A dynamic stress model explains the delayed drug effect in artemisinin treatment of Plasmodium falciparum
October 9, 2017
We demonstrated for the first time how to account for drug-accumulation effects in models of the host-response to malaria, with significant implications for our understanding of antimalarial efficacy and resistance.
A mechanistic model quantifies artemisinin-induced parasite growth retardation in blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum infection
October 7, 2017
We introduced a mathematical model of artemisin-induced growth-retardation, validated against short drug pulse in vitro experiments of drug action. Combined with new models of drug-accumulation effects, this work provides a key element for improved PK-PD models for malaria.
Disrupting assembly of the inner membrane complex blocks Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage development
October 6, 2017
The sexual stages of P. falciparum adopt a unique crescent shape that is essential for transmission via mosquitoes. We provide 3D views of the elongating parasite at unprecedented resolution. Inducible genetic disruption reveals proteins that are essential for gametocyte elongation and survival. This work points to potential targets for the development of transmission-blocking therapies.
Identification of highly-protective combinations of Plasmodium vivax recombinant proteins for vaccine development
September 26, 2017
The study of antigenic targets of naturally-acquired immunity is essential to identify and prioritize antigens for further functional characterization. We…
Quantifying the association between malaria in pregnancy and stillbirth: A systematic review and meta-analysis
September 26, 2017
This landmark study estimated ~200,000 stillbirths are caused annually by malaria and that if malaria is treated the risk of stillbirth reduces. This study informed allocation of resources and preventive treatment guidelines for malaria in pregnancy. Presented at the WHO Evidence Review Group Meeting: Malaria in Pregnancy, 2017.
Sustained Malaria Control Over an 8-Year Period in Papua New Guinea: The Challenge of Low-Density Asymptomatic Plasmodium Infections
September 19, 2017
This work identified that even if the overall burden of malaria is reduced in PNG, hidden pockets of infection can lead to failure in malaria control programs.
Declining transmission and immunity to malaria and emerging artemisinin resistance in Thailand: a longitudinal study
September 15, 2017
This study showed that as malaria transmission and immunity declined over time, artemisinin resistance increased. Malaria control and elimination activities if not successfully sustained may create optimal conditions for the rapid expansion of artemisinin resistance.
The complex relationship of exposure to new Plasmodium infections and clinical incidence in PNG
September 1, 2017
This world first study directly compared patterns of new P. falciparum and P. vivax infections. This work demonstrated that these two species have comparable mosquito to human transmission intensity and changed the way P. vivax prevalence estimates are interpreted in relation to transmission.
Unsupervised primaquine for the treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria relapses in southern Papua: a hospital-based cohort study
August 29, 2017
A large cohort study highlighting that the current standard for radical cure have very poor effectiveness in clinical practice in Papua Indonesia.
Malaria, malnutrition, and birthweight: A meta-analysis using individual participant data
August 8, 2017
In a pooled analysis of over 14,000 pregnancies we explored the potential interactions between malaria and poor maternal nutrition in influencing pregnancy outcomes.