Resources

Efforts to reduce transmission and eliminate malaria require an understanding of biology and transmission. A model to induce gametocytes to understand their dynamics and evaluate transmission-blocking interventions is currently unavailable. Here, we explore the use of the Controlled Human Malaria Infection model to induce gametocyte carriage with antimalarial drug regimens.

Asymptomatic malaria infection in endemic areas presents new challenges, as the asymptomatic individuals constituting the human parasite reservoirs contribute to transmission. To achieve elimination, asymptomatic and submicroscopic reservoirs must be identified and treated. Here we sought to develop a highly sensitive tool to detect P. falciparum and P. vivax infection.

Lymphatic filariasis is caused primarily by Wuchereria bancrofti (Wb) and can be co-endemic with certain filarial parasites in central Africa. Two new IgG4 rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are available from Standard Diagnostics, Inc. The aim of this research was to determine the specificity of the Wb123 RDTs in co-endemic zones.

In low-transmission settings, submicroscopic quantities of Plasmodium falciparum are undetectable by current rapid diagnostic tests and ELISAs. Detection of this reservoir is essential, and we need a highly sensitive laboratory reference assay to confirm these infections. This study aimed to characterize the analytical and diagnostic performance of Alere’s high-sensitivity test.

Currently, the only drugs that radically cure Plasmodium vivax malaria are 8-aminoquinoline–based drugs, which can cause hemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients. Therefore, determination of G6PD level is critical before treatment. This study evaluated tests for G6PD deficiency, including validating the correlation of quantitative reference assays, and establishing recombinant G6PD controls.