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Okore W, Ouma C, Okoth RO, Yeda R, Ingasia LO, Mwakio EW, Ochora DO, Wakoli DM, Amwoma JG, Chemwor GC, Juma JA, Okudo CO, Cheruiyot AC, Opot BH, Juma D, Egbo TE, Andagalu B, Roth A, Kamau E, Akala HM. Increased sensitivity of malaria parasites to common antimalaria drugs after the introduction of artemether-lumefantrine: Implication of policy change and implementation of more effective drugs in fight against malaria. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298585. [PMID: 38900782 PMCID: PMC11189199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance protein 1 (Pfmrp1) gene have previously been reported to confer resistance to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) in Southeast Asia. A total of 300 samples collected from six sites between 2008 and 2019 under an ongoing malaria drug sensitivity patterns in Kenya study were evaluated for the presence of SNPs at Pfmrp1 gene codons: H191Y, S437A, I876V, and F1390I using the Agena MassARRAY® platform. Each isolate was further tested against artemisinin (ART), lumefantrine (LU), amodiaquine (AQ), mefloquine (MQ), quinine (QN), and chloroquine (CQ) using malaria the SYBR Green I-based method to determine their in vitro drug sensitivity. Of the samples genotyped, polymorphism at Pfmrp1 codon I876V was the most frequent, with 59.3% (163/275) mutants, followed by F1390I, 7.2% (20/278), H191Y, 4.0% (6/151), and S437A, 3.3% (9/274). A significant decrease in median 50% inhibition concentrations (IC50s) and interquartile range (IQR) was noted; AQ from 2.996 ng/ml [IQR = 2.604-4.747, n = 51] in 2008 to 1.495 ng/ml [IQR = 0.7134-3.318, n = 40] (P<0.001) in 2019, QN from 59.64 ng/ml [IQR = 29.88-80.89, n = 51] in 2008 to 18.10 ng/ml [IQR = 11.81-26.92, n = 42] (P<0.001) in 2019, CQ from 35.19 ng/ml [IQR = 16.99-71.20, n = 30] in 2008 to 6.699 ng/ml [IQR = 4.976-9.875, n = 37] (P<0.001) in 2019, and ART from 2.680 ng/ml [IQR = 1.608-4.857, n = 57] in 2008 to 2.105 ng/ml [IQR = 1.266-3.267, n = 47] (P = 0.0012) in 2019, implying increasing parasite sensitivity to the drugs over time. However, no significant variations were observed in LU (P = 0.2692) and MQ (P = 0.0939) respectively, suggesting stable parasite responses over time. There was no statistical significance between the mutation at 876 and parasite sensitivity to selected antimalarials tested, suggesting stable sensitivity for the parasites with 876V mutations. These findings show that Kenyan parasite strains are still sensitive to AQ, QN, CQ, ART, LU, and MQ. Despite the presence of Pfmrp1 mutations in parasites among the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Okore
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Collins Ouma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Raphael O. Okoth
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Redemptah Yeda
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Luicer O. Ingasia
- Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Edwin W. Mwakio
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Douglas O. Ochora
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kisii University, Kisii, Kenya
| | - Duncan M. Wakoli
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya
| | - Joseph G. Amwoma
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya
| | - Gladys C. Chemwor
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jackline A. Juma
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Charles O. Okudo
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Agnes C. Cheruiyot
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Benjamin H. Opot
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Dennis Juma
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Timothy E. Egbo
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ben Andagalu
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amanda Roth
- Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Edwin Kamau
- Department of Pathology and Area Laboratory Services, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Honolulu, United States of America
| | - Hoseah M. Akala
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Walter Reed Project (WRP), Kisumu, Kenya
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Sifuna PM, Mbinji M, Lucas TO, Onyango I, Akala HM, Waitumbi JN, Ogutu BR, Hutter JN, Otieno W. The Walter Reed Project, Kisumu Field Station: Impact of Research on Malaria Policy, Management, and Prevention. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:1069-1079. [PMID: 38653233 PMCID: PMC11154051 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Walter Reed Project is a collaboration between the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research of the United States Department of Defense and the Kenya Medical Research Institute. The Kisumu field station, comprising four campuses, has until recently been devoted primarily to research on malaria countermeasures. The Kombewa Clinical Research Center is dedicated to conducting regulated clinical trials of therapeutic and vaccine candidates in development. The center's robust population-based surveillance platform, along with an active community engagement strategy, guarantees consistent recruitment and retention of participants in clinical trials. The Malaria Diagnostic Center, backed by WHO-certified microscopists and a large malaria blood film collection, champions high-quality malaria diagnosis and strict quality assurance through standardized microscopy trainings. The Malaria Drug Resistance Laboratory leverages cutting-edge technology such as real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) to conduct comprehensive research on resistance markers and obtain information on drug efficacy. The laboratory has been working on validating artemisinin resistance markers and improving tracking methods for current and future antimalarial compounds. Finally, the Basic Science Laboratory employs advanced genomic technology to examine endpoints such as immunogenicity and genomic fingerprinting for candidate drugs and vaccine efficacy. Herein, we examine the site's significant contributions to malaria policy, management, and prevention practices in Kenya and around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Sifuna
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Michal Mbinji
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Tina O Lucas
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Irene Onyango
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Hoseah M Akala
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John N Waitumbi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bernhards R Ogutu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jack N Hutter
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Walter Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, Kisumu, Kenya
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Badiane AS, Ngom B, Ndiaye T, Cunningham D, Campbell J, Gaye A, Sène A, Sy M, Ndiaye D, Nwakanma D, Langhorne J. Evidence of Plasmodium vivax circulation in western and eastern regions of Senegal: implications for malaria control. Malar J 2024; 23:149. [PMID: 38750583 PMCID: PMC11097470 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04932-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria elimination in Senegal requires accurate diagnosis of all Plasmodium species. Plasmodium falciparum is the most prevalent species in Senegal, although Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and recently Plasmodium vivax have also been reported. Nonetheless, most malaria control tools, such as Histidine Rich Protein 2 rapid diagnosis test (PfHRP2-RDT,) can only diagnose P. falciparum. Thus, PfHRP2-RDT misses non-falciparum species and P. falciparum infections that fall below the limit of detection. These limitations can be addressed using highly sensitive Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This study assesses the burden of the four different Plasmodium species in western and eastern regions of Senegal using targeted PCR amplicon sequencing. METHODS Three thousand samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in 2021 from three sites in Senegal (Sessene, Diourbel region; Parcelles Assainies, Kaolack region; Gabou, Tambacounda region) were collected. All samples were tested using PfHRP2-RDT and photoinduced electron transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR), which detects all Plasmodium species. Targeted sequencing of the nuclear 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome B genes was performed on PET-PCR positive samples. RESULTS Malaria prevalence by PfHRP2-RDT showed 9.4% (94/1000) and 0.2% (2/1000) in Diourbel (DBL) and Kaolack (KL), respectively. In Tambacounda (TAM) patients who had malaria symptoms and had a negative PfHRP2-RDT were enrolled. The PET-PCR had a positivity rate of 23.5% (295/1255) overall. The PET-PCR positivity rate was 37.6%, 12.3%, and 22.8% in Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, respectively. Successful sequencing of 121/295 positive samples detected P. falciparum (93%), P. vivax (2.6%), P. malariae (4.4%), and P. ovale wallikeri (0.9%). Plasmodium vivax was co-identified with P. falciparum in thirteen samples. Sequencing also detected two PfHRP2-RDT-negative mono-infections of P. vivax in Tambacounda and Kaolack. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the circulation of P. vivax in western and eastern Senegal, highlighting the need for improved malaria control strategies and accurate diagnostic tools to better understand the prevalence of non-falciparum species countrywide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida S Badiane
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Darkar, Sénégal.
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal.
| | - Bassirou Ngom
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Tolla Ndiaye
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Deirdre Cunningham
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James Campbell
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platforms (STP), The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Amy Gaye
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Aita Sène
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Mouhamad Sy
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Daouda Ndiaye
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Darkar, Sénégal
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Davis Nwakanma
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, P.O Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Jean Langhorne
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
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Popkin-Hall ZR, Seth MD, Madebe RA, Budodo R, Bakari C, Francis F, Pereus D, Giesbrecht DJ, Mandara CI, Mbwambo D, Aaron S, Lusasi A, Lazaro S, Bailey JA, Juliano JJ, Ishengoma DS. Malaria Species Positivity Rates Among Symptomatic Individuals Across Regions of Differing Transmission Intensities in Mainland Tanzania. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:959-968. [PMID: 37992117 PMCID: PMC11011190 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent data indicate that non-Plasmodium falciparum species may be more prevalent than thought in sub-Saharan Africa. Although Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale spp., and Plasmodium vivax are less severe than P. falciparum, treatment and control are more challenging, and their geographic distributions are not well characterized. METHODS We randomly selected 3284 of 12 845 samples collected from cross-sectional surveys in 100 health facilities across 10 regions of Mainland Tanzania and performed quantitative real-time PCR to determine presence and parasitemia of each malaria species. RESULTS P. falciparum was most prevalent, but P. malariae and P. ovale were found in all but 1 region, with high levels (>5%) of P. ovale in 7 regions. The highest P. malariae positivity rate was 4.5% in Mara and 8 regions had positivity rates ≥1%. We only detected 3 P. vivax infections, all in Kilimanjaro. While most nonfalciparum malaria-positive samples were coinfected with P. falciparum, 23.6% (n = 13 of 55) of P. malariae and 14.7% (n = 24 of 163) of P. ovale spp. were monoinfections. CONCLUSIONS P. falciparum remains by far the largest threat, but our data indicate that malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania will require increased surveillance and improved understanding of the biology of nonfalciparum species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Popkin-Hall
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Misago D Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid A Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rule Budodo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Center, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Dativa Pereus
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - David J Giesbrecht
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Samwel Lazaro
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Assefa A, Wamae K, Hennelly CM, Ngasala B, Muller M, Kalonji A, Phanzu F, Cunningham CH, Lin JT, Parr JB. Detection of P. malariae using a new rapid isothermal amplification lateral flow assay. Malar J 2024; 23:104. [PMID: 38609964 PMCID: PMC11015614 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04928-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cause the majority of malaria cases and deaths, infection by Plasmodium malariae and other Plasmodium species also causes morbidity and mortality. Current understanding of these infections is limited in part by existing point-of-care diagnostics that fail to differentiate them and have poor sensitivity for low-density infections. Accurate diagnosis currently requires molecular assays performed in well-resourced laboratories. This report describes the development of a P. malariae diagnostic assay that uses rapid, isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and lateral-flow-strip detection. METHODS Multiple combinations of custom RPA primers and probes were designed using publicly available P. malariae genomic sequences, and by modifying published primer sets. Based on manufacturer RPA reaction conditions (TwistDx nfo kit), an isothermal assay was optimized targeting the multicopy P. malariae 18S rRNA gene with 39 °C incubation and 30-min run time. RPA product was visualized using lateral strips (FAM-labeled, biotinylated amplicon detected by a sandwich immunoassay, visualized using gold nanoparticles). Analytical sensitivity was evaluated using 18S rRNA plasmid DNA, and clinical sensitivity determined using qPCR-confirmed samples collected from Tanzania, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. RESULTS Using 18S rRNA plasmid DNA, the assay demonstrates a detection limit of 10 copies/µL (~ 1.7 genome equivalents) and 100% analytical specificity. Testing in field samples showed 95% clinical sensitivity and 88% specificity compared to qPCR. Total assay time was less than 40 min. CONCLUSION Combined with simplified DNA extraction methods, the assay has potential for future field-deployable, point-of-care use to detect P. malariae infection, which remains largely undiagnosed but a neglected cause of chronic malaria. The assay provides a rapid, simple readout on a lateral flow strip without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Assefa
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Kevin Wamae
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher M Hennelly
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Meredith Muller
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Clark H Cunningham
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jessica T Lin
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan B Parr
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Popkin-Hall ZR, Seth MD, Madebe RA, Budodo R, Bakari C, Francis F, Pereus D, Giesbrecht DJ, Mandara CI, Mbwambo D, Aaron S, Lusasi A, Lazaro S, Bailey JA, Juliano JJ, Gutman JR, Ishengoma DS. Prevalence of non-falciparum malaria infections among asymptomatic individuals in four regions of Mainland Tanzania. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:153. [PMID: 38519992 PMCID: PMC10960463 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06242-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies point to the need to incorporate the detection of non-falciparum species into malaria surveillance activities in sub-Saharan Africa, where 95% of the world's malaria cases occur. Although malaria caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum is typically more severe than malaria caused by the non-falciparum Plasmodium species P. malariae, P. ovale spp. and P. vivax, the latter may be more challenging to diagnose, treat, control and ultimately eliminate. The prevalence of non-falciparum species throughout sub-Saharan Africa is poorly defined. Tanzania has geographical heterogeneity in transmission levels but an overall high malaria burden. METHODS To estimate the prevalence of malaria species in Mainland Tanzania, we randomly selected 1428 samples from 6005 asymptomatic isolates collected in previous cross-sectional community surveys across four regions and analyzed these by quantitative PCR to detect and identify the Plasmodium species. RESULTS Plasmodium falciparum was the most prevalent species in all samples, with P. malariae and P. ovale spp. detected at a lower prevalence (< 5%) in all four regions; P. vivax was not detected in any sample. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania will need to account for and enhance surveillance of these non-falciparum species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Popkin-Hall
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Misago D Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid A Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rule Budodo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Center, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Dativa Pereus
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Samwel Lazaro
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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7
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Higgins M, Manko E, Ward D, Phelan JE, Nolder D, Sutherland CJ, Clark TG, Campino S. New reference genomes to distinguish the sympatric malaria parasites, Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3843. [PMID: 38360879 PMCID: PMC10869833 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) and wallikeri (Pow) being important human-infecting malaria parasites that are widespread across Africa and Asia, little is known about their genome diversity. Morphologically identical, Poc and Pow are indistinguishable and commonly misidentified. Recent rises in the incidence of Poc/Pow infections have renewed efforts to address fundamental knowledge gaps in their biology, and to develop diagnostic tools to understand their epidemiological dynamics and malaria burden. A major roadblock has been the incompleteness of available reference assemblies (PocGH01, PowCR01; ~ 33.5 Mbp). Here, we applied multiple sequencing platforms and advanced bioinformatics tools to generate new reference genomes, Poc221 (South Sudan; 36.0 Mbp) and Pow222 (Nigeria; 34.3 Mbp), with improved nuclear genome contiguity (> 4.2 Mbp), annotation and completeness (> 99% Plasmodium spp., single copy orthologs). Subsequent sequencing of 6 Poc and 15 Pow isolates from Africa revealed a total of 22,517 and 43,855 high-quality core genome SNPs, respectively. Genome-wide levels of nucleotide diversity were determined to be 2.98 × 10-4 (Poc) and 3.43 × 10-4 (Pow), comparable to estimates for other Plasmodium species. Overall, the new reference genomes provide a robust foundation for dissecting the biology of Poc/Pow, their population structure and evolution, and will contribute to uncovering the recombination barrier separating these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Higgins
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Emilia Manko
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Daniel Ward
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Jody E Phelan
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Debbie Nolder
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
- UK Health Security Agency, Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
- UK Health Security Agency, Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Taane G Clark
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Susana Campino
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
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8
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Popkin Hall ZR, Seth MD, Madebe RA, Budodo R, Bakari C, Francis F, Pereus D, Giesbrecht DJ, Mandara CI, Mbwambo D, Aaron S, Lusasi A, Lazaro S, Bailey JA, Juliano JJ, Gutman JR, Ishengoma DS. Malaria species prevalence among asymptomatic individuals in four regions of Mainland Tanzania. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.28.23300584. [PMID: 38234751 PMCID: PMC10793544 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.28.23300584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies point to the need to incorporate non-falciparum species detection into malaria surveillance activities in sub-Saharan Africa, where 95% of malaria cases occur. Although Plasmodium falciparum infection is typically more severe, diagnosis, treatment, and control for P. malariae, P. ovale spp., and P. vivax may be more challenging. The prevalence of these species throughout sub-Saharan Africa is poorly defined. Tanzania has geographically heterogeneous transmission levels but an overall high malaria burden. In order to estimate the prevalence of malaria species in Mainland Tanzania, 1,428 samples were randomly selected from 6,005 asymptomatic isolates collected in cross-sectional community surveys across four regions and analyzed via qPCR to detect each Plasmodium species. P. falciparum was most prevalent, with P. malariae and P. ovale spp. detected at lower prevalence (<5%) in all four regions. P. vivax was not detected. Malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania will need to account for these non-falciparum species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Popkin Hall
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Misago D Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid A Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rule Budodo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Center, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Dativa Pereus
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Samwel Lazaro
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, RI, USA
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, RI, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Global Health Center, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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9
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Potlapalli VR, Muller MS, Ngasala B, Ali IM, Na YB, Williams DR, Kharabora O, Chhetri S, Liu MS, Carey-Ewend K, Lin FC, Mathias D, Tarimo BB, Juliano JJ, Parr JB, Lin JT. Real-time PCR detection of mixed Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri infections in human and mosquito hosts. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011274. [PMID: 38064489 PMCID: PMC10732364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (Pow) represent distinct non-recombining Plasmodium species that are increasing in prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Though they circulate sympatrically, co-infection within human and mosquito hosts has rarely been described. Separate 18S rRNA real-time PCR assays that detect Poc and Pow were modified to allow species determination in parallel under identical cycling conditions. The lower limit of detection was 0.6 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI 0.4-1.6) for Poc and 4.5 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI 2.7-18) for Pow, or 0.1 and 0.8 parasites/μL, respectively, assuming 6 copies of 18s rRNA per genome. However, the assays showed cross-reactivity at concentrations greater than 103 plasmid copies/μL (roughly 200 parasites/μL). Mock mixtures were used to establish criteria for classifying mixed Poc/Pow infections that prevented false-positive detection while maintaining sensitive detection of the minority ovale species down to 100 copies/μL (<1 parasite/μL). When the modified real-time PCR assays were applied to field-collected blood samples from Tanzania and Cameroon, species identification by real-time PCR was concordant with nested PCR in 19 samples, but additionally detected two mixed Poc/Pow infections where nested PCR detected a single Po species. When real-time PCR was applied to oocyst-positive Anopheles midguts saved from mosquitoes fed on P. ovale-infected persons, mixed Poc/Pow infections were detected in 11/14 (79%). Based on these results, 8/9 P. ovale carriers transmitted both P. ovale species to mosquitoes, though both Po species could only be detected in the blood of two carriers. The described real-time PCR approach can be used to identify the natural occurrence of mixed Poc/Pow infections in human and mosquito hosts and reveals that such co-infections and co-transmission are likely more common than appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun R. Potlapalli
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Meredith S. Muller
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Innocent Mbulli Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Yu Bin Na
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Danielle R. Williams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Oksana Kharabora
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Srijana Chhetri
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mei S. Liu
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kelly Carey-Ewend
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Derrick Mathias
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida United States of America
| | - Brian B. Tarimo
- Vector Immunity and Transmission Biology Unit, Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute-Bagamoyo Office, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jessica T. Lin
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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10
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He W, Sendor R, Potlapalli VR, Kashamuka MM, Tshefu AK, Phanzu F, Kalonji A, Ngasala B, Thwai KL, Juliano JJ, Lin JT, Parr JB. A novel duplex qualitative real-time PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri malaria. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.10.31.23297819. [PMID: 37961397 PMCID: PMC10635243 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.23297819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background P. ovale spp. infections are endemic across multiple African countries and are caused by two distinct non-recombining species, P. ovale curtisi (Poc) and P. ovale wallikeri (Pow). These species are thought to differ in clinical symptomatology and latency, but existing diagnostic assays have limited ability to detect and distinguish them. In this study, we developed a new duplex assay for the detection and differentiation of Poc and Pow that can be used to improve our understanding of these parasites. Methods Repetitive sequence motifs were identified in available Poc and Pow genomes and used for assay development and validation. We evaluated the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the best-performing assay using a panel of samples from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), then validated its performance using 55 P. ovale spp. samples and 40 non-ovale Plasmodium samples from the DRC. Poc and Pow prevalence among symptomatic individuals sampled across three provinces of the DRC were estimated. Results The best-performing Poc and Pow targets had 9 and 8 copies within the reference genomes, respectively. Our duplex assay had 100% specificity and 95% confidence lower limits of detection of 4.2 and 41.2 parasite genome equivalents/μl for Poc and Pow, respectively. Species was determined in 80% of all P. ovale spp.-positive field samples and 100% of those with >10 parasites/μl. Most P. ovale spp. field samples from the DRC were found to be Poc infections. Conclusions We identified promising multi-copy targets for molecular detection and differentiation of Poc and Pow and used them to develop a new duplex real-time PCR assay that performed well when applied to diverse field samples. Though low-density Pow infections are not reliably detected, the assay is highly specific and can be used for high-throughput studies of P. ovale spp. epidemiology among symptomatic cases in malaria-endemic countries like the DRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiao He
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rachel Sendor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Varun R. Potlapalli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Billy Ngasala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kyaw Lay Thwai
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jessica T. Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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11
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Sendor R, Banek K, Kashamuka MM, Mvuama N, Bala JA, Nkalani M, Kihuma G, Atibu J, Thwai KL, Svec WM, Goel V, Nseka T, Lin JT, Bailey JA, Emch M, Carrel M, Juliano JJ, Tshefu A, Parr JB. Epidemiology of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale spp. in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6618. [PMID: 37857597 PMCID: PMC10587068 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42190-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Reports suggest non-falciparum species are an underappreciated cause of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa but their epidemiology is ill-defined, particularly in highly malaria-endemic regions. We estimated incidence and prevalence of PCR-confirmed non-falciparum and Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections within a longitudinal study conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between 2015-2017. Children and adults were sampled at biannual household surveys and routine clinic visits. Among 9,089 samples from 1,565 participants, incidences of P. malariae, P. ovale spp., and P. falciparum infections by 1-year were 7.8% (95% CI: 6.4%-9.1%), 4.8% (95% CI: 3.7%-5.9%) and 57.5% (95% CI: 54.4%-60.5%), respectively. Non-falciparum prevalences were higher in school-age children, rural and peri-urban sites, and P. falciparum co-infections. P. falciparum remains the primary driver of malaria in the DRC, though non-falciparum species also pose an infection risk. As P. falciparum interventions gain traction in high-burden settings, continued surveillance and improved understanding of non-falciparum infections are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sendor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Kristin Banek
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Melchior M Kashamuka
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Nono Mvuama
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph A Bala
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Marthe Nkalani
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Kihuma
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph Atibu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kyaw L Thwai
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - W Matthew Svec
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Varun Goel
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tommy Nseka
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jessica T Lin
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael Emch
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Margaret Carrel
- Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Antoinette Tshefu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jonathan B Parr
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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12
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Popkin Hall ZR, Seth MD, Madebe RA, Budodo R, Bakari C, Francis F, Pereus D, Giesbrecht DJ, Mandara CI, Mbwambo D, Aaron S, Lazaro S, Bailey JA, Juliano JJ, Ishengoma DS. Malaria species positivity rates among symptomatic individuals across regions of differing transmission intensities in Mainland Tanzania. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.09.19.23295562. [PMID: 37790396 PMCID: PMC10543240 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.19.23295562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent data indicate that non- Plasmodium falciparum species may be more prevalent than previously realized in sub-Saharan Africa, the region where 95% of the world's malaria cases occur. Although Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale spp., and Plasmodium vivax are generally less severe than P. falciparum , treatment and control are more challenging, and their geographic distributions are not well characterized. In order to characterize the distribution of malaria species in Mainland Tanzania (which has a high burden and geographically heterogeneous transmission levels), we randomly selected 3,284 samples from 12,845 samples to determine presence and parasitemia of different malaria species. The samples were collected from cross-sectional surveys in 100 health facilities across ten regions and analyzed via quantitative real-time PCR to characterize regional positivity rates for each species. P. falciparum was most prevalent, but P. malariae and P. ovale were found in all regions except Dar es Salaam, with high levels (>5%) of P. ovale in seven regions (70%). The highest positivity rate of P. malariae was 4.5% in Mara region and eight regions (80%) had positivity rates ≥1%. We also detected three P. vivax infections in the very low-transmission Kilimanjaro region. While most samples that tested positive for non-falciparum malaria were co-infected with P. falciparum , 23.6% (n = 13/55) of P. malariae and 14.7% (n = 24/163) of P. ovale spp. samples were mono-infections. P. falciparum remains by far the largest threat, but our data indicate that malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania will require increased surveillance and improved understanding of the biology of non-falciparum species.
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13
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Ansah F, Nyame K, Laryea R, Owusu R, Amon D, Boyetey MJB, Ayeke D, Razak N, Kornu VE, Ashitei S, Owusu-Appiah C, Chirawurah JD, Abugri J, Aniweh Y, Opoku N, Sutherland CJ, Binka FN, Kweku M, Awandare GA, Dinko B. The temporal dynamics of Plasmodium species infection after artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) among asymptomatic children in the Hohoe municipality, Ghana. Malar J 2023; 22:271. [PMID: 37710288 PMCID: PMC10500816 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04712-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The routine surveillance of asymptomatic malaria using nucleic acid-based amplification tests is essential in obtaining reliable data that would inform malaria policy formulation and the implementation of appropriate control measures. METHODS In this study, the prevalence rate and the dynamics of Plasmodium species among asymptomatic children (n = 1697) under 5 years from 30 communities within the Hohoe municipality in Ghana were determined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The observed prevalence of Plasmodium parasite infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was 33.6% (571/1697), which was significantly higher compared to that obtained by microscopy [26.6% (451/1697)] (P < 0.0001). Based on species-specific analysis by nested PCR, Plasmodium falciparum infection [33.6% (570/1697)] was dominant, with Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax infections accounting for 0.1% (1/1697), 0.0% (0/1697), and 0.0% (0/1697), respectively. The prevalence of P. falciparum infection among the 30 communities ranged from 0.0 to 82.5%. Following artesunate-amodiaquine (AS + AQ, 25 mg/kg) treatment of a sub-population of the participants (n = 184), there was a substantial reduction in Plasmodium parasite prevalence by 100% and 79.2% on day 7 based on microscopy and nested PCR analysis, respectively. However, there was an increase in parasite prevalence from day 14 to day 42, with a subsequent decline on day 70 by both microscopy and nested PCR. For parasite clearance rate analysis, we found a significant proportion of the participants harbouring residual Plasmodium parasites or parasite genomic DNA on day 1 [65.0% (13/20)], day 2 [65.0% (13/20)] and day 3 [60.0% (12/20)] after initiating treatment. Of note, gametocyte carriage among participants was low before and after treatment. CONCLUSION Taken together, the results indicate that a significant number of individuals could harbour residual Plasmodium parasites or parasite genomic DNA after treatment. The study demonstrates the importance of routine surveillance of asymptomatic malaria using sensitive nucleic acid-based amplification techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Ansah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwamina Nyame
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rukaya Laryea
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Richard Owusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Denick Amon
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mark-Jefferson Buer Boyetey
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dzidzor Ayeke
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nasibatu Razak
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor E Kornu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sarah Ashitei
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Caleb Owusu-Appiah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jersley D Chirawurah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - James Abugri
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Opoku
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fred N Binka
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Margaret Kweku
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bismarck Dinko
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
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14
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Sendor R, Mitchell CL, Chacky F, Mohamed A, Mhamilawa LE, Molteni F, Nyinondi S, Kabula B, Mkali H, Reaves EJ, Serbantez N, Kitojo C, Makene T, Kyaw T, Muller M, Mwanza A, Eckert EL, Parr JB, Lin JT, Juliano JJ, Ngasala B. Similar Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Non-P. falciparum Malaria Infections among Schoolchildren, Tanzania 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1143-1153. [PMID: 37209670 DOI: 10.3201/eid2906.221016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving malaria elimination requires considering both Plasmodium falciparum and non-P. falciparum infections. We determined prevalence and geographic distribution of 4 Plasmodium spp. by performing PCR on dried blood spots collected within 8 regions of Tanzania during 2017. Among 3,456 schoolchildren, 22% had P. falciparum, 24% had P. ovale spp., 4% had P. malariae, and 0.3% had P. vivax infections. Most (91%) schoolchildren with P. ovale infections had low parasite densities; 64% of P. ovale infections were single-species infections, and 35% of those were detected in low malaria endemic regions. P. malariae infections were predominantly (73%) co-infections with P. falciparum. P. vivax was detected mostly in northern and eastern regions. Co-infections with >1 non-P. falciparum species occurred in 43% of P. falciparum infections. A high prevalence of P. ovale infections exists among schoolchildren in Tanzania, underscoring the need for detection and treatment strategies that target non-P. falciparum species.
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15
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Sendor R, Banek K, Kashamuka MM, Mvuama N, Bala JA, Nkalani M, Kihuma G, Atibu J, Thwai KL, Svec WM, Goel V, Nseka T, Lin JT, Bailey JA, Emch M, Carrel M, Juliano JJ, Tshefu A, Parr JB. Epidemiology of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale spp. in a highly malaria-endemic country: a longitudinal cohort study in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.04.20.23288826. [PMID: 37790376 PMCID: PMC10543032 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.20.23288826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Increasing reports suggest that non-falciparum species are an underappreciated cause of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, but their epidemiology is not well-defined. This is particularly true in regions of high P. falciparum endemicity such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where 12% of the world's malaria cases and 13% of deaths occur. Methods and Findings The cumulative incidence and prevalence of P. malariae and P. ovale spp. infection detected by real-time PCR were estimated among children and adults within a longitudinal study conducted in seven rural, peri-urban, and urban sites from 2015-2017 in Kinshasa Province, DRC. Participants were sampled at biannual household survey visits (asymptomatic) and during routine health facility visits (symptomatic). Participant-level characteristics associated with non-falciparum infections were estimated for single- and mixed-species infections. Among 9,089 samples collected from 1,565 participants over a 3-year period, the incidence of P. malariae and P. ovale spp. infection was 11% (95% CI: 9%-12%) and 7% (95% CI: 5%-8%) by one year, respectively, compared to a 67% (95% CI: 64%-70%) one-year cumulative incidence of P. falciparum infection. Incidence continued to rise in the second year of follow-up, reaching 26% and 15% in school-age children (5-14yo) for P. malariae and P. ovale spp., respectively. Prevalence of P. malariae, P. ovale spp., and P. falciparum infections during household visits were 3% (95% CI: 3%-4%), 1% (95% CI: 1%-2%), and 35% (95% CI: 33%-36%), respectively. Non-falciparum malaria was more prevalent in rural and peri-urban vs. urban sites, in school-age children, and among those with P. falciparum co-infection. A crude association was detected between P. malariae and any anemia in the symptomatic clinic population, although this association did not hold when stratified by anemia severity. No crude associations were detected between non-falciparum infection and fever prevalence. Conclusions P. falciparum remains the primary driver of malaria morbidity and mortality in the DRC. However, non-falciparum species also pose an infection risk across sites of varying urbanicity and malaria endemicity within Kinshasa, DRC, particularly among children under 15 years of age. As P. falciparum interventions gain traction in high-burden settings like the DRC, continued surveillance and improved understanding of non-falciparum infections are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sendor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kristin Banek
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Nono Mvuama
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph A. Bala
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Marthe Nkalani
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Kihuma
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph Atibu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kyaw L. Thwai
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - W. Matthew Svec
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Varun Goel
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tommy Nseka
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jessica T. Lin
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A. Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Michael Emch
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Margaret Carrel
- Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Antoinette Tshefu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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16
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Potlapalli V, Muller MS, Ngasala B, Ali IM, Na YB, Williams DR, Kharabora O, Chhetri S, Liu MS, Carey-Ewend K, Lin FC, Mathias D, Tarimo BB, Juliano JJ, Parr J, Lin JT. Real-time PCR detection of mixed Plasmodium ovale curtisi and wallikeri species infections in human and mosquito hosts. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.31.535020. [PMID: 37034766 PMCID: PMC10081274 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.31.535020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (Pow) represent distinct non-recombining malaria species that are increasing in prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. Though they circulate sympatrically, co-infection within human and mosquito hosts has rarely been described. Separate 18S rRNA real-time PCR assays that detect Poc and Pow were modified to allow species determination in parallel under identical cycling conditions. The lower limit of detection was 0.6 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI 0.4-1.6) for Poc and 4.5 plasmid copies/μL (95% CI( 2.7- 18) for Pow, or 0.1 and 0.8 parasites/μL, respectively, assuming 6 copies of 18s rRNA per genome. However, the assays showed cross-reactivity at concentrations greater than 103 plasmid copies/μL (roughly 200 parasites/μL). Mock mixtures were used to establish criteria for classifying mixed Poc/Pow infections that prevented false-positive detection while maintaining sensitive detection of the minority ovale species down to 10° copies/μL (<1 parasite/μL). When the modified real-time PCR assays were applied to field-collected blood samples from Tanzania and Cameroon, species identification by real-time PCR was concordant with nested PCR, but additionally detected two mixed Poc/Pow infections where nested PCR detected a single Po species. When real-time PCR was applied to 14 oocyst-positive Anopheles midguts saved from mosquitoes fed on P. ovate-infected persons, mixed Poc/Pow infections were detected in 11 (79%). Based on these results, 8/9 P. ovate carriers transmitted both P. ovate species to mosquitoes, though both Po species could only be detected in the blood of two carriers. The described real-time PCR approach can be used to identify the natural occurrence of mixed Poc/Pow infections in human and mosquito hosts and reveals that such co-infections and co-transmission are likely more common than appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Potlapalli
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Meredith S Muller
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Innocent Mbulli Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Yu Bin Na
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Danielle R Williams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Oksana Kharabora
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Srijana Chhetri
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Mei S Liu
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Kelly Carey-Ewend
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Feng-Chang Lin
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Derrick Mathias
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL USA
| | - Brian B Tarimo
- Vector Immunity and Transmission Biology Unit, Department of Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute-Bagamoyo Office, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jonathan Parr
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jessica T Lin
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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17
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Assefa A, Wamae KK, Hennelly CM, Ngasala B, Muller M, Kalonji A, Phanzu F, Cunningham CH, Lin JT, Parr JB. Detection of P. malariae using a new rapid isothermal amplification lateral flow assay. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.26.23286371. [PMID: 37790493 PMCID: PMC10543045 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.26.23286371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
P. malariae is found worldwide and causes chronic parasitism in its human hosts. We developed a P. malariae (Pm) diagnostic assay that uses rapid, isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and lateral-flow-strip detection. Using 18S rRNA plasmid DNA, the assay demonstrates a detection limit of 10 copies /μL (~1.7 genome equivalents) and 100% analytical specificity. Testing in field samples showed 95% clinical sensitivity and 88% specificity compared to qPCR. Total assay time was 35 minutes. Combined with simplified DNA extraction methods, the assay has potential for future field-deployable point-of-care use to detect a parasite species that remains largely undiagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Assefa
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Kevin K. Wamae
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Chris M. Hennelly
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Meredith Muller
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | | | | | - Clark H. Cunningham
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jessica T. Lin
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC USA
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18
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Oyibo W, Latham V, Oladipo O, Ntadom G, Uhomoibhi P, Ogbulafor N, Okoronkwo C, Okoh F, Mahmoud A, Shekarau E, Oresanya O, Cherima YJ, Jalingo I, Abba B, Audu M, Conway DJ. Malaria parasite density and detailed qualitative microscopy enhances large-scale profiling of infection endemicity in Nigeria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1599. [PMID: 36709336 PMCID: PMC9884197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27535-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With global progress towards malaria reduction stalling, further analysis of epidemiology is required, particularly in countries with the highest burden. National surveys have mostly analysed infection prevalence, while large-scale data on parasite density and different developmental forms rarely available. In Nigeria, the country with the largest burden globally, blood slide microscopy of children up to 5 years of age was conducted in the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey, and parasite prevalence previously reported. In the current study, malaria parasite density measurements are reported and analysed for 7783 of the children sampled across the 36 states within the six geopolitical zones of the country. Asexual and sexual stages, and infections with different malaria parasite species are analysed. Across all states of Nigeria, there was a positive correlation between mean asexual parasite density within infected individuals and prevalence of infection in the community (Spearman's rho = 0.39, P = 0.02). Asexual parasite densities were highest in the northern geopolitical zones (geometric means > 2000 μL-1), extending the evidence of exceptionally high infection burden in many areas. Sexual parasite prevalence in each state was highly correlated with asexual parasite prevalence (Spearman's rho = 0.70, P < 0.001), although sexual parasite densities were low (geometric means < 100 μL-1 in all zones). Infants had lower parasite densities than children above 1 year of age, but there were no differences between male and female children. Most infections were of P. falciparum, which had higher asexual densities but lower sexual parasite densities than P. malariae or P. ovale mono-infections. However, mixed species infections had the highest asexual parasite densities. It is recommended that future large surveys in high burden countries measure parasite densities as well as developmental stages and species, to improve the quality of malaria epidemiology and tracking of future changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wellington Oyibo
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Malaria Diagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | | | - Oladosu Oladipo
- ANDI Centre of Excellence for Malaria Diagnosis, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Pure and Applied Biology Programme, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Godwin Ntadom
- Epidemiology Unit, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Perpetua Uhomoibhi
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nnenna Ogbulafor
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Chukwu Okoronkwo
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Festus Okoh
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Aminu Mahmoud
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Shekarau
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Bintu Abba
- National Population Commission, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mohammed Audu
- National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - David J Conway
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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19
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Oduma CO, Ombok M, Zhao X, Huwe T, Ondigo BN, Kazura JW, Grieco J, Achee N, Liu F, Ochomo E, Koepfli C. Altitude, not potential larval habitat availability, explains pronounced variation in Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence in the western Kenya highlands. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001505. [PMID: 37068071 PMCID: PMC10109483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Progress in malaria control has stalled over the recent years. Knowledge on main drivers of transmission explaining small-scale variation in prevalence can inform targeted control measures. We collected finger-prick blood samples from 3061 individuals irrespective of clinical symptoms in 20 clusters in Busia in western Kenya and screened for Plasmodium falciparum parasites using qPCR and microscopy. Clusters spanned an altitude range of 207 meters (1077-1284 m). We mapped potential mosquito larval habitats and determined their number within 250 m of a household and distances to households using ArcMap. Across all clusters, P. falciparum parasites were detected in 49.8% (1524/3061) of individuals by qPCR and 19.5% (596/3061) by microscopy. Across the clusters, prevalence ranged from 26% to 70% by qPCR. Three to 34 larval habitats per cluster and 0-17 habitats within a 250m radius around households were observed. Using a generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM), a 5% decrease in the odds of getting infected per each 10m increase in altitude was observed, while the number of larval habitats and their proximity to households were not statistically significant predictors for prevalence. Kitchen located indoors, open eaves, a lower level of education of the household head, older age, and being male were significantly associated with higher prevalence. Pronounced variation in prevalence at small scales was observed and needs to be taken into account for malaria surveillance and control. Potential larval habitat frequency had no direct impact on prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colins O Oduma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Maurice Ombok
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Xingyuan Zhao
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Tiffany Huwe
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Bartholomew N Ondigo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James W Kazura
- Case Western Reserve University, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - John Grieco
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Nicole Achee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Eric Ochomo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Cristian Koepfli
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
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20
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Huber JH, Elliott M, Koepfli C, Perkins TA. The Impact of Emerging Plasmodium knowlesi on Accurate Diagnosis by Light Microscopy: A Systematic Review and Modeling Analysis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 108:61-68. [PMID: 36509046 PMCID: PMC9833074 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The five major Plasmodium spp. that cause human malaria appear similar under light microscopy, which raises the possibility that misdiagnosis could routinely occur in clinical settings. Assessing the extent of misdiagnosis is of particular importance for monitoring P. knowlesi, which cocirculates with the other Plasmodium spp. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the performance of microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosing malaria in settings with co-circulation of the five Plasmodium spp. We assessed the extent to which co-circulation of Plasmodium parasites affects diagnostic outcomes. We fit a Bayesian hierarchical latent class model to estimate variation in microscopy sensitivity and specificity measured against PCR as the gold standard. Mean sensitivity of microscopy was low, yet highly variable across Plasmodium spp., ranging from 65.7% (95% confidence interval: 48.1-80.3%) for P. falciparum to 0.525% (95% confidence interval 0.0210-3.11%) for P. ovale. Observed PCR prevalence was positively correlated with estimated microscopic sensitivity and negatively correlated with estimated microscopic specificity, though the strength of the associations varied by species. Our analysis suggests that cocirculation of Plasmodium spp. undermines the accuracy of microscopy. Sensitivity was considerably lower for P. knowlesi, P. malariae, and P. ovale. The negative association between specificity and prevalence imply that less frequently encountered species may be misdiagnosed as more frequently encountered species. Together, these results suggest that the burden of P. knowlesi, P. malariae, and P. ovale may be underappreciated in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Huber
- Address correspondence to John H. Huber, University of Notre Dame, 100 Galvin Life Sciences Center, Notre Dame, IN 46556. E-mail:
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21
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Wakoli DM, Ondigo BN, Ochora DO, Amwoma JG, Okore W, Mwakio EW, Chemwor G, Juma J, Okoth R, Okudo C, Yeda R, Opot BH, Cheruiyot AC, Juma D, Roth A, Ogutu BR, Boudreaux D, Andagalu B, Akala HM. Impact of parasite genomic dynamics on the sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates to piperaquine and other antimalarial drugs. BMC Med 2022; 20:448. [PMID: 36397090 PMCID: PMC9673313 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02652-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PPQ) is an alternative first-line antimalarial to artemether-lumefantrine in Kenya. However, recent reports on the emergence of PPQ resistance in Southeast Asia threaten its continued use in Kenya and Africa. In line with the policy on continued deployment of DHA-PPQ, it is imperative to monitor the susceptibility of Kenyan parasites to PPQ and other antimalarials. METHODS Parasite isolates collected between 2008 and 2021 from individuals with naturally acquired P. falciparum infections presenting with uncomplicated malaria were tested for in vitro susceptibility to piperaquine, dihydroartemisinin, lumefantrine, artemether, and chloroquine using the malaria SYBR Green I method. A subset of the 2019-2021 samples was further tested for ex vivo susceptibility to PPQ using piperaquine survival assay (PSA). Each isolate was also characterized for mutations associated with antimalarial resistance in Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfpm2/3, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps genes using real-time PCR and Agena MassARRAY platform. Associations between phenotype and genotype were also determined. RESULTS The PPQ median IC50 interquartile range (IQR) remained stable during the study period, 32.70 nM (IQR 20.2-45.6) in 2008 and 27.30 nM (IQR 6.9-52.8) in 2021 (P=0.1615). The median ex vivo piperaquine survival rate (IQR) was 0% (0-5.27) at 95% CI. Five isolates had a PSA survival rate of ≥10%, consistent with the range of PPQ-resistant parasites, though they lacked polymorphisms in Pfmdr1 and Plasmepsin genes. Lumefantrine and artemether median IC50s rose significantly to 62.40 nM (IQR 26.9-100.8) (P = 0.0201); 7.00 nM (IQR 2.4-13.4) (P = 0.0021) in 2021 from 26.30 nM (IQR 5.1-64.3); and 2.70 nM (IQR 1.3-10.4) in 2008, respectively. Conversely, chloroquine median IC50s decreased significantly to 10.30 nM (IQR 7.2-20.9) in 2021 from 15.30 nM (IQR 7.6-30.4) in 2008, coinciding with a decline in the prevalence of Pfcrt 76T allele over time (P = 0.0357). The proportions of piperaquine-resistant markers including Pfpm2/3 and Pfmdr1 did not vary significantly. A significant association was observed between PPQ IC50 and Pfcrt K76T allele (P=0.0026). CONCLUSIONS Circulating Kenyan parasites have remained sensitive to PPQ and other antimalarials, though the response to artemether (ART) and lumefantrine (LM) is declining. This study forms a baseline for continued surveillance of current antimalarials for timely detection of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dancan M Wakoli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Egerton-Njoro, Kenya. .,Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya.
| | - Bartholomew N Ondigo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Egerton-Njoro, Kenya.,Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Douglas O Ochora
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph G Amwoma
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Embu, Embu, Kenya
| | - Winnie Okore
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno, Kenya
| | - Edwin W Mwakio
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Gladys Chemwor
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jackeline Juma
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Raphael Okoth
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Charles Okudo
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Redemptah Yeda
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Benjamin H Opot
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Agnes C Cheruiyot
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Dennis Juma
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amanda Roth
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Benhards R Ogutu
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Daniel Boudreaux
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ben Andagalu
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Hoseah M Akala
- Department of Emerging and Infectious Diseases (DEID), United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kenya.
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Turnbull LB, Ayodo G, Knight V, John CC, McHenry MS, Tran TM. Evaluation of an ultrasensitive HRP2-based rapid diagnostic test for detection of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia among children in western Kenya. Malar J 2022; 21:337. [PMID: 36380379 PMCID: PMC9667565 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04351-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate detection of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in children living in high transmission areas is important for malaria control and reduction programmes that employ screen-and-treat surveillance strategies. Relative to microscopy and conventional rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), ultrasensitive RDTs (us-RDTs) have demonstrated reduced limits of detection with increased sensitivity to detect parasitaemia in symptomatic individuals. In this study, the performance of the NxTek™ Eliminate Malaria P.f test was compared with traditional microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing methods of detection for P. falciparum parasitaemia among asymptomatic children aged 7-14 years living in an area of high malaria transmission intensity in western Kenya. METHODS In October 2020, 240 healthy children without any reported malaria symptoms were screened for the presence of P. falciparum parasitaemia; 120 children were randomly selected to participate in a follow-up visit at 6-10 weeks. Malaria parasitaemia was assessed by blood-smear microscopy, us-RDT, and qPCR of a conserved var gene sequence from genomic DNA extracted from dried blood spots. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for field diagnostic methods using qPCR as the gold standard. Comparison of detectable parasite density distributions and area under the curve were also calculated to determine the effectiveness of the us-RDT in detecting asymptomatic infections with low parasite densities. RESULTS The us-RDT detected significantly more asymptomatic P. falciparum infections than microscopy (42.5% vs. 32.2%, P = 0.002). The positive predictive value was higher for microscopy (92.2%) than for us-RDT (82.4%). However, false negative rates were high for microscopy and us-RDT, with negative predictive values of 53.7% and 54.6%, respectively. While us-RDT detected significantly more infections than microscopy overall, the density distribution of detectable infections did not differ (P = 0.21), and qPCR detected significantly more low-density infections than both field methods (P < 0.001, for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS Us-RDT is more sensitive than microscopy for detecting asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia in children. Though the detectable parasite density distributions by us-RDT in our specific study did not significantly differ from microscopy, the additional sensitivity of the us-RDT resulted in more identified asymptomatic infections in this important group of the population and makes the use of the us-RDT advisable compared to other currently available malaria field detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey B Turnbull
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - George Ayodo
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
| | - Veronicah Knight
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Megan S McHenry
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Tuan M Tran
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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23
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Holzschuh A, Gruenberg M, Hofmann NE, Wampfler R, Kiniboro B, Robinson LJ, Mueller I, Felger I, White MT. Co-infection of the four major Plasmodium species: Effects on densities and gametocyte carriage. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010760. [PMID: 36099312 PMCID: PMC9506632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Co-infection of the four major species of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), P. vivax (Pv), P. malariae (Pm), and P. ovale sp. (Po) is regularly observed, but there is limited understanding of between-species interactions. In particular, little is known about the effects of multiple Plasmodium species co-infections on gametocyte production. Methods We developed molecular assays for detecting asexual and gametocyte stages of Pf, Pv, Pm, and Po. This is the first description of molecular diagnostics for Pm and Po gametocytes. These assays were implemented in a unique epidemiological setting in Papua New Guinea with sympatric transmission of all four Plasmodium species permitting a comprehensive investigation of species interactions. Findings The observed frequency of Pf-Pv co-infection for asexual parasites (14.7%) was higher than expected from individual prevalence rates (23.8%Pf x 47.4%Pv = 11.3%). The observed frequency of co-infection with Pf and Pv gametocytes (4.6%) was higher than expected from individual prevalence rates (13.1%Pf x 28.2%Pv = 3.7%). The excess risk of co-infection was 1.38 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09, 1.67) for all parasites and 1.37 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.79) for gametocytes. This excess co-infection risk was partially attributable to malaria infections clustering in some villages. Pf-Pv-Pm triple infections were four times more frequent than expected by chance alone, which could not be fully explained by infections clustering in highly exposed individuals. The effect of co-infection on parasite density was analyzed by systematic comparison of all pairwise interactions. This revealed a significant 6.57-fold increase of Pm density when co-infected with Pf. Pm gametocytemia also increased with Pf co-infection. Conclusions Heterogeneity in exposure to mosquitoes is a key epidemiological driver of Plasmodium co-infection. Among the four co-circulating parasites, Pm benefitted most from co-infection with other species. Beyond this, no general prevailing pattern of suppression or facilitation was identified in pairwise analysis of gametocytemia and parasitemia of the four species. Trial registration This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Trial ID: NCT02143934. The majority of malaria research focuses on the Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax parasite species, due to their large public health burden. The epidemiology of P. malariae and P. ovale parasites has been comparatively neglected, due to a lack of research tools, most notably diagnostics. We present new molecular diagnostic assays for detecting P. malariae and P. ovale gametocytes, the sexual stage of the malaria parasite transmitted to mosquitoes. These assays were applied to samples collected in Papua New Guinea, a rare region with high transmission of the four major malaria parasite species. Patterns of co-infections were characterized accounting for interactions between pairs and triples of parasites. Heterogeneity in exposure to mosquito bites was identified as a key driver of patterns of co-infection. The effect of co-infection on parasite density was analyzed by systematic comparison of all pairwise interactions. The most significant within-host interaction of parasites was the large increase in P. malariae parasite density due to co-infection with P. falciparum. This finding was replicated for P. malariae gametocytes (but did not attain statistical significance due to low sample numbers) suggesting that co-infection provides a key transmission advantage to P. malariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurel Holzschuh
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria Gruenberg
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natalie E. Hofmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rahel Wampfler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Benson Kiniboro
- Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang and Maprik, Papua New Guinea
| | - Leanne J. Robinson
- Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang and Maprik, Papua New Guinea
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ingrid Felger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (IF); (MTW)
| | - Michael T. White
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, G5 Épidémiologie et Analyse des Maladies Infectieuses, Département de Santé Globale, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (IF); (MTW)
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24
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Leonard CM, Hwang J, Assefa A, Zulliger R, Candrinho B, Dimbu PR, Saifodine A, Plucinski M, Rogier E. Missed Plasmodium ovale infections among symptomatic persons in Angola, Mozambique, and Ethiopia. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac261. [DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The majority of symptomatic malaria in sub-Saharan Africa are caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Infection with Plasmodium ovale is often not recorded and not considered clinically relevant. Here, we describe eight cases of P. ovale infection from three African countries – all of which were misdiagnosed at the presenting health facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Leonard
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jimee Hwang
- U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ashenafi Assefa
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Rose Zulliger
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, United States Agency for International Development, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Baltazar Candrinho
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Abuchahama Saifodine
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, United States Agency for International Development, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mateusz Plucinski
- U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric Rogier
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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25
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Tarimo BB, Nyasembe VO, Ngasala B, Basham C, Rutagi IJ, Muller M, Chhetri SB, Rubinstein R, Juliano JJ, Loya M, Dinglasan RR, Lin JT, Mathias DK. Seasonality and transmissibility of Plasmodium ovale in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:56. [PMID: 35164867 PMCID: PMC8842944 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium ovale is a neglected malarial parasite that can form latent hypnozoites in the human liver. Over the last decade, molecular surveillance studies of non-falciparum malaria in Africa have highlighted that P. ovale is circulating below the radar, including areas where Plasmodium falciparum is in decline. To eliminate malaria where P. ovale is endemic, a better understanding of its epidemiology, asymptomatic carriage, and transmission biology is needed. Methods We performed a pilot study on P. ovale transmission as part of an ongoing study of human-to-mosquito transmission of P. falciparum from asymptomatic carriers. To characterize the malaria asymptomatic reservoir, cross-sectional qPCR surveys were conducted in Bagamoyo, Tanzania, over three transmission seasons. Positive individuals were enrolled in transmission studies of P. falciparum using direct skin feeding assays (DFAs) with Anopheles gambiae s.s. (IFAKARA strain) mosquitoes. For a subset of participants who screened positive for P. ovale on the day of DFA, we incubated blood-fed mosquitoes for 14 days to assess sporozoite development. Results Molecular surveillance of asymptomatic individuals revealed a P. ovale prevalence of 11% (300/2718), compared to 29% (780/2718) for P. falciparum. Prevalence for P. ovale was highest at the beginning of the long rainy season (15.5%, 128/826) in contrast to P. falciparum, which peaked later in both the long and short rainy seasons. Considering that these early-season P. ovale infections were low-density mono-infections (127/128), we speculate many were due to hypnozoite-induced relapse. Six of eight P. ovale-infected asymptomatic individuals who underwent DFAs successfully transmitted P. ovale parasites to A. gambiae. Conclusions Plasmodium ovale is circulating at 4–15% prevalence among asymptomatic individuals in coastal Tanzania, largely invisible to field diagnostics. A different seasonal peak from co-endemic P. falciparum, the capacity to relapse, and efficient transmission to Anopheles vectors likely contribute to its persistence amid control efforts focused on P. falciparum. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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26
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Amoah LE, Asare KK, Dickson D, Anang SF, Busayo A, Bredu D, Asumah G, Peprah N, Asamoah A, Abuaku B, Malm KL. Nationwide molecular surveillance of three Plasmodium species harboured by symptomatic malaria patients living in Ghana. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:40. [PMID: 35090545 PMCID: PMC8796507 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05153-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical presentations of malaria in Ghana are primarily caused by infections containing microscopic densities of Plasmodium falciparum, with a minor contribution from Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale. However, infections containing submicroscopic parasite densities can result in clinical disease. In this study, we used PCR to determine the prevalence of three human malaria parasite species harboured by suspected malaria patients attending healthcare facilities across the country. METHODS Archived dried blood spots on filter paper that had been prepared from whole blood collected from 5260 patients with suspected malaria attending healthcare facilities across the country in 2018 were used as experimental material. Plasmodium species-specific PCR was performed on DNA extracted from the dried blood spots. Demographic data and microscopy data for the subset of samples tested were available from the original study on these specimens. RESULTS The overall frequency of P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. ovale detected by PCR was 74.9, 1.4 and 0.9%, respectively. Of the suspected symptomatic P. falciparum malaria cases, 33.5% contained submicroscopic densities of parasites. For all regions, molecular diagnosis of P. falciparum, P. malariae and P. ovale was significantly higher than diagnosis using microscopy: up to 98.7% (75/76) of P. malariae and 97.8% (45/46) of P. ovale infections detected by PCR were missed by microscopy. CONCLUSION Plasmodium malariae and P. ovale contributed to clinical malaria infections, with children aged between 5 and 15 years harbouring a higher frequency of P. falciparum and P. ovale, whilst P. malariae was more predominant in individuals aged between 10 and 20 years. More sensitive point-of-care tools are needed to detect the presence of low-density (submicroscopic) Plasmodium infections, which may be responsible for symptomatic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Kwame K Asare
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Donu Dickson
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sherik-Fa Anang
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abena Busayo
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Bredu
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Nana Peprah
- National Malaria Control Program, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Benjamin Abuaku
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Nutrition, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Gumbo A, Topazian HM, Mwanza A, Mitchell CL, Puerto-Meredith S, Njiko R, Kayange M, Mwalilino D, Mvula B, Tegha G, Mvalo T, Hoffman I, Juliano JJ. Occurrence and Distribution of Nonfalciparum Malaria Parasite Species Among Adolescents and Adults in Malawi. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:257-268. [PMID: 34244739 PMCID: PMC8763954 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum malaria dominates throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but the prevalence of Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale spp., and Plasmodium vivax increasingly contribute to infection in countries that control malaria using P. falciparum-specific diagnostic and treatment strategies. METHODS We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) on 2987 dried blood spots from the 2015-2016 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey to identify presence and distribution of nonfalciparum infection. Bivariate models were used to determine species-specific associations with demographic and environmental risk factors. RESULTS Nonfalciparum infections had broad spatial distributions. Weighted prevalence was 0.025 (SE, 0.004) for P. malariae, 0.097 (SE, 0.008) for P. ovale spp., and 0.001 (SE, 0.0005) for P. vivax. Most infections (85.6%) had low-density parasitemias ≤ 10 parasites/µL, and 66.7% of P. malariae, 34.6% of P. ovale spp., and 40.0% of P. vivax infections were coinfected with P. falciparum. Risk factors for P. malariae were like those known for P. falciparum; however, there were few risk factors recognized for P. ovale spp. and P. vivax, perhaps due to the potential for relapsing episodes. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of any nonfalciparum infection was 11.7%, with infections distributed across Malawi. Continued monitoring of Plasmodium spp. becomes critical as nonfalciparum infections become important sources of ongoing transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Gumbo
- National Malaria Control Programme, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Hillary M Topazian
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexis Mwanza
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cedar L Mitchell
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sydney Puerto-Meredith
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ruth Njiko
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Michael Kayange
- National Malaria Control Programme, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - David Mwalilino
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bernard Mvula
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, Malawi Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Gerald Tegha
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Tisungane Mvalo
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Irving Hoffman
- University of North Carolina Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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28
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Ochora DO, Kakudidi EK, Namukobe J, Ipulet P, Wakoli DM, Okore W, Mwakio EW, Yeda RA, Cheruiyot AC, Juma DW, Andagalu B, Roth AL, Ogutu BR, Yenesew A, Akala HM. Synergism in Antiplasmodial Activities of Artemether and Lumefantrine in Combination with Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:47. [PMID: 35009051 PMCID: PMC8747340 DOI: 10.3390/plants11010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is the most lethal parasitic disease in the world. The frequent emergence of resistance by malaria parasites to any drug is the hallmark of sustained malaria burden. Since the deployment of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) it is clear that for a sustained fight against malaria, drug combination is one of the strategies toward malaria elimination. In Sub-Saharan Africa where malaria prevalence is the highest, the identification of plants with a novel mechanism of action that is devoid of cross-resistance is a feasible strategy in drug combination therapy. Thus, artemether and lumefantrine were separately combined and tested with extracts of Securidaca longipedunculata, a plant widely used to treat malaria, at fixed extract-drug ratios of 4:1, 3:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. These combinations were tested for antiplasmodial activity against three strains of Plasmodium falciparum (W2, D6, and DD2), and seven field isolates that were characterized for molecular and ex vivo drug resistance profiles. The mean sum of fifty-percent fractional inhibition concentration (FIC50) of each combination and singly was determined. Synergism was observed across all fixed doses when roots extracts were combined with artemether against D6 strain (FIC50 0.403 ± 0.068) and stems extract combined with lumefantrine against DD2 strain (FIC50 0.376 ± 0.096) as well as field isolates (FIC50 0.656 ± 0.067). Similarly, synergism was observed in all ratios when leaves extract were combined with lumefantrine against W2 strain (FIC50 0.456 ± 0.165). Synergism was observed in most combinations indicating the potential use of S. longipedunculata in combination with artemether and lumefantrine in combating resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas O. Ochora
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062-10207, Uganda; (E.K.K.); (P.I.)
| | - Esezah K. Kakudidi
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062-10207, Uganda; (E.K.K.); (P.I.)
| | - Jane Namukobe
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062-10207, Uganda;
| | - Perpetua Ipulet
- Department of Plant Sciences, Microbiology & Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala P.O. Box 7062-10207, Uganda; (E.K.K.); (P.I.)
| | - Dancan M. Wakoli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Njoro P.O. Box 536-20115, Kenya;
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya (USAMRD-K), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)—Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kisumu P.O. Box 54-40100, Kenya;
| | - Winnie Okore
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya (USAMRD-K), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)—Walter Reed Project, Kisumu, Kisumu P.O. Box 54-40100, Kenya;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno P.O. Box Private Bag-40105, Kenya; (E.W.M.); (R.A.Y.); (A.C.C.); (D.W.J.); (B.A.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Edwin W. Mwakio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno P.O. Box Private Bag-40105, Kenya; (E.W.M.); (R.A.Y.); (A.C.C.); (D.W.J.); (B.A.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Redempthah A. Yeda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno P.O. Box Private Bag-40105, Kenya; (E.W.M.); (R.A.Y.); (A.C.C.); (D.W.J.); (B.A.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Agnes C. Cheruiyot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno P.O. Box Private Bag-40105, Kenya; (E.W.M.); (R.A.Y.); (A.C.C.); (D.W.J.); (B.A.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Dennis W. Juma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno P.O. Box Private Bag-40105, Kenya; (E.W.M.); (R.A.Y.); (A.C.C.); (D.W.J.); (B.A.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Ben Andagalu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno P.O. Box Private Bag-40105, Kenya; (E.W.M.); (R.A.Y.); (A.C.C.); (D.W.J.); (B.A.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Amanda L. Roth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno P.O. Box Private Bag-40105, Kenya; (E.W.M.); (R.A.Y.); (A.C.C.); (D.W.J.); (B.A.); (A.L.R.)
| | - Bernhards R. Ogutu
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu P.O. Box 1578-40100, Kenya;
| | - Abiy Yenesew
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya;
| | - Hoseah M. Akala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Maseno P.O. Box Private Bag-40105, Kenya; (E.W.M.); (R.A.Y.); (A.C.C.); (D.W.J.); (B.A.); (A.L.R.)
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