Research on malaria and the fight against it. Covers red-blood-cell inflammation, malaria resurgence, drug-resistant parasites, and mosquito-based control.
Researchers found that relapses are clinically silent, but gametocytes continue to circulate and may infect mosquitoes. The study uses nonhuman primates to assess pathogenesis and host responses during relapses.
Researchers have designed a new class of modified pantothenamides that stop malaria parasites from replicating in humans and preventing transmission to mosquitoes. These compounds are effective against malaria parasites resistant to currently available drugs.
A new pantothenamide molecule, closely resembling a naturally occurring compound in malaria parasites, has shown promising results as a potential cure for the disease. Laboratory models suggest a single dose of the candidate drug may completely cure malaria, making it an attractive alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers have identified a peptide from an Antarctic sponge that shows promise as a lead for new therapies against malaria. The compound, friomaramide, effectively blocked the development of the malaria parasite in liver cells without harming them.
A new report by The Lancet Commission on malaria eradication suggests that malaria can be eradicated by 2050 with the right tools, strategies, and sufficient funding. The report analyzes existing evidence with new epidemiological and financial analyses to demonstrate the feasibility of eradication.
Scientists investigated the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum across sub-Saharan Africa, identifying distinct regional characteristics and potential drivers of variation. Human movement and malaria drug resistance are key factors contributing to this diversity, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
A study published in Immunity identified a biomarker for predicting malaria infection severity, with increased p53 activation associated with enhanced protection against fever and inflammation. The findings could lead to new strategies for dampening harmful inflammatory responses and identifying at-risk individuals.
A small study found a 30% increased likelihood of developing heart failure in patients with malaria infection. The researchers identified 3,989 malaria cases and followed up with the patients for 11 years, revealing 69 cases of heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have established a new model system using red blood cells grown in the laboratory to study malaria parasite invasion. They used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the genome of immature cells, removing a protein critical for invasion and showing that reticulocytes generated from this edited line were completel...
Researchers have created the first high-resolution atlas of malaria parasite gene expression, revealing new insights into gene function and regulation. The Malaria Cell Atlas provides potential targets for future treatments and a better understanding of the spread of drug resistance.
Researchers have created a detailed map of individual malaria parasite behavior, giving the highest resolution view of malaria parasite gene expression to date. The Malaria Cell Atlas presents possible targets for developing antimalarial drugs, vaccines, and transmission blocking strategies.
African malaria parasites exhibit distinct genetic features in different regions, sharing genes that confer resistance to antimalarial drugs. This study highlights the risk of multi-drug resistance compromising previous success in controlling malaria.
A nationwide cohort study found that lipophilic statin use was associated with significantly lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incident, all-cause death, and liver-related death. The benefits were dose and duration-dependent, with the greatest reduction in HCC risk occurring after at least 600 cumulative defined daily doses.
Severe malaria cases in the US are increasing, with limited access to IV treatment. Malaria expert Mark Travassos calls for improved access to intravenous quinidine gluconate, a critical medication for serious cases.
A breakthrough in monkey malaria research by University of Otago scientists could help diagnose and treat a relapsing form of human malaria. The team has developed an in vitro culture method for the vivax malaria parasite, which is closely related to the relapsing parasite.
A study reveals that mosquitoes' salivary glands contain a barrier that blocks most malaria-causing parasites from being transmitted during a bite. Researchers found that only a few parasites can pass through a narrow opening in the 'chitin wall', potentially leading to new strategies for preventing malarial infection.
A new study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs found that net use increases during rainy seasons and decreases in the dry season. This seasonal variation in net use can lead to gaps in malaria prevention efforts if not taken into account.
Researchers discovered antibiotic properties of a natural product that selectively inhibits pathogen growth while leaving beneficial microbes intact. Synthetic derivatives of this substance have shown enormous antibiotic efficiency against Moraxella catarrhalis and malaria parasites.
Copy-number variants (CNVs) play a crucial role in the development of insecticide resistance in malaria mosquitoes. The study found that CNVs were more likely to occur in genes associated with detoxification, suggesting a rapid evolutionary response to insecticides.
Researchers found that severely malnourished children have lower exposure to the antimalarial drug lumefantrine, resulting in increased risk of therapeutic failure and new malaria infections. Malnutrition affects absorption, distribution, metabolism, or elimination of drugs in these children.
A multi-country randomized trial found that half of patients in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam were not cured by first-line malaria treatment. The authors call for abandoning widely used drug combinations and adopting alternative treatments to prevent further development of multidrug-resistant malaria.
A study by the Wellcome Sanger Institute reveals that a multidrug-resistant malaria strain has spread aggressively across Southeast Asia, replacing local parasite populations in Vietnam, Laos, and northeastern Thailand. The resistant strain has picked up additional genetic changes, enhancing its resistance to treatment.
Researchers at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have gained new understanding of anti-malarial drug primaquine, a cornerstone in global efforts to eliminate malaria. The discovery may lead to the development of newer and safer antimalarial drugs.
Research suggests that avian malaria may be behind London's dramatic decline in house sparrow populations, with nearly all birds carrying the parasite. Infection intensity varied significantly among colonies, with higher rates linked to younger birds and declining populations.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that female Anopheles mosquitoes bite more often and have varied diets than previously assumed. The study also found that certain species of Anopheles mosquitoes, typically considered less important for malaria transmission, are infected with the Plasmodium parasite.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that mosquitoes employ a multi-stage immune response to combat malaria parasites, involving a complement-like pathway and phenoloxidases. This understanding could lead to opportunities to eliminate malaria parasites in the mosquito, reducing human cases.
Researchers suggest targeting men who work outside at night and travelers/seasonal workers to prevent lingering malaria cases. Despite widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying, Zanzibar struggles to eliminate the disease due to residual cases. Human behavior is key to addressing this issue.
A new study in Hawaii tallies nearly 82 human infections from the rat lungworm parasite over a decade, highlighting snails and slugs as primary carriers. Meanwhile, research on bednet monitoring reveals high variability in household use, which could be contributing to declining efficacy in malaria prevention.
African countries study finds that 87.5% of mosquito bites occur indoors, while bed-time bites account for 79.4%, highlighting the need for effective vector control measures.
A team of Portland State University researchers has discovered a possible one-pill cure for malaria using a compound based on a natural red pigment. The compound has shown effectiveness in killing the malaria parasite in mice and human blood with a single low dose.
Researchers have discovered a neurotoxin, PMP1, that selectively targets malaria mosquitos, demonstrating a broader host spectrum than previously believed. This finding offers an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to reduce malaria prevalence.
A Duke University study identifies over 100 human genes co-opted by malaria parasites during the silent earlier stages of infection. This finding could lead to new treatments and prevent the disease from spreading.
Researchers found that malaria parasites develop faster in mosquitoes at lower temperatures than previously thought, increasing the risk of transmission to millions of people worldwide. The study suggests that even slight climate warming could lead to greater increases in transmission risk.
High-resolution maps show progress in defeating malaria, but also highlight areas of stagnation and increased burden, particularly in Venezuela and sub-Saharan Africa. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and sustained funding to overcome obstacles to eradication.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified protective antibodies against malaria, which may lead to a highly effective vaccine. The study found that specific antibodies can block the malaria parasite's ability to bind to red blood cells.
A new assay has been developed to detect patients' resistance to antimalarial drugs using whole blood, providing critical information quickly and efficiently in resource-limited settings. The technique eliminates DNA extraction steps, allowing for faster and more accurate assessment of genetic data associated with drug resistance.
A human liver cell protein called CXCR4 helps Plasmodium parasites develop into forms capable of infecting red blood cells. Targeting this protein may be a way to block the parasite's life cycle and prevent malaria development.
Researchers at Clemson University have made significant progress in understanding the biology of Toxoplasma parasites, a human pathogen with high infection rates. By disrupting a key transporter, they were able to reduce the parasite's infectivity and provide insights into new targets for treatment.
Researchers identified two P. falciparum-selective proteasome inhibitors with potent antimalarial activity against drug-resistant parasites. The inhibitors exhibited low propensity for generating resistance and synergized with multiple antimalarial agents.
Researchers have identified novel antigens on infected red blood cells that trigger natural human antibody responses, reducing malaria transmission. The discovery provides a promising alternative route for preventing disease spread and offers new leads for developing effective vaccines.
Researchers from Université Laval synthesized molecules discovered in a microscopic fungus from Nunavut, demonstrating their efficacy against malaria. The study found that the synthesized molecules, called mortiamides, stopped the growth of both parasite strains within 72 hours.
The Q-Plex Human Malaria Array measures multiple malaria antigens in a single sample, improving diagnosis sensitivity and supporting public health surveillance. This tool can help researchers develop more accurate RDTs and assess their performance.
A transgenic fungus engineered to deliver a toxin to mosquitoes safely reduced mosquito populations by over 99% in a simulated village setting. The fungus is selective and won't harm beneficial species like honeybees, making it a promising new approach to controlling malaria.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that investing in health aid uniquely improves the US's standing abroad, increasing favorability ratings and soft power. The study analyzed data from over 260,000 respondents in 45 low-to-middle-income countries between 2002 and 2016.
A study by ISGlobal and colleagues found that the RTS,S vaccine's protective effect increases with the strength of antibodies, not just their quantity. Children tend to have better protection due to higher avidity responses.
Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and Imperial College London have identified novel compounds that target a different part of the malaria parasite's enzyme, evading the same resistance mechanism. This study aimed to prevent malaria treatment resistance by studying how it evolves during drug development.
A new study sheds light on the metabolic shifts that occur during chronic asymptomatic malaria infection, which can help develop more effective detection and treatment methods.
A new study reveals a wide variation in global malaria spending across 106 countries, with development assistance plateauing since 2010. The World Health Organization's annual funding target of $6.6 billion is still not met, and more resources are needed to bridge the $2.3 billion gap.
Researchers will assess whether mass treatment with primaquine can prevent relapses of Plasmodium vivax malaria along the borders of Thailand and Myanmar. The project aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a preventive malaria treatment that could benefit up to 80% of the population.
Researchers are testing the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which provided partial protection against malaria in young children, in a pilot study in three countries. The goal is to vaccinate approximately 120,000 children annually and monitor its impact on preventing mortality from malaria.
A new study suggests that mass drug administration (MDA) can reduce malaria infections in communities where participation is high. The findings highlight the importance of approaching communities in an engaging and appropriate manner to encourage their involvement in MDA.
The study highlights the devastating impact of Venezuela's socioeconomic and political crisis on public health, with a significant increase in malaria cases. The country is now facing an 'epidemic of unprecedented proportions', with diseases turning into epidemics due to the collapse of healthcare systems.
A study by ISGlobal identifies West African regions where treating livestock with ivermectin can significantly impact malaria transmission. The analysis highlights the potential of this strategy to reduce malaria prevalence among children under 10 years of age and improve community health.
A new model predicts substantial reduction of malaria transmitting mosquitoes in West Africa by introducing genetically modified male mosquitoes with a driving-Y chromosome. The approach, which targets the most important species of malaria mosquitoes, has the potential to reduce populations and ultimately eliminate disease transmission.
A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that improved housing prevalence doubled from 11% to 23% in sub-Saharan Africa between 2000 and 2015. Despite this progress, 53 million urban Africans still lived in slum conditions in 2015.
The study found that the widely used antimalarial sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is no longer effective in preventing malaria in areas with high levels of resistance. In areas where more than 37% of parasites carry six mutations, the effectiveness of SP appears to be fully compromised. The researchers are calling for further investiga...
A study by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine found that complete window screening coverage was associated with a 92% reduction in malaria prevalence. Mosquito biting rates were also reduced, highlighting the potential impact of simple interventions on malaria transmission.
Daniel Hartl receives the 2019 Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal for his influential contributions to experimental and theoretical genetics research, combining mathematical models with cutting-edge techniques. His work explains how DNA mutations are passed through generations, influencing species divergence.
Researchers have pinpointed a single genetic alteration that confers resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The study provides a molecular diagnostic tool for detecting metabolic resistance and informs efforts to understand its spread across Africa.
A randomized trial of ivermectin mass administration in children aged five or younger shows a 20% reduction in malaria episodes without adverse events. The study suggests ivermectin could be a useful tool in disease reduction to combat residual transmission.