Identity-by-descent analyses for measuring population dynamics and selection in recombining pathogens
May 23, 2018
Describes a novel algorithm for measuring relatedness between malaria parasites and other recombining pathogens, and to identify specific genes under selection. The research paves the way for defining transmission networks and to track the origins and spread of drug resistance.
Human antibodies activate complement against Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites, and are associated with protection against malaria in children
April 30, 2018
Background Antibodies targeting Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites play a key role in human immunity to malaria. However, antibody mechanisms that neutralize…
Burden, pathology, and costs of malaria in pregnancy: new developments for an old problem
April 1, 2018
This article reviews progress over the previous 10 years in understanding the pathogenesis, burden and costs of malaria in pregnancy. It was produced by the Malaria in Pregnancy Consortium.
Proteome-wide mapping of immune features onto Plasmodium protein three-dimensional structures
March 12, 2018
Humoral immune responses against the malaria parasite are an important component of a protective immune response. Antibodies are often directed…
Age-related clinical spectrum of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria and predictors of severity
March 5, 2018
Background Plasmodium knowlesi is increasingly reported in Southeast Asia, but prospective studies of its clinical spectrum in children and comparison with…
Increasingly inbred and fragmented populations of Plasmodium vivax associated with the eastward decline in malaria transmission across the Southwest Pacific
January 26, 2018
This paper describes the changing patterns of malaria parasite (Plasmodium vivax) population genetic structure with declining transmission across the Southwest Pacific. The work has identified specific parameters that can be measured to track elimination progress.
Artemether-lumefantrine versus chloroquine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium knowlesi malaria: an open-label randomized controlled trial (CAN KNOW)
January 15, 2018
Background Plasmodium knowlesi is reported increasingly across Southeast Asia and is the most common cause of malaria in Malaysia. No randomized…
Nationwide genetic surveillance of Plasmodium vivax in Papua New Guinea reveals heterogeneous transmission dynamics and routes of migration among subdivided populations
December 5, 2017
This research used genetic surveillance to map the geographic distribution of malaria parasite populations (Plasmodium vivax) throughout Papua New Guinea, classifying the transmission scenario in different regions and defining relatively isolated populations and routes of migration that could be targeted by control strategies.
Declining malaria transmission differentially impacts the maintenance of humoral immunity to Plasmodium falciparum in children
October 17, 2017
A decline in malaria transmission is associated with an overall reduction in naturally acquired immunity. However, loss of immunity is not universal; some key functional immune responses and antibodies to specific targets are better maintained and these may continue to provide some long-term protection against malaria
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.