Articles tagged with Malaria
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.
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.
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.
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.
According to a report by Professor Bob Snow, funding for malaria control is severely inadequate, with many countries receiving less than $0.50 per person at risk. The research highlights regional disparities and shortfalls in funding, particularly in South East Asia and the Western Pacific regions.
Research finds that international malaria financing is insufficient to achieve the goal of halving the global burden of malaria by 2015. Funding commitments are largely tied to stable P. falciparum risk, leaving countries with high but low-risk populations poorly supported.
Researchers discovered high levels of ciprofloxacin resistance in Escherichia coli among Amerindians from Guyanese rainforest, despite no reported use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Chloroquine treatment for malaria may contribute to bacterial resistance.
Researchers found that intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria lowers anaemia prevalence and improves classroom attention in children aged 5-18 years in Western Kenya. The IPT reduced the occurrence of malaria infection by half and lowered anaemia rates among children.
A new study found that providing preventive treatment for malaria significantly improves the cognitive ability of schoolchildren and reduces rates of anaemia, while also revealing a link between malaria infection and reduced attention in class. IPT dramatically reduced the occurrence of malaria infection in schoolchildren.
Researchers have identified eight new proteins that transport the Plasmodium falciparum parasite's 'glue' to the surface of infected red blood cells. Removing one of these proteins prevents infected red blood cells from sticking to blood vessel walls, suggesting a potential target for new anti-malarial treatments.
Researchers discovered eight genes encoding proteins required for the malaria parasite to hijack and remodel human red blood cells. The proteins play a major role in the development of malaria, which kills millions of people annually. Understanding these proteins may lead to new therapeutic approaches, including drugs or live vaccines.
A recent study highlights the need for better treatments for malaria in pregnancy, where the use of new medicines is often restricted due to limited clinical data. The authors argue that this 'catch-22' situation can lead to inferior drugs being prescribed, putting pregnant women's lives at risk.
Recent studies in Papua and New Guinea reveal P. vivax cases, particularly in young children, are more likely to develop severe disease and experience cerebral malaria.
Researchers found a new enzyme, EhROM1, that helps the dysentery-causing amoeba evade the immune system. The enzyme is part of an ancient group of enzymes used by malaria parasites to enter host cells.
Maternal malaria researcher Professor François Nosten has won a prestigious international prize for his groundbreaking work on treating infections in pregnant women. His research has led to a revision of guidelines and improved treatment options for millions of people worldwide.
Scientists have disrupted malaria parasite transmission in animal tests by blocking potassium channels, preventing the formation of new infectious parasites. This breakthrough could pave the way for new anti-malaria treatments and counteracting the spread of the disease.
A new magnetic resonance imaging unit will be put into operation in Malawi, allowing physicians to assess malaria damage before a child has died and diagnose a wide range of illnesses. The machine will also enable radiologists to send images to the US for second opinions and serve neighboring countries with no MRI machines.
Researchers have found a way to prevent malaria parasites from becoming sexually mature, a crucial step in transmission. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this stage of the life cycle, helping to control the spread of drug resistance.
Research identifies PKG as essential molecule for malaria parasite's reproductive cycle. The protein is necessary for 'rounding up' transformation, allowing fertilization to occur.
A University of South Florida study found that protein MAEBL is essential for malaria parasites to invade mosquito salivary glands, allowing transmission to humans. By silencing the receptor for MAEBL, researchers hope to block passage of the parasite through mosquitoes.
Researchers have created a new technique for diagnosing malaria that could be as effective as current rapid diagnostic tests but far faster and cheaper. The method uses magneto-optic technology to detect haemozoin, a waste product of the malarial parasite, in blood samples.
Key findings from The Lancet report show that Ethiopia and Rwanda reduced malaria cases by 51% and 64%, deaths by 60% and 66% between 2005-2007 through expanded access to bed nets and artemisinin-based combination therapies. An ambitious campaign is proposed to expand access to malaria control interventions, targeting everyone at risk,...
Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified Heme Detoxification Protein (HDP), which rapidly converts heme into its non-toxic counterpart hemozoin, protecting the malaria parasite from toxic damage. This finding presents a promising target for developing new malaria drugs.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered an autoimmune-like response in the blood of malaria-infected African children that helps explain why existing DNA-based anti-malaria vaccines have repeatedly failed to protect them. The study sheds light on the unique medical needs of malaria's smallest, most vulnerable victims an...
A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that individuals with a specific enzyme deficiency may be protected from severe and fatal malaria. The enzyme pyruvate kinase plays a crucial role in energy production and its deficiency is linked to protection against malaria infection.
The RSTMH president calls for a shift in global health priorities to address neglected tropical diseases with effective treatments available at minimal cost. Currently, billions of people lack access to quality healthcare products, hindering their well-being and productivity.
A new study questions the effectiveness of $220 million in malaria prevention efforts, citing a surge in annual mortality rates among teens and adults. The researchers call for addressing environmental factors contributing to malaria growth and developing more efficient control programs.
Researchers pooled data from 15 clinical trials to compare the efficacy of rectal artemisinins and conventional injectable antimalarials like quinine. Rectal artemisinins cleared malarial parasites more rapidly than quinine, suggesting they could be a lifesaving intervention in severe malaria cases.
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that the malaria parasite uses a two-step process for reproduction, which could lead to a new type of vaccine. By blocking one protein, they were able to stop the spread of the disease in mice and mosquitoes.
A Michigan State University researcher is leading a study on insecticide-treated bed nets to disrupt mosquito populations and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bed nets over time and monitor changes in parasite populations and virulence factors.
A new study reveals that children with a mild form of alpha thalassemia have more red blood cells, which provides an advantage against life-threatening malarial anemia. This adaptation allows them to tolerate massive blood cell loss during severe malaria attacks.
Researchers developed a mathematical model estimating asymptomatic infections in malaria transmission. The model predicts that regions of moderate transmission can be eradicated below a threshold, making industrialized nations highly unlikely to experience re-emergence.
A $30 million grant will fund research to improve malaria control and treatment in pregnancy across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The initiative aims to reduce maternal anaemia and low birth weight, potentially saving the lives of up to 100,000 children every year.
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has been awarded grant funding to develop new treatments for malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. The $59 million investment will support research initiatives, including a co-ordinated programme to optimize combination drug treatment for malaria in Africa and Asia.
A new drug, JPC-2056, is 10 times more effective than the current gold-standard treatment for toxoplasmosis and has no toxicity. It inhibits the action of an enzyme produced by the parasite, making it a promising treatment option.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel antibody test that can detect specific antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum's toxic sugar molecules. This test has the potential to protect adults from severe malaria and could also be used to develop a selective vaccine for infants under 5, who are most vulnerable to the disease.
A new global malaria map highlights the 2.37 billion people at risk from Plasmodium falciparum, with almost one billion in areas where the risk of infection is extremely low. The map aims to help researchers and funding agencies allocate resources more effectively by understanding the relative risk affecting different regions.
A global malaria risk map has been released, revealing high-risk areas and providing estimates of people living in low-risk zones. The map identifies regions where existing control strategies can be used to eliminate P. falciparum transmission, potentially reducing deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
A global malaria map reveals a significant reduction in risk, with 1 billion people under lower infection rates. The map, produced by the Malaria Atlas Project, provides critical data for targeted control measures and potential elimination efforts.
A study found that 9.6% of US military personnel deployed to Afghanistan had contraindications to mefloquine use, highlighting the need for proper medical screening before prescribing. The research also noted a significant gender disparity, with females being twice as likely to have contraindications.
A collaborative study found that fake anti-malarial drugs, containing potentially toxic ingredients, were manufactured in China. The counterfeiters included dangerously small amounts of artesunate to fool screening tests, but these doses are too low to treat malaria effectively, encouraging the spread of resistant parasites.
A vitamin A and zinc supplement reduced malaria incidence by 34% in young children, according to a randomized double-blind trial. The supplementation also increased time to onset of malarial symptoms and reduced episode frequency.
Researchers are conducting trials for a new malaria vaccine using a genetically-modified chimpanzee adenovirus to stimulate an immune response. The goal is to develop a combination product targeting both liver and blood stages of the parasite to prevent infection.
A candidate malaria vaccine showed strong immune responses in a small clinical trial conducted in Mali, where it was tested on 40 adults and is now being expanded to 400 children. The trial's promising results could provide new hope for fighting the disease that claims over 1 million lives annually.
Researchers found Plasmodium knowlesi, a monkey malaria parasite, is widely distributed in Malaysia and sometimes fatal. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent rapid onset of complications and death.
Researchers genetically engineered a mosquito to release sea-cucumber protein, which impairs malaria parasite development in the insect's gut. The study shows promise for preventing transmission of malaria by disrupting parasite growth and development.
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect malaria infection in human blood using lasers and non-linear optical effects, eliminating the need for slides and microscopes. The technique holds promise for simpler, faster, and labor-intensive detection of the malaria parasite.
Researchers genetically engineered mosquitoes to release a sea-cucumber protein that impairs malaria parasite development, potentially preventing transmission. The study shows promising results but still requires further work before being effective in real-world scenarios.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have identified a Duffy binding protein-based vaccine that could provide protection against P. vivax malaria. The vaccine targets the specific interaction between the parasite and human red blood cells, offering a promising path toward eliminating the disease.
The Global Health Group, led by Sir Richard Feachem, will focus on malaria eradication and private sector strengthening in developing countries. The team aims to overcome current bottlenecks and test new approaches on a large scale.
Scientists discovered three biological classes of malaria parasites with distinct metabolic states, including one linked to patient symptoms. The findings suggest a possible correlation between parasite behavior and disease severity.
A groundbreaking study measures gene activity in malaria parasites in humans for the first time, revealing three distinct biological states and their connection to the body's inflammatory response. These findings may help explain the varying courses of the disease in patients.
Researchers have developed a genetic identity card for Plasmodium falciparum populations, revealing high genetic diversity and inbreeding rates. The study's findings can help predict changes in genes involved in drug resistance, enabling targeted therapies to minimize resistance development.
Scientists use NASA satellites to monitor environmental changes, predicting infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola, West Nile virus, and Rift Valley Fever. Malaria surveillance also benefits from this technology, providing public health organizations with increased warning time to respond to outbreaks.