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Khodaiji S, Sehgal K, Sethi M, Mansukhani D. Rapid Detection of Plasmodium vivax by the Hematology Analyzer for Population Screening. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3397. [PMID: 37998533 PMCID: PMC10670845 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13223397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In India, where malaria is endemic, the prompt and accurate detection of infections is crucial for disease management and vector control. Our study aimed to evaluate the "iRBC" flag, a novel parameter developed for routine hematology analyzers, for its sensitivity and specificity in detecting Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) infections. We used residual blood samples from patients with suspected malaria and compared the iRBC flag results with microscopy, which serves as the gold standard. Additionally, we compared the results with rapid immuno-chromatographic tests (RDTs) commonly used in the field. Our study included 575 samples, of which 187 were positive for P. vivax. The iRBC flag demonstrated a high sensitivity of 88.7% and 86.1% on the XN and XN-L hematology analyzers, respectively, and a clinical specificity of 100% on both analyzers. Furthermore, the scattergram derived from each positive dataset exhibited distinct patterns, which facilitated rapid confirmation by laboratory specialists. Notably, the iRBC flag remained effective even in the presence of interfering conditions. Overall, our results indicate that the iRBC flag is a reliable and rapid screening tool for identifying P. vivax in routine blood testing. Our findings have significant implications for malaria detection and control in endemic regions like India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanaz Khodaiji
- P.D. Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai 400016, India
| | | | | | - Dia Mansukhani
- P.D. Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai 400016, India
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2
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Khan N, Awasthi G, Das A. How can the complex epidemiology of malaria in India impact its elimination? Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:432-444. [PMID: 37031071 PMCID: PMC10175201 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.03.006] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a human health hazard in the tropical and subtropical zones of the globe and is poised to be eliminated by the year 2030. Despite a decrease in incidence in the past two decades, many endemic countries, including India, report cases regularly. The epidemiology of malaria in India is unique owing to several features of the Plasmodium parasites, Anopheles vectors, ecoepidemiological situations conducive to disease transmission, and susceptible humans living in rural and forested areas. Limitations in public health reach, and poor health-seeking behaviour of vulnerable populations living in hard-to-reach areas, add to the problem. We bring all of these factors together in a comprehensive framework and opine that, in spite of complexities, targeted elimination of malaria in India is achievable with planned programmatic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhat Khan
- Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, India
| | | | - Aparup Das
- Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory, ICMR-National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Jabalpur, India.
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3
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Conroy AL, Datta D, Hoffmann A, Wassmer SC. The kidney-brain pathogenic axis in severe falciparum malaria. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:191-199. [PMID: 36737313 PMCID: PMC11071448 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe falciparum malaria is a medical emergency and a leading cause of death and neurodisability in endemic areas. Common complications include acute kidney injury (AKI) and cerebral malaria, and recent studies have suggested links between kidney and brain dysfunction in Plasmodium falciparum infection. Here, we review these new findings and present the hypothesis of a pivotal pathogenic crosstalk between the kidneys and the brain in severe falciparum malaria. We highlight the evidence of a role for distant organ involvement in the development of cerebral malaria and subsequent neurocognitive impairment post-recovery, describe the challenges associated with current diagnostic shortcomings for both AKI and brain involvement in severe falciparum malaria, and explore novel potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Angelika Hoffmann
- University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Samuel C Wassmer
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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4
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Muppidi P, Wright E, Wassmer SC, Gupta H. Diagnosis of cerebral malaria: Tools to reduce Plasmodium falciparum associated mortality. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1090013. [PMID: 36844403 PMCID: PMC9947298 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1090013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a major cause of mortality in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) infection and is associated with the sequestration of parasitised erythrocytes in the microvasculature of the host's vital organs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to a positive outcome in CM. However, current diagnostic tools remain inadequate to assess the degree of brain dysfunction associated with CM before the window for effective treatment closes. Several host and parasite factor-based biomarkers have been suggested as rapid diagnostic tools with potential for early CM diagnosis, however, no specific biomarker signature has been validated. Here, we provide an updated review on promising CM biomarker candidates and evaluate their applicability as point-of-care tools in malaria-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranavi Muppidi
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Wright
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel C. Wassmer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, UP, India
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5
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Nitika, Saroha P, Srivastava B, Sharma A. Seasonal Distribution and Trend Analysis of Urban Malaria Prevalence in a Malaria Clinic, South Delhi, India, between 2012 and 2019. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:999-1004. [PMID: 36216322 PMCID: PMC9709020 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to study the recent malaria incidence trends in urban areas resulting from rapid urbanization that can lead to changes in environmental conditions for malaria. This retrospective study assessed trends in malaria patients, their distribution according to parasite species, patient demographics, and weather data for the past 8 years at a malaria clinic in the National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India. We overlaid the effects of environmental factors such as rainfall, relative humidity, and temperature on malaria incidence. The malaria data were digitized for a period spanning 2012 to 2019, during which 36,892 patients with fever attended the clinic. Of these, 865 (2.3%) were diagnosed with malaria microscopically. Plasmodium vivax was predominant (96.2%), and very few patients were of Plasmodium falciparum (3.5%) or mixed infections (0.3%). The patients with malaria were within a 10-km radius of the clinic. Males (70.9%) were more commonly affected than females (29.1%). Of the total malaria patients, a majority (∼78%) belonged to the > 15-year age group. A total of 593 malaria patients (68.6%) received primaquine. These patients were most commonly diagnosed in April through October. Furthermore, there was a lag of 1 month between the rainfall peak and the malaria case peak. The peak in malaria cases corresponded to a mean temperature of 25 to 30°C and a relative humidity of 60% to 80%. This analysis will be useful for policymakers in evaluating current interventions and in accelerating malaria control further in urban areas of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitika
- National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Poonam Saroha
- National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | - Amit Sharma
- National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Molecular Medicine, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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Carlton JM, Sahu PK, Wassmer SC, Mohanty S, Kessler A, Eapen A, Tomko SS, Walton C, Joshi PL, Das D, Albert S, Peter BK, Pradhan MM, Dash AP, Das A. The Impact, Emerging Needs, and New Research Questions Arising from 12 Years of the Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:90-96. [PMID: 36228922 PMCID: PMC9662226 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India (CSCMi) was launched in 2010 with the overall goal of addressing major gaps in our understanding of "complex malaria" in India through projects on the epidemiology, transmission, and pathogenesis of the disease. The Center was mandated to adopt an integrated approach to malaria research, including building capacity, developing infrastructure, and nurturing future malaria leaders while conducting relevant and impactful studies to assist India as it moves from control to elimination. Here, we will outline some of the interactions and impacts the Center has had with malaria policy and control counterparts in India, as well as describe emerging needs and new research questions that have become apparent over the past 12 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M. Carlton
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York
- Address correspondence to Jane M. Carlton, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, 12 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003. E-mail:
| | - Praveen K. Sahu
- Department of Molecular and Infectious Diseases, Community Welfare Society Hospital, Rourkela, India
| | - Samuel C. Wassmer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjib Mohanty
- Department of Molecular and Infectious Diseases, Community Welfare Society Hospital, Rourkela, India
| | - Anne Kessler
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Alex Eapen
- IDVC Field Unit, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Epidemiology Campus, Chennai, India
| | - Sheena Shah Tomko
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Catherine Walton
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pyare L. Joshi
- Joint Scientific Advisory Committee, Indian Council of Medical Research, and Malaria No More, India Programme, New Delhi, India
| | - Deben Das
- District Headquarters Hospital, Keonjhar, India
| | - Sandra Albert
- Indian Institute of Public Health—Shillong, Shillong, India
- Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong, India
| | | | - Madan M. Pradhan
- Department of Health and Family Welfare, State Vector Borne Disease Control Programme, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Aditya P. Dash
- Asian Institute of Public Health University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Aparup Das
- National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jabalpur, India
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Sikka R, Bharti PK, Gupta H. microRNAs: An opportunity to overcome significant challenges in malaria detection and control. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 3:100115. [PMID: 35801230 PMCID: PMC9253159 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ damage and pathological disease states lead to the rapid release of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs, into the blood circulation. Because secreted miRNAs can be detected in biologic fluids such as plasma, they are currently being explored as promising non-invasive biomarkers of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Malaria remains a major global health challenge but still the potential of miRNAs has not been explored extensively in the context of malaria compared to other diseases. Here, we highlight important miRNAs found during different phases of the malaria life cycle in the anopheline vector and the human host. We have also put forward our opinion on how malaria parasite-stage-specific miRNAs can be incorporated into new diagnostic and prognostic tools to detect carrier mosquitoes and infected patients. In addition, we have emphasised the potential of miRNAs to be used as new therapeutics to treat severe malaria patients, an unresearched area of malaria control.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax infects an estimated 7 million people every year. Previously, vivax malaria was perceived as a benign condition, particularly when compared to falciparum malaria. Reports of the severe clinical impacts of vivax malaria have been increasing over the last decade. METHODS AND FINDINGS We describe the main clinical impacts of vivax malaria, incorporating a rapid systematic review of severe disease with meta-analysis of data from studies with clearly defined denominators, stratified by hospitalization status. Severe anemia is a serious consequence of relapsing infections in children in endemic areas, in whom vivax malaria causes increased morbidity and mortality and impaired school performance. P. vivax infection in pregnancy is associated with maternal anemia, prematurity, fetal loss, and low birth weight. More than 11,658 patients with severe vivax malaria have been reported since 1929, with 15,954 manifestations of severe malaria, of which only 7,157 (45%) conformed to the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria. Out of 423 articles, 311 (74%) were published since 2010. In a random-effects meta-analysis of 85 studies, 68 of which were in hospitalized patients with vivax malaria, we estimated the proportion of patients with WHO-defined severe disease as 0.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19% to 2.57%] in all patients with vivax malaria and 7.11% [95% CI 4.30% to 11.55%] in hospitalized patients. We estimated the mortality from vivax malaria as 0.01% [95% CI 0.00% to 0.07%] in all patients and 0.56% [95% CI 0.35% to 0.92%] in hospital settings. WHO-defined cerebral, respiratory, and renal severe complications were generally estimated to occur in fewer than 0.5% patients in all included studies. Limitations of this review include the observational nature and small size of most of the studies of severe vivax malaria, high heterogeneity of included studies which were predominantly in hospitalized patients (who were therefore more likely to be severely unwell), and high risk of bias including small study effects. CONCLUSIONS Young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to adverse clinical impacts of vivax malaria, and preventing infections and relapse in this groups is a priority. Substantial evidence of severe presentations of vivax malaria has accrued over the last 10 years, but reporting is inconsistent. There are major knowledge gaps, for example, limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and the reason for the heterogenous geographical distribution of reported complications. An adapted case definition of severe vivax malaria would facilitate surveillance and future research to better understand this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prabin Dahal
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory–IDDO, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED), University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Laos
- Lao–Oxford–Mahosot Hospital–Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao–Oxford–Mahosot Hospital–Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- * E-mail:
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Gupta H, Wassmer SC. Harnessing the Potential of miRNAs in Malaria Diagnostic and Prevention. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:793954. [PMID: 34976869 PMCID: PMC8716737 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.793954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite encouraging progress over the past decade, malaria remains a major global health challenge. Its severe form accounts for the majority of malaria-related deaths, and early diagnosis is key for a positive outcome. However, this is hindered by the non-specific symptoms caused by malaria, which often overlap with those of other viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. In addition, current tools are unable to detect the nature and degree of vital organ dysfunction associated with severe malaria, as complications develop silently until the effective treatment window is closed. It is therefore crucial to identify cheap and reliable early biomarkers of this wide-spectrum disease. microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs, are rapidly released into the blood circulation upon physiological changes, including infection and organ damage. The present review details our current knowledge of miRNAs as biomarkers of specific organ dysfunction in patients with malaria, and both promising candidates identified by pre-clinical models and important knowledge gaps are highlighted for future evaluation in humans. miRNAs associated with infected vectors are also described, with a view to expandind this rapidly growing field of research to malaria transmission and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel C. Wassmer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Alteration of Platelet Count in Patients with Severe Non-Plasmodium falciparum Malaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121275. [PMID: 34943190 PMCID: PMC8698983 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The understanding of platelet biology under physiological and pathological conditions like malaria infection is critical importance in the context of the disease outcome or model systems used. The importance of severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 50,000 cells (µL) and profound thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 20,000 cells/µL) in malaria patients remains unclear. This study aimed to synthesize evidence regarding the risks of severe and profound thrombocytopenia in patients with severe non-Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Our overall aim was to identify potential indicators of severe non-P. falciparum malaria and the Plasmodium species that cause severe outcomes. This systematic review was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration ID CRD42020196541. Studies were identified from previous systematic reviews (n = 5) and the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 9 June 2019 to 9 June 2020. Studies were included if they reported the outcome of severe non-Plasmodium species infection, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, in patients with known platelet counts and/or severe and profound thrombocytopenia. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data were pooled, and pooled prevalence (PP) and pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using random effects models. Of the 118 studies identified from previous meta-nalyses, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Of the 4807 studies identified from the databases, three met the inclusion criteria. Nine studies identified from reference lists and other sources also met the inclusion criteria. The results of 33 studies reporting the outcomes of patients with severe P. vivax and P. knowlesi infection were pooled for meta-analysis. The PP of severe thrombocytopenia (reported in 21 studies) was estimated at 47% (95% confidence interval (CI): 33–61%, I2: 96.5%), while that of profound thrombocytopenia (reported in 13 studies) was estimated at 20% (95% CI: 14–27%, 85.2%). The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) in platelet counts between severe uncomplicated Plasmodium infections (reported in 11 studies) was estimated at −28.51% (95% CI: −40.35–61%, I2: 97.7%), while the pooled WMD in platelet counts between severe non-Plasmodium and severe P. falciparum infections (reported in eight studies) was estimated at −3.83% (95% CI: −13.90–6.25%, I2: 85.2%). The pooled OR for severe/profound thrombocytopenia comparing severe to uncomplicated Plasmodium infection was 2.92 (95% CI: 2.24–3.81, I2: 39.9%). The PP of death from severe and profound thrombocytopenia was estimated at 11% (95% CI: 0–22%). These results suggest that individuals with severe non-P. falciparum infection (particularly P. vivax and P. knowlesi) who exhibit severe or profound thrombocytopenia should be regarded as high risk, and should be treated for severe malaria according to current WHO guidelines. In addition, severe or profound thrombocytopenia coupled with other clinical and microscopic parameters can significantly improve malaria diagnosis, enhance the timely treatment of malaria infections, and reduce the morbidity and mortality of severe non-P. falciparum malaria.
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Sazed SA, Kibria MG, Alam MS. An Optimized Real-Time qPCR Method for the Effective Detection of Human Malaria Infections. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:736. [PMID: 33919020 PMCID: PMC8142979 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction, although an expensive method for the detection of human Plasmodium spp., is still considered the finest for the diagnosis of malaria. The conventional diagnostic PCR is an inexpensive process but consumes a lot of time, reagents and lacks sensitivity. On the other hand, real-time PCR assays currently being used are mostly probe-based expensive methods and sometimes not feasible to detect all the species in a single amplification reaction condition. Here we have established a real-time PCR method that is time and cost effective with a single protocol to detect and distinguish five human Plasmodium species using the existing primers efficiently. The primers used here are being used in the conventional method and the sensitivity as well as specificity of this method has also been immensely improved (100%). The lower limit of detection for Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae are 0.064 parasites/µL, 1.6 parasites/µL, and 0.32 parasites/µL respectively and no cross reactivity was observed. Besides, we have analyzed melt curves that can be used for further species confirmation and validation purposes using multiplex systems. This method, therefore, can be considered as an alternative to the existing lineup for molecular diagnosis of malaria in endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Shafiul Alam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.A.S.); (M.G.K.)
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12
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Lamien-Meda A, Fuehrer HP, Leitsch D, Noedl H. A powerful qPCR-high resolution melting assay with taqman probe in plasmodium species differentiation. Malar J 2021; 20:121. [PMID: 33639949 PMCID: PMC7916309 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03662-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of highly sensitive molecular tools in malaria diagnosis is currently largely restricted to research and epidemiological settings, but will ultimately be essential during elimination and potentially eradication. Accurate diagnosis and differentiation down to species levels, including the two Plasmodium ovale species and zoonotic variants of the disease, will be important for the understanding of changing epidemiological patterns of the disease. METHODS A qPCR-high resolution melting (HRM) method was to detect and differentiate all human Plasmodium species with one forward and one reverse primer set. The HRM detection method was further refined using a hydrolysis probe to specifically discriminate Plasmodium falciparum. RESULTS Out of the 113 samples tested with the developed HRM-qPCR- P. falciparum probe assay, 96 (85.0 %) single infections, 12 (10.6 %) mixed infections, and 5 (4.4 %) were Plasmodium negative. The results were concordant with those of the nested PCR at 98.2 %. The assay limit of detection was varied from 21.47 to 46.43 copies /µl, equivalent to 1-2.11 parasites/µl. All P. falciparum infections were confirmed with the associated Taqman probe. CONCLUSIONS Although the dependence on qPCR currently limits its deployment in resource-limited environments, this assay is highly sensitive and specific, easy to perform and convenient for Plasmodium mono-infection and may provide a novel tool for rapid and accurate malaria diagnosis also in epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Lamien-Meda
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Leitsch
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Noedl
- Malaria Research Initiative Bandarban, Vienna, Austria
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13
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Matlani M, Kojom LP, Mishra N, Dogra V, Singh V. Severe vivax malaria trends in the last two years: a study from a tertiary care centre, Delhi, India. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:49. [PMID: 33126884 PMCID: PMC7602347 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-00393-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium vivax, once considered benign species, is recently being recognised to be causing severe malaria like Plasmodium falciparum. In the present study, the authors report the trends in malaria severity in P. vivax among patients from a Delhi government hospital. The aim of the study was to understand the disease severity and the burden of severe vivax malaria. Methods A hospital based study was carried out from June 2017 to December 2018 at a tertiary care centre from Delhi, India. Patients were tested for malaria using peripheral blood smear (PBS) and/or rapid malaria antigen test (RMAT). The severe and non-severe vivax malaria categorization was done as per the WHO guidelines. Sociodemographic, clinic and paraclinical data were collected from patients and their medical records. Results Of the 205 patients, 177 (86.3%) had P. vivax infection, 22 (10.7%) had P. falciparum infection and six (2.9%) had mixed infection with both the species. Out of 177 P. vivax cases included in this study one or more manifestations of severe malaria was found in 58 cases (32.7%). Severe anaemia (56.9%), jaundice (15%) and significant bleeding (15%) were the most common complications reported in most of patients, along with thrombocytopenia. Conclusions In this study, it is evident that vivax malaria is emerging as the new severe disease in malaria patients, a significant shift in the paradigm of P. vivax pathogenesis. The spectrum of complications and alterations in the laboratory parameters in P. vivax clinical cases also indicate the recent shift in the disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Matlani
- Department of Microbiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Loick P Kojom
- Cell Biology Laboratory and Malaria Parasite Bank, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Neelangi Mishra
- Department of Microbiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Vinita Dogra
- Department of Microbiology, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Cell Biology Laboratory and Malaria Parasite Bank, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India.
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Sutherland CJ. Mammalian malaria: Remembering the Alamo. Virulence 2020; 11:945-946. [PMID: 32717174 PMCID: PMC7549949 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1793489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine , London, UK
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