that declining malarial transmission rates support changing the policy, while Mike English and colleagues claim there is not enough evidence to abandon presumptive treatment.
The Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) will coordinate two European health research projects on malaria and diabetes. The Mephitis project aims to find new anti-malarial compounds, while the MITIN Project applies bioinformatics to understand complex diseases like diabetes.
A trial conducted in northwest Thailand found that artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is safe for pregnant women with malaria, but its efficacy is inferior to single-drug artesunate treatment. The study suggests that longer regimens of ACT may be more effective in treating pregnant women.
Researchers at American Museum of Natural History found a close evolutionary relationship between malarial parasites in rats and humans, including Plasmodium falciparum. The study suggests that the most deadly form of malaria may have originated from rodents.
Case Western Reserve professor David Gurarie develops mathematical models to track symptoms, treatment outcomes and environmental conditions of diseases. These models allow doctors to make predictions about effective treatment and help identify areas where new diseases may emerge.
A supplement published in Malaria Journal reviews aspects of research agenda for global malaria elimination. Despite hurdles, progress has been made in developing malaria vaccines intended to kill all parasites in the community, reducing transmission.
The Global Situational Awareness Tool (GSAT) assesses environmental and health concerns for deployed US forces in Afghanistan and other areas. The system combines malaria prevalence predictions with meteorological and environmental factors to inform decision-making.
Two new studies published in NEJM confirm the efficacy of RTS,S/AS, a malaria vaccine candidate, in reducing clinical episodes by 53% in children aged 5-17 months. The vaccine also demonstrates favorable safety profiles and can be administered alongside standard infant vaccines, providing an optimal delivery platform.
The RTS, S/AS01E malaria vaccine has shown strong immune response and reduced clinical malaria incidence in children aged 5-17 months. The vaccine's efficacy is being recommended to progress to Phase 3 trials.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers in blood that could aid diagnosis of severe and debilitating forms of malaria, including placental and cerebral malaria. Elevated levels of C5a and angiopoietin-2 were found to be associated with these forms of the disease, potentially allowing for earlier detection and targeted treatment strategies.
A rectal application of artesunate may be the key to saving lives from severe malaria in remote areas. The study found that pre-referral rectal artesunate significantly reduced mortality and permanent disability among patients with suspected severe malaria who could not receive oral treatment.
Two new papers by University of Notre Dame biologist Michael Ferdig suggest that genomics and bioinformatics may hold the key to combating malaria. The research reveals previously unrecognized transcriptional complexity in Plasmodium falciparum, a key driver of drug resistance.
A study found that ACTs could reduce malaria transmission by up to 53% in areas of low transmission, compared to 21% in high transmission areas. Long-acting antimalarial regimens may be needed in high transmission settings to achieve significant reductions.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine finds that artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) can reduce malaria transmission in low-transmission areas, comparable to the use of insecticide-treated bed nets. Longer-acting anti-malarial regimens may also be effective in reducing transmission in high-transmission areas.
The UK Home Office is responsible for the health care of children in detention centres, where many receive inadequate education and healthcare. The Lancet Editorial highlights the appalling failures in care, including missed childhood immunisations and inadequate treatment for illnesses like malaria and sickle-cell disease.
Bed net usage has increased six-fold since 2000, but 90 million children remain unprotected, with Nigeria accounting for a quarter of all unprotected children. Free distribution of nets has led to higher coverage rates, highlighting the need for targeted funding and efforts.
Insecticide-treated bednet coverage increased from 1.8% in 2000 to 18.5% by 2007, leaving 89.6 million children unprotected, with 25% in Nigeria alone.
Warmer climate changes and international travel are creating an ideal environment for mosquitoes to survive and thrive near airports, leading to increased risk of malaria transmission. This phenomenon, known as airport malaria, can also spread other diseases like dengue and Chikungunya fever.
Data from Kenya shows a delay between decreased malaria transmission and mortality rates. The study found that when transmission is high, the disease burden falls mainly on small children, but when transmission decreases, the burden spreads throughout childhood, leading to an increased proportion of children with severe cerebral malaria.
A recent study found a remarkable 75% decrease in severe malaria deaths from 10.8 to 1.2 per 10,000 between 2015 and 2020 along the Kenyan coast. The decline is attributed to improved treatment, bednet usage, and mosquito breeding site management.
The incidence of malaria has fallen dramatically in The Gambia over the past five years, with significant decreases in malaria-positive slides and admissions. Improved measures to prevent malaria, including increased use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor residual spraying, are believed to be major contributors to this decline.
Between 1999-2007, malaria incidence and mortality declined significantly in The Gambia thanks to increased funding and targeted interventions for pregnant women and young children. Proportions of malaria-positive slides decreased by up to 82% and deaths attributed to malaria fell by 100% in some hospitals.
A team of ASU researchers will investigate the ecology, evolution, and genetic mysteries behind malaria and retroviral diseases in humans and nonhuman primates. The studies aim to understand malaria drug resistance and host shifts in parasites.
A $900,000 Google grant will aid the International Research Institute for Climate and Society in predicting disease outbreaks in Ethiopia, a high-risk area for malaria and meningitis. The project aims to develop disease-mapping tools using climate data and improve early-warning systems.
A new report highlights the urgent need to tackle pneumococcal disease, a leading cause of death among children under five. The UK All-Party Parliamentary Group recommends increasing vaccine availability and healthcare system strengthening in developing countries to reduce child mortality rates.
A new dispersible antimalarial tablet is as effective as crushed tablets, improving adherence and cure rates in children. The study found a higher day-28 cure rate and lower adverse events with the new tablet.
The study reveals that Plasmodium vivax has a distinct genome with only 150 genes, raising new questions about its biology and infection mechanisms. Alternative routes of infection have been identified, highlighting the need for further research to combat this parasite.
Researchers from NYU Langone Medical Center have successfully decoded the genome of Plasmodium vivax, a species responsible for up to 40% of annual malaria infections worldwide. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments and vaccines against this deadly disease.
Researchers have deciphered the complete genetic sequence of Plasmodium vivax, the leading cause of relapsing malaria. The findings provide new insights into the biology of vivax malaria and may lead to new tools for prevention and treatment.
Researchers have discovered unique genes in the genome of Plasmodium vivax, a parasite responsible for 25% of global malaria cases. The findings could lead to the development of new drugs and vaccines against this debilitating disease.
The genome sequence of Plasmodium knowlesi has been defined, providing new research opportunities for comparisons with P. vivax. Establishing similarities and differences between the parasites' genomes will assist in the selection of genetic targets for vaccine and drug development.
The genome of Plasmodium knowlesi, a mosquito-human malaria parasite, has been decoded, revealing unique genetic features that enable it to evade host immune systems. The study found that the parasite's genes are scattered throughout its genome, unlike other malaria parasites, and that it uses molecular mimicry to survive and propagate.
The 'Rolling Back Malaria' partnership has announced a comprehensive plan to control and eradicate malaria, targeting short-term reduction of mortality and morbidity by half by 2010 and long-term elimination of transmission. The plan is estimated to save 4.2 million lives in Africa, but requires $62 billion in funding by 2020.
Researchers have developed a way to produce an antimalarial compound cheaply, which could make treating malaria less expensive. This process could also lead to the discovery of new antibiotics as bacteria are harnessed to produce compounds with antibiotic properties.
According to a new analysis, NTDs as a group may have surpassed HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as the most prevalent infectious diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean. The region is home to approximately 200 million people affected by NTDs, including intestinal worm infections and Chagas disease.
The University of Queensland's new center, the Pacific Malaria Initiative Support Centre (PacMISC), is part of a global effort to eliminate malaria in low and middle-income countries. PacMISC will focus on Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, providing flexible assistance to national malaria control programs.
A 'dodgy dossier' of faulty intelligence and tactics contributed to the failure of the war against malaria in tropical countries. Dr. Colin Sutherland explains that a one-size-fits-all approach was miscalculated, and the parasite is now at its strongest in these regions.
Dr. Joseph DeRisi receives the Heinz Award for his pioneering work in viral detection platforms, including the ViroChip that detects new viruses and characterizes malaria parasites' life cycles. His open access approach to science enables free sharing of research and software.
Scientists suggest using multiple first-line therapies to treat malaria, cutting death rates and delaying drug resistance. The approach involves distributing different drugs to patients, allowing them to choose from a variety of options.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a new virus, AgDNV, infecting Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. The virus, a densovirus, could be used to pass on genetic information to control malaria transmission.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has been awarded a five-year, $9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support 10 faculty research projects. The funding will increase participation of individuals from minority or underrepresented groups in scientific research.
Platelet activation plays a key role in the development of cerebral malaria by triggering an immune response and obstructing blood vessels in the brain. Researchers found that treating mice with aspirin or Plavix improved survival rates when administered soon after infection.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) enrolled over 12,000 patients in 43 studies across 18 countries, providing extensive evidence on malaria medication efficacy. These studies played a crucial role in shaping treatment policies in conflict-affected regions.
A study has identified a specific region of the PfEMP1 protein as crucial for attaching to placental walls, which could lead to new drug targets to prevent malaria-related complications during pregnancy. Researchers hope that mimicking this binding domain with pharmaceuticals may help develop immunity in women living in endemic regions.
A study published in Pediatrics found that cerebral malaria is related to long-term cognitive impairment in African children. At six months and two years after the initial episode, 21% and 26% of children with cerebral malaria showed significant cognitive impairment compared to their healthy peers.
Caltech bioengineers create a super-compact high-resolution microscope, small enough to fit on a finger tip, operating without lenses. The optofluidic microscope can be used in the field to analyze blood samples and mass-produced for $10.