Research on malaria and the fight against it. Covers red-blood-cell inflammation, malaria resurgence, drug-resistant parasites, and mosquito-based control.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered a natural compound that can stop malaria parasite growth, interacting with the parasite's MetAP2 protein. The compound, fumarranol, was found to be less toxic than existing medications and showed promise in treating malaria in mice.
A £1.1m grant will lead the development of a Field Applicable Screening Tool (FAST) kit to detect insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, crucial for effective malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to identify genes that render mosquitoes resistant to key insecticides.
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) has awarded €11 million to the MiP Consortium to investigate new approaches to prevent and treat malaria in pregnancy. Researchers aim to develop more effective interventions that can prevent up to 50 million women at risk every year, saving lives and reducing ma...
Researchers found that bacteria in mosquito's gut inhibit infection with Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite. The study suggests that the microbial flora of mosquitoes stimulates immune activity protecting them from malaria infection.
A team of Penn State entomologists is searching for an insect disease that will infect mosquitoes and impair their sense of smell. By doing so, they hope to reduce the ability of infected mosquitoes to find human hosts and transmit malaria.
Vanderbilt University has received a $100,000 Grand Challenges Explorations grant to target the thermal receptors in Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, disrupting their ability to find prey and potentially eradicating malaria. The project aims to identify small molecules that can block or over-stimulate these thermal detectors.
A panel of experts reviewed studies on the link between DDT and human health, expressing concern over high levels of exposure in regions where malaria is endemic. They called for increased efforts to reduce exposure and develop alternatives to using DDT.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a simple blood test that provides accurate results, helping to ensure patients receive the right treatment. The rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are being used in low-income countries to improve healthcare outcomes and combat malaria.
A literature review suggests that global health initiatives and agencies claim to support health system strengthening but often fail to deliver. The study examines the claims made by major global health actors, such as WHO and UNAIDS, and finds a gap between their language and actual activities.
A study in Zanzibar found that rapid malaria tests reduced prescriptions of antimalarial drugs and increased treatment for non-malarial causes, while also lowering reattendance rates due to perceived lack of cure. The results suggest improved health outcomes with routine use of these tests.
The Malaria Elimination Group provides a roadmap for countries pursuing malaria elimination, reviewing operational, technical and financial decisions. The guidance aims to support countries in achieving universal coverage of preventive and treatment measures by 2010.
In the past two years, significant strides have been made in malaria control and elimination, with many countries setting ambitious strategies to achieve low transmission and mortality rates. Research into vaccines, drugs, and other interventions continues to flourish, offering hope for a future malaria-free world.
A subset of immune cells has been found to contribute to the development of severe malaria by suppressing the immune system and allowing parasites to grow uncontrollably. This discovery could lead to new drug targets and immunotherapies against malaria, as well as insights into other inflammatory diseases.
Researchers have discovered different resistance mutations in east and west Africa, suggesting varying effectiveness of sulfadoxine as an antimalarial drug. Coordinating malaria control efforts across socioeconomically linked areas may be more effective in reducing the malaria burden across the continent.
A randomized controlled trial in Kampala showed that home delivery of prepackaged artemether-lumefantrine had little effect on clinical outcomes and led to overuse of the drug. The study suggests that standard care in health facilities is a more effective approach, especially in urban areas with low malaria transmission.
Resistance to the antimalarial drug sulfadoxine has emerged independently in multiple sites across Africa over the past decade. The study suggests that coordinated control campaigns may be more effective in reducing the African malaria burden by addressing regional differences in parasite strains and levels of resistance.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have received a $3.557 million grant from NIAID to develop vector-specific, resistance-breaking insecticides that could render traditional ITNs ineffective. The new compounds are designed to be safer for humans while maintaining significant insecticidal activity against malaria mosquitoes.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to controlling malaria by killing only older mosquitoes, reducing the selection for resistant insects. This method could lead to evolution-proof insecticides that never become obsolete, saving millions of dollars in development costs.
Late-acting insecticides targeting older mosquitoes show potential to reduce malaria transmission by 95% and slow down resistance. The approach could lead to evolution-proof insecticides that never become obsolete.
A new review sparks debate over climate change's effect on pathogens, with some arguing it may reduce their ranges in affluent regions. However, others believe disease expansion could occur in areas where humans settle high latitudes and altitudes.
A Tanzanian study found that using larvicides to complement existing malaria interventions can dramatically reduce malaria risk, especially in urban areas. The approach is cost-effective and could help control the disease in cities where it poses a significant problem.
A detailed malaria risk map published by the Wellcome Trust shows that three-quarters of the world's high-risk areas have low transmission rates, making malaria control more feasible. The map, developed using state-of-the-art technology, pinpoints malaria risk to an unprecedented resolution of 25km2.
The study provides a comprehensive map of global malaria endemicity, revealing areas where malaria control can be improved and areas where elimination may be possible. The map uses model-based geostatistics to incorporate data from local surveys, providing an important resource for policymakers and researchers.
A team of scientists has developed an automated carbohydrate synthesizer, allowing them to build complex carbohydrates in a few hours. This innovation could lead to the creation of new vaccines and treatments for diseases such as malaria and HIV.
Researchers identified a novel pathway contributing to severe malaria's high mortality in sub-Saharan African children. Disrupted endothelium causes ultra-large von Willebrand factor release, leading to ADAMTS13 inhibition. This study sheds new light on the interaction between malaria parasites and their human host.
Researchers identified a molecular pathway that triggers an immune response in multiple mosquito species, blocking the development of malaria-causing parasites. By activating transcription factor Rel 2, mosquitoes were able to mount an efficient defense against Plasmodium falciparum.
Researchers have discovered a new way the malaria parasite interacts with human red blood cells, identifying the EBL-1 molecule as the attachment site. This finding could lead to the development of a vaccine cocktail to combat malaria.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new method to describe and quantify relationships between dose, concentration, and effectiveness of drugs against HIV/AIDS and malaria. The study found that genetic differences can influence efavirenz metabolism and that reducing daily doses can minimize undesired effects.
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.