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Apinjoh TO, Tangi LN, Oriero EC, Drammeh S, Ntui-Njock VN, Etoketim B, Chi HF, Kwi PN, Njie B, Oboh MA, Achidi EA, Amambua-Ngwa A. Histidine-rich protein (hrp) 2-based RDT false-negatives and Plasmodium falciparum hrp 2 and 3 gene deletions in low, seasonal and intense perennial transmission zones in Cameroon: a cross - sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:1080. [PMID: 39350071 PMCID: PMC11443727 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09935-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND False negative rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) accruing to the non-detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2/3 (Pfhrp2/3) is threatening the diagnosis and management of malaria. Although regular monitoring is necessary to gauge the level of efficacy of the tool, studies in Cameroon remain limited. This study assessed Plasmodium spp. prevalence and Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions across ecological and transmission zones in Cameroon. METHODS This is a cross-sectional, multi-site, community- and hospital- based study, in 21 health facilities and 14 communities covering all five ecological settings in low seasonal (LS) and intense perennial (IPT) malaria transmission zones between 2019 and 2021. Participants were screened for malaria parasite using Pfhrp2 RDT and light microscopic examination of thick peripheral blood smears. DNA was extracted from dried blood spot using chelex®-100 and P. falciparum confirmed using varATS real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), P. malariae and P. ovale by real-time qPCR of Plasmepsin gene, and P. vivax using a commercial kit. Isolates with amplified Pfcsp and Pfama-1 genes were assayed for Pfhrp 2/3 gene deletions by conventional PCR. RESULTS A total of 3,373 participants enrolled, 1,786 Plasmodium spp. infected, with 77.4% P. falciparum. Discordant RDT and qPCR results (False negatives) were reported in 191 (15.7%) P. falciparum mono-infected samples from LS (29%, 42) and IPT (13.9%, 149). The Pfhrp2+/Pfhrp3 + genotype was most frequent, similar between LS (5.5%, 8/145) and IPT (6.0%, 65/1,076). Single Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 gene deletions occurred in LS (0.7%, 1/145 each) and IPT (3.6%, 39/1,076 vs. 2.9%, 31/1,076), respectively. Whilst a single sample harboured Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3- genotype in LS, 2.4% (26/1,076) were double deleted at IPT. Pfhrp2+/Pfhrp3- (0.3%, 3/1,076) and Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3+ (1.2%, 13/1,076) genotypes were only observed in IPT. Pfhrp2, Pfhrp3 deletions and Pfhrp2-/Pfhrp3- genotype accounted for 78.8% (26), 69.7% (23) and 63.6% (21) RDT false negatives, respectively. CONCLUSION Plasmodium falciparum remains the most dominant and widely distributed Plasmodium species across transmission and ecological zones in Cameroon. Although the low prevalence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions supports the continued use of HRP2-based RDTs for routine malaria diagnosis, the high proportion of false-negatives due to gene deleted parasites necessitates continued surveillance to inform control and elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Obejum Apinjoh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon.
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia.
| | - Livinus Ngu Tangi
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Eniyou Cheryll Oriero
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Sainabou Drammeh
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | | | - Blessed Etoketim
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Hanesh Fru Chi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Pilate Nkineh Kwi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Bekai Njie
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Mary Aigbiremo Oboh
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Eric Akum Achidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia.
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Oyegoke OO, Akoniyon OP, Maharaj L, Adewumi TS, Malgwi SA, Aderoju SA, Fatoba AJ, Adeleke MA, Maharaj R, Okpeku M. Molecular detection of sub-microscopic infections and Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 and 3 gene deletions in pre-elimination settings of South Africa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16024. [PMID: 38992085 PMCID: PMC11239831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60007-8] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
South Africa's efforts toward eliminating malaria have positioned the country in the pre-elimination stage. Imported and sub-microscopic cases still contribute to the persistence of malaria in regions of low transmission as identified in this study where diagnostics is built largely on the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). However, the presence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion is known to interfere with the accuracy of diagnosis with the use of RDT. Malaria elimination and detection of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion in the pre-elimination setting requires accurate molecular surveillance. With the core objective of this study being the determination of the presence sub-microscopic malaria cases and deleted Pfhrp2/3 gene markers, a total of 354 samples were collected from five districts of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. These samples were prepared for molecular analysis using primers and PCR conditions specific for amplification of 18S rRNA and msp-1gene. Positive amplicons were analysed for the presence of Pfhrp2/3 and flanking genes, along with Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic studies. Out of 354 samples collected 339 were tested negative with PfHRP2 based RDTs. Of these Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 gene deletions were confirmed in 94.7% (18/19) and 100% (19/19) respectively. High migration rate (75%) among the study participants was noted and phylogenetic analysis of sequenced isolates showed close evolutionary relatedness with India, United Kingdom, Iran, and Myanmar and China isolates. Molecular-based test is recommended as an essential surveillance tool for malaria management programs as the target focuses on elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olukunle O Oyegoke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Olusegun P Akoniyon
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leah Maharaj
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Taiye S Adewumi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66046, USA
| | - Samson A Malgwi
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Samuel A Aderoju
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kwara State University, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun J Fatoba
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38016, USA
| | - Matthew A Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajendra Maharaj
- Malaria Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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Gupta H, Sharma S, Gilyazova I, Satyamoorthy K. Molecular tools are crucial for malaria elimination. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:555. [PMID: 38642192 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09496-4] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The eradication of Plasmodium parasites, responsible for malaria, is a daunting global public health task. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses symptomatic, asymptomatic, and submicroscopic cases. Overcoming this challenge relies on harnessing the power of molecular diagnostic tools, as traditional methods like microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests fall short in detecting low parasitaemia, contributing to the persistence of malaria transmission. By precisely identifying patients of all types and effectively characterizing malaria parasites, molecular tools may emerge as indispensable allies in the pursuit of malaria elimination. Furthermore, molecular tools can also provide valuable insights into parasite diversity, drug resistance patterns, and transmission dynamics, aiding in the implementation of targeted interventions and surveillance strategies. In this review, we explore the significance of molecular tools in the pursuit of malaria elimination, shedding light on their key contributions and potential impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Sonal Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Irina Gilyazova
- Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa, 450054, Russia
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, 450008, Russia
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) University, Manjushree Nagar, Sattur, Dharwad, 580009, Karnataka, India
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Nana RRD, Ngum NL, Makoge V, Amvongo-Adja N, Hawadak J, Singh V. Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria diagnosis in Cameroon: impact of histidine rich protein 2/3 deletions and lactate dehydrogenase gene polymorphism. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 108:116103. [PMID: 37944271 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2023.116103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDT) play a vital role in malaria control in endemic areas. In this study, histidine-rich protein (hrp) and lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) genes were genotyped in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium ovale (Po) spp. isolates. Deletions in P. falciparum hrp2/3 (pfhrp2/3) proteins and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed. Twenty-four samples were analyzed for pfhrp2/3 gene deletions and 25 for SNPs in ldh gene (18 Pf and 7 Po spp.). Deletions in pfhrp2/3 genes were observed in 1.9% malaria positive isolates. The pfldh gene sequences showed one SNP at codon 272 (D272N) in 22.2% of samples while in Po spp., sequences were 100% similar to P. ovale curtisi but when compared to P. ovale wallikeri reference sequence, SNPs at positions 143 (P143S), 168 (K168N), 204 (V204I) were found. Findings suggest low prevalence in pfhrp2/3 genes and highlight the circulation of P. ovale curtisi in the studies areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigue Roman Dongang Nana
- Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants studies (IMPM), P.O Box 13033 Yaoundé, Cameroon; Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi 110077, India..
| | - Ngum Lesly Ngum
- Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants studies (IMPM), P.O Box 13033 Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Valerie Makoge
- Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants studies (IMPM), P.O Box 13033 Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nathalie Amvongo-Adja
- Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants studies (IMPM), P.O Box 13033 Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Joseph Hawadak
- Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi 110077, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Parasite and Host Biology Group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi 110077, India..
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Gomes C, Varo R, Duran-Frigola M, Sitoe A, Bila R, Machevo S, Mayor A, Bassat Q, Rodriguez A. Endothelial transcriptomic analysis identifies biomarkers of severe and cerebral malaria. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172845. [PMID: 37788095 PMCID: PMC10721316 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172845] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria can quickly progress from an uncomplicated infection into a life-threatening severe disease. However, the unspecificity of early symptoms often makes it difficult to identify patients at high risk of developing severe disease. Additionally, one of the most feared malaria complications - cerebral malaria - is challenging to diagnose, often resulting in treatment delays that can lead to adverse outcomes. To identify candidate biomarkers for the prognosis and/or diagnosis of severe and cerebral malaria, we have analyzed the transcriptomic response of human brain microvascular endothelial cells to erythrocytes infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Candidates were validated in plasma samples from a cohort of pediatric patients with malaria from Mozambique, resulting in the identification of several markers with capacity to distinguish uncomplicated from severe malaria, the most potent being the metallopeptidase ADAMTS18. Two other biomarkers, Angiopoietin-like-4 and Inhibin-βE were able to differentiate children with cerebral malaria within the severe malaria group, showing increased sensitivity after combination in a biomarker signature. The validation of the predicted candidate biomarkers in plasma of children with severe and cerebral malaria underscores the power of this transcriptomic approach and indicates that a specific endothelial response to P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes is linked to the pathophysiology of severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Gomes
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Rosauro Varo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic — University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Antonio Sitoe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Rubão Bila
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Sonia Machevo
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic — University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic — University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
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Mayor A, Ishengoma DS, Proctor JL, Verity R. Sampling for malaria molecular surveillance. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:954-968. [PMID: 37730525 PMCID: PMC10580323 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Strategic use of Plasmodium falciparum genetic variation has great potential to inform public health actions for malaria control and elimination. Malaria molecular surveillance (MMS) begins with a strategy to identify and collect parasite samples, guided by public-health priorities. In this review we discuss sampling design practices for MMS and point out epidemiological, biological, and statistical factors that need to be considered. We present examples for different use cases, including detecting emergence and spread of rare variants, establishing transmission sources and inferring changes in malaria transmission intensity. This review will potentially guide the collection of samples and data, serve as a starting point for further methodological innovation, and enhance utilization of MMS to support malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique; Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua L Proctor
- Institute for Disease Modeling in Global Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robert Verity
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College, London, UK
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González-Sanz M, Berzosa P, Norman FF. Updates on Malaria Epidemiology and Prevention Strategies. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2023; 25:1-9. [PMID: 37361492 PMCID: PMC10248987 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-023-00805-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The objective of this review was to provide an update on recent malaria epidemiology, both globally and in non-endemic areas, to identify the current distribution and repercussions of genetically diverse Plasmodium species and summarize recently implemented intervention and prevention tools. Recent Findings Notable changes in malaria epidemiology have occurred in recent years, with an increase in the number of total cases and deaths globally during 2020-2021, in part attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of artemisinin-resistant species in new areas and the expanding distribution of parasites harbouring deletions of the pfhrp2/3 genes have been concerning. New strategies to curb the burden of this infection, such as vaccination, have been implemented in certain endemic areas and their performance is currently being evaluated. Summary Inadequate control of malaria in endemic regions may have an effect on imported malaria and measures to prevent re-establishment of transmission in malaria-free areas are essential. Enhanced surveillance and investigation of Plasmodium spp. genetic variations will contribute to the successful diagnosis and treatment of malaria in future. Novel strategies for an integrated One Health approach to malaria control should also be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta González-Sanz
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Universidad de Alcalá, CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Berzosa
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Laboratory, National Centre for Tropical Medicine, Carlos III Health Institute, CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesca F. Norman
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Referral Unit for Tropical Diseases, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Universidad de Alcalá, CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
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Thang ND, Rovira-Vallbona E, Binh NTH, Dung DV, Ngoc NTH, Long TK, Duong TT, Martin NJ, Edgel KA. Surveillance of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions among symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients in Central Vietnam. Malar J 2022; 21:371. [PMID: 36471315 PMCID: PMC9724378 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04399-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) remain the main point-of-care tests for diagnosis of symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria in endemic areas. However, parasites with gene deletions in the most common RDT target, histidine rich protein 2 (pfhrp2/HRP2), can produce false-negative RDT results leading to inadequate case management. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hrp2/3 deletions causing false-negative RDT results in Vietnam (Gia Lai and Dak Lak provinces). METHODS Individuals presenting with malaria symptoms at health facilities were screened for P. falciparum infection using light microscopy and HRP2-RDT (SD Bioline Malaria Antigen Pf/Pv RDT, Abbott). Microscopically confirmed P. falciparum infections were analysed for parasite species by 18S rRNA qPCR, and pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 exon2 deletions were investigated by nested PCR. pfhrp2 amplicons were sequenced by the Sanger method and HRP2 plasma levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The prevalence of false-negative RDT results among symptomatic cases was 5.6% (15/270). No pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions were identified. False-negative RDT results were associated with lower parasite density (p = 0.005) and lower HRP2 plasma concentrations (p < 0.001), as compared to positive RDT. CONCLUSIONS The absence of hrp2/3 deletions detected in this survey suggests that HRP2-based malaria RDTs remain effective for the diagnosis of symptomatic P. falciparum malaria in Central Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngo Duc Thang
- grid.452658.8National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Nguyen Thi Huong Binh
- grid.452658.8National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dang Viet Dung
- grid.452658.8National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thi Hong Ngoc
- grid.452658.8National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Tran Thanh Duong
- grid.452658.8National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Mayor A, da Silva C, Rovira-Vallbona E, Roca-Feltrer A, Bonnington C, Wharton-Smith A, Greenhouse B, Bever C, Chidimatembue A, Guinovart C, Proctor JL, Rodrigues M, Canana N, Arnaldo P, Boene S, Aide P, Enosse S, Saute F, Candrinho B. Prospective surveillance study to detect antimalarial drug resistance, gene deletions of diagnostic relevance and genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in Mozambique: protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063456. [PMID: 35820756 PMCID: PMC9274532 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genomic data constitute a valuable adjunct to routine surveillance that can guide programmatic decisions to reduce the burden of infectious diseases. However, genomic capacities remain low in Africa. This study aims to operationalise a functional malaria molecular surveillance system in Mozambique for guiding malaria control and elimination. METHODS AND ANALYSES This prospective surveillance study seeks to generate Plasmodium falciparum genetic data to (1) monitor molecular markers of drug resistance and deletions in rapid diagnostic test targets; (2) characterise transmission sources in low transmission settings and (3) quantify transmission levels and the effectiveness of antimalarial interventions. The study will take place across 19 districts in nine provinces (Maputo city, Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Niassa, Manica, Nampula, Zambézia and Sofala) which span a range of transmission strata, geographies and malaria intervention types. Dried blood spot samples and rapid diagnostic tests will be collected across the study districts in 2022 and 2023 through a combination of dense (all malaria clinical cases) and targeted (a selection of malaria clinical cases) sampling. Pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit will also be included to assess their value for molecular surveillance. We will use a multiplex amplicon-based next-generation sequencing approach targeting informative single nucleotide polymorphisms, gene deletions and microhaplotypes. Genetic data will be incorporated into epidemiological and transmission models to identify the most informative relationship between genetic features, sources of malaria transmission and programmatic effectiveness of new malaria interventions. Strategic genomic information will be ultimately integrated into the national malaria information and surveillance system to improve the use of the genetic information for programmatic decision-making. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol was reviewed and approved by the institutional (CISM) and national ethics committees of Mozambique (Comité Nacional de Bioética para Saúde) and Spain (Hospital Clinic of Barcelona). Project results will be presented to all stakeholders and published in open-access journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05306067.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Mayor
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Physiologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Clemente da Silva
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Eduard Rovira-Vallbona
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Caitlin Bever
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Caterina Guinovart
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Simone Boene
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pedro Aide
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Francisco Saute
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
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Eyong EM, Etutu SJM, Jerome FC, Nyasa RB, Kwenti TE, Moyeh MN. Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 and 3 gene deletion in the Mount Cameroon region. IJID REGIONS (ONLINE) 2022; 3:300-307. [PMID: 35755467 PMCID: PMC9216387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
pfhrp2/3 gene deletions occur in parasite populations in the Mount Cameroon region pfhrp2-negative parasites are the more common in the Mount Cameroon region pfhrp2/3-negative parasites negatively impact malaria rapid diagnostic test success
Objective Plasmodium falciparum produces histidine-rich protein 2/3 (Pfhrp2/3) genes that accumulate to high levels in the bloodstream and serve as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for falciparum malaria. Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions may lead to false-negative rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results. We aimed to determine the prevalence of pfhrp2/3 gene deletions in P. falciparum isolates and the implications for RDT use in the Mount Cameroon region. Methods A cross-sectional hospital-based study with malaria diagnosis performed using microscopy, RDT and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). In total, 324 P. falciparum microscopy positive individuals were enrolled and their samples confirmed positive for P. falciparum using 18SrRNA PCR. Samples that gave false-negative RDT results were analyzed to detect pfhrp2/3 exon 2 deletions. Results Of 324 positive microscopic and nPCR samples, 16 gave RDT false-negative results. Among the 324 P. falciparum positive isolates, exon 2 deletions were observed in 2.2% (7 of 324); 3 were negative for pfhrp2 gene, 2 for pfhrp3, and 2 for both pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 (double deletions). Conclusion P. falciparum isolates with pfhrp2/3 gene deletion were present in the parasite populations and may contribute to the RDT false-negative results in the Mount Cameroon region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esum Mathias Eyong
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Sophie Jose Molua Etutu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Fru-Cho Jerome
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Raymond Babila Nyasa
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Tebit Emmanuel Kwenti
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon
| | - Marcel N Moyeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region of Cameroon
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11
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Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 and 3 genes deletion in global settings (2010–2021): a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J 2022; 21:26. [PMID: 35093092 PMCID: PMC8800273 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The usefulness of histidine-rich protein-2/3 (HRP2/3)-based rapid diagnostic tests of malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum has been threatened by the appearance of mutant PfHRP2/3 genes. This study was undertaken to determine the global pooled estimates of PfHRP2/3gene deletions. Methods Relevant publications were identified from electronic databases such as; PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE online. Besides, all the relevant literatures were retrieved through Google and Google Scholar. STATA software was used for data analysis. The pooled estimates were calculated using random effect model. The summary estimates were presented using forest plots and tables. Results A total of 27 studies were included in the systematic review. However, only 24 and 17 studies were included for PfHRP2 and 3 gene deletion meta-analysis, respectively. The prevalence of PfHRP2 gene deletion across the individual studies ranged from the highest 100% to the lowest 0%. However, the meta-analysis result showed that the global pooled prevalence of PfHRP2 and PfHRP3 gene deletions were 21.30% and 34.50%, respectively. The pooled proportion of PfHRP2 gene deletion among false negative PfHRP2-based RDTs results was found to be 41.10%. The gene deletion status was higher in South America and followed by Africa. The pooled estimate of PfHRP2 gene deletion among studies, which did not follow the WHO PfHRP2/3 gene deletion analysis protocol was higher than their counter parts (21.3% vs 10.5%). Conclusions This review showed that there is a high pooled prevalence of PfHRP2/3 gene deletions in Plasmodium falciparum confirmed isolates and also a high proportion of their deletions among false-negative malaria cases using PfHRP2-based RDT results. Hence, malaria diagnosis based on PfHRP2-based rapid tests seems to be less sensitive and warrants further evaluation of PfHRP2/3 gene deletions.
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12
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Giacometti M, Monticelli M, Piola M, Milesi F, Coppadoro L, Giuliani E, Jacchetti E, Raimondi MT, Ferrari G, Antinori S, Fiore GB, Bertacco R. On-chip magnetophoretic capture in a model of malaria-infected red blood cells. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1129-1141. [PMID: 34984673 PMCID: PMC9306751 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The search for new rapid diagnostic tests for malaria is a priority for developing an efficient strategy to fight this endemic disease, which affects more than 3 billion people worldwide. In this paper, we characterize systematically an easy-to-operate lab-on-chip, designed for the magnetophoretic capture of malaria-infected red blood cells. The method relies on the positive magnetic susceptibility of infected red blood cells with respect to blood plasma. A matrix of nickel posts fabricated in a silicon chip placed face down is aimed at attracting infected cells, while healthy cells sediment on a glass slide under the action of gravity. Using a model of infected red blood cells, i.e. erythrocytes with methaemoglobin, we obtained a capture efficiency of about 70% after 10 minutes in static conditions. By proper agitation, the capture efficiency reached 85% after just 5 minutes. Sample preparation requires only a 1:10 volume dilution of whole blood, previously treated with heparin, in a phosphate buffered solution. Nonspecific attraction of untreated red blood cells was not observed in the same time interval. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Giacometti
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - M Monticelli
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - M Piola
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - F Milesi
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - L Coppadoro
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - E Giuliani
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - E Jacchetti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for the promotion of the 3Rs principles in teaching and research, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - M T Raimondi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for the promotion of the 3Rs principles in teaching and research, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Ferrari
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - S Antinori
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157, Milano, Italy
| | - G B Fiore
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for the promotion of the 3Rs principles in teaching and research, 56122, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Bertacco
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy.,IFN-CNR, c/o Politecnico di Milano, 20133, Milano, Italy
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13
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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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14
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Molina-de la Fuente I, Pastor A, Herrador Z, Benito A, Berzosa P. Impact of Plasmodium falciparum pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions on malaria control worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J 2021; 20:276. [PMID: 34158065 PMCID: PMC8220794 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03812-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deletion of pfhrp2 and/or pfhrp3 genes cause false negatives in malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and threating malaria control strategies. This systematic review aims to assess the main methodological aspects in the study of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions and its global epidemiological status, with special focus on their distribution in Africa; and its possible impact in RDT. Methods The systematic review was conducted by examining the principal issues of study design and methodological workflow of studies addressing pfhrp2 deletion. Meta-analysis was applied to represent reported prevalences of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 single and double deletion in the World Health Organization (WHO) region. Pooled-prevalence of deletions was calculated using DerSimonnian-Laird random effect model. Then, in-deep analysis focused on Africa was performed to assess possible variables related with these deletions. Finally, the impact of these deletions in RDT results was analysed combining reported information about RDT sensitivity and deletion prevalences. Results 49 articles were included for the systematic review and 37 for the meta-analysis, 13 of them placed in Africa. Study design differs significantly, especially in terms of population sample and information reported, resulting in high heterogeneity between studies that difficulties comparisons and merged conclusions. Reported prevalences vary widely in all the WHO regions, significantly higher deletion were reported in South-Central America, following by Africa and Asia. Pfhrp3 deletion is more prevalent (43% in South-Central America; 3% in Africa; and 1% in Asia) than pfhrp2 deletion (18% in South-Central America; 4% in Africa; and 3% in Asia) worldwide. In Africa, there were not found differences in deletion prevalence by geographical or population origin of samples. The prevalence of deletion among false negatives ranged from 0 to 100% in Africa, but in Asia and South-Central America was only up to 90% and 48%, respectively, showing substantial relation between deletions and false negatives. Conclusion The concerning prevalence of pfhrp2, pfhrp3 and pfhrp2/3 gene deletions, as its possible implications in malaria control, highlights the importance of regular and systematic surveillance of these deletions. This review has also outlined that a standardized methodology could play a key role to ensure comparability between studies to get global conclusions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03812-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Molina-de la Fuente
- Department of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. .,Malaria and Neglected Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Public Health and Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Andrea Pastor
- Public Health and Epidemiology Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zaida Herrador
- National Centre of Epidemiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Benito
- Malaria and Neglected Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Berzosa
- Malaria and Neglected Diseases Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Biomedical Research on Tropical Diseases (RICET in Spanish), Madrid, Spain
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15
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King M, George AE, Cisteró P, Tarr-Attia CK, Arregui B, Omeonga S, Chen H, Meyer García-Sípido A, Sarukhan A, Bassat Q, Lansana DP, Mayor A. No evidence of false-negative Plasmodium falciparum rapid diagnostic results in Monrovia, Liberia. Malar J 2021; 20:238. [PMID: 34039355 PMCID: PMC8157453 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03774-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria diagnosis in many malaria-endemic countries relies mainly on the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The majority of commercial RDTs used in Africa detect the Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2). pfhrp2/3 gene deletions can therefore lead to false-negative RDT results. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of PCR-confirmed, false-negative P. falciparum RDT results in Monrovia, Liberia. Methods PfHRP2-based RDT (Paracheck Pf®) and microscopy results from 1038 individuals with fever or history of fever (n = 951) and pregnant women at first antenatal care (ANC) visit (n = 87) enrolled in the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Hospital (Monrovia) from March to July 2019 were used to assess the frequency of false-negative RDT results. True–false negatives were confirmed by detecting the presence of P. falciparum DNA by quantitative PCR in samples from individuals with discrepant RDT and microscopy results. Samples that were positive by 18S rRNA qPCR but negative by PfHRP2-RDT were subjected to multiplex qPCR assay for detection of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3. Results One-hundred and eighty-six (19.6%) and 200 (21.0%) of the 951 febrile participants had a P. falciparum-positive result by RDT and microscopy, respectively. Positivity rate increased with age and the reporting of joint pain, chills and shivers, vomiting and weakness, and decreased with the presence of coughs and nausea. The positivity rate at first ANC visit was 5.7% (n = 5) and 8% (n = 7) by RDT and microscopy, respectively. Out of 207 Plasmodium infections detected by microscopy, 22 (11%) were negative by RDT. qPCR confirmed absence of P. falciparum DNA in the 16 RDT-negative but microscopy-positive samples which were available for molecular testing. Among the 14 samples that were positive by qPCR but negative by RDT and microscopy, 3 only amplified pfldh, and among these 3 all were positive for pfhrp2 and pfhrp3. Conclusion There is no qPCR-confirmed evidence of false-negative RDT results due to pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions in this study conducted in Monrovia (Liberia). This indicates that these deletions are not expected to affect the performance of PfHRP2-based RDTs for the diagnosis of malaria in Liberia. Nevertheless, active surveillance for the emergence of PfHRP2 deletions is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandella King
- Saint Joseph's Catholic Hospital, Tubman Boulevard, Oldest Congo, Town, PO Box 10512, 1100, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Alexander E George
- Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority, VP Road, Old Road, Sinkor , PO Box 1994, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Pau Cisteró
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christine K Tarr-Attia
- Saint Joseph's Catholic Hospital, Tubman Boulevard, Oldest Congo, Town, PO Box 10512, 1100, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Beatriz Arregui
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Senga Omeonga
- Saint Joseph's Catholic Hospital, Tubman Boulevard, Oldest Congo, Town, PO Box 10512, 1100, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Haily Chen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Adelaida Sarukhan
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.,Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Esplugues,, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dawoh Peter Lansana
- Saint Joseph's Catholic Hospital, Tubman Boulevard, Oldest Congo, Town, PO Box 10512, 1100, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique. .,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum isolates lacking the histidine rich protein 2 gene among symptomatic malaria patients in Kwilu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:77. [PMID: 34034827 PMCID: PMC8146217 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00860-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria rapid diagnostic tests have become a primary and critical tool for malaria diagnosis in malaria-endemic countries where Plasmodium falciparum Histidine Rich Protein 2-based rapid diagnostic tests (PfHRP2-based RDTs) are widely used. However, in the last decade, the accuracy of PfHRP2-based RDTs has been challenged by the emergence of P. falciparum strains harbouring deletions of the P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene, resulting in false-negative results. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R. Congo), little is known about the prevalence of the pfhrp2 gene deletion among P. falciparum isolates infecting symptomatic patients, especially in low to moderate transmission areas where pfhrp2 deletion parasites are assumed to emerge and spread. Here we determine the local prevalence and factors associated with pfhrp2 gene deletions among symptomatic malaria patients in the Kwilu Province of the D.R. Congo. Methods We used secondary data from a prospective health facility-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2018. Blood was collected for microscopy, PfHRP2-RDT, and spotted onto Whatman filter paper for downstream genetic analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted and used to perform PCR assays for the detection and confirmation of pfhrp2 gene deletions. Fischer’s exact and the Kruskal–Wallis tests were applied to look for associations between potential explanatory variables and the pfhrp2 gene deletion with a level of statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results Of the 684 enrolled symptomatic patients, 391 (57.7%) were female. The majority (87.7%) reported the presence of mosquito breeding sites within the household’s compound, and fever was the most reported symptom (81.6%). The overall prevalence of the pfhrp2 gene deletion was 9.2% (95% CI: 6.7%–12.1%). The deletion of the pfhrp2 gene was associated with health zone of origin (P = 0.012) and age (P = 0.019). Among false-negative PfHRP2-RDT results, only 9.9% were due to pfhrp2 gene deletion. Conclusions P. falciparum isolates with pfhrp2 gene deletions are relatively common among symptomatic patients in Kwilu province. Further investigations are needed to provide enough evidence for policy change. Meanwhile, the use of RDTs targeting PfHRP2 and parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) antigens could limit the spread of deleted isolates. Graphic Abstract ![]()
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17
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Alemayehu GS, Blackburn K, Lopez K, Cambel Dieng C, Lo E, Janies D, Golassa L. Detection of high prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2/3 gene deletions in Assosa zone, Ethiopia: implication for malaria diagnosis. Malar J 2021; 20:109. [PMID: 33622309 PMCID: PMC8095343 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03629-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) targeting histidine rich protein 2(HRP2) are widely used for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infections. Besides PfHRP2, the PfHRP3 antigen contributes to the detection of P. falciparum infections in PfHRP2 RDTs. However, the performance HRP2-based RDT is affected by pfhrp2/3 gene deletions resulting in false-negative test results. The objective of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of pfhrp2/3 gene deletions including the respective flanking regions among symptomatic patients in Assosa zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A health-facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in febrile patients seeking a malaria diagnosis in 2018. Blood samples were collected by finger-prick for microscopic examination of blood smears, malaria RDT, and molecular analysis using dried blood spots (DBS) prepared on Whatman filter paper. A total of 218 P. falciparum positive samples confirmed by quantitative PCR were included for molecular assay of pfhrp2/3 target gene. Results Of 218 P. falciparum positive samples, exon 2 deletions were observed in 17.9% of pfhrp2 gene and in 9.2% of pfhrp3 gene. A high proportion of deletions in short segments of pfhrp2 exon1-2 (50%) was also detected while the deletions of the pfhrp3 exon1-2 gene were 4.1%. The deletions were extended to the downstream and upstream of the flanking regions in pfhrp2/3 gene (above 30%). Of eighty-six PfHRP2 RDT negative samples, thirty-six lacked pfhrp2 exon 2. Five PfHRP2 RDT negative samples had double deletions in pfhrp2 exon 2 and pfhrp3 exon2. Of these double deletions, only two of the samples with a parasite density above 2000 parasite/µl were positive by the microscopy. Three samples with intact pfhrp3 exon2 in the pfhrp2 exon2 deleted parasite isolates were found to be positive by PfHRP2 RDT and microscopy with a parasite density above 10,000/µl. Conclusion This study confirms the presence of deletions of pfhrp2/3 gene including the flanking regions. Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions results in false-negative results undoubtedly affect the current malaria control and elimination effort in the country. However, further countrywide investigations are required to determine the magnitude of pfhrp2/3 gene deletions and its consequences on routine malaria diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayla Blackburn
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Karen Lopez
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Cheikh Cambel Dieng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Eugenia Lo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Daniel Janies
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Addis Ababa University, Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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18
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Bosco AB, Nankabirwa JI, Yeka A, Nsobya S, Gresty K, Anderson K, Mbaka P, Prosser C, Smith D, Opigo J, Namubiru R, Arinaitwe E, Kissa J, Gonahasa S, Won S, Lee B, Lim CS, Karamagi C, Cheng Q, Nakayaga JK, Kamya MR. Limitations of rapid diagnostic tests in malaria surveys in areas with varied transmission intensity in Uganda 2017-2019: Implications for selection and use of HRP2 RDTs. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244457. [PMID: 33382787 PMCID: PMC7774953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are exclusively recommended for malaria diagnosis in Uganda; however, their functionality can be affected by parasite-related factors that have not been investigated in field settings. METHODS Using a cross-sectional design, we analysed 219 RDT-/microscopy+ and 140 RDT+/microscopy+ dried blood spots obtained from symptomatic children aged 2-10 years from 48 districts in Uganda between 2017 and 2019. We aimed to investigate parasite-related factors contributing to false RDT results by molecular characterization of parasite isolates. ArcGIS software was used to map the geographical distribution of parasites. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, with P ≤ 0.05 indicating significance. Odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess associations, while logistic regression was performed to explore possible factors associated with false RDT results. RESULTS The presence of parasite DNA was confirmed in 92.5% (332/359) of the blood samples. The levels of agreement between the HRP2 RDT and PCR assay results in the (RDT+/microscopy+) and (RDT-/microscopy+) sample subsets were 97.8% (137/140) and 10.9% (24/219), respectively. Factors associated with false-negative RDT results in the (RDT-/microscopy+) samples were parasite density (<1,000/μl), pfhrp2/3 gene deletion and non-P. falciparum species (aOR 2.65, 95% CI: 1.62-4.38, P = 0.001; aOR 4.4, 95% CI 1.72-13.66, P = 0.004; and aOR 18.65, 95% CI: 5.3-38.7, P = 0.001, respectively). Overall, gene deletion and non-P. falciparum species contributed to 12.3% (24/195) and 19.0% (37/195) of false-negative RDT results, respectively. Of the false-negative RDTs results, 80.0% (156/195) were from subjects with low-density infections (< 25 parasites per 200 WBCs or <1,000/μl). CONCLUSION This is the first evaluation and report of the contributions of pfhrp2/3 gene deletion, non-P. falciparum species, and low-density infections to false-negative RDT results under field conditions in Uganda. In view of these findings, the use of HRP2 RDTs should be reconsidered; possibly, switching to combination RDTs that target alternative antigens, particularly in affected areas, may be beneficial. Future evaluations should consider larger and more representative surveys covering other regions of Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agaba B. Bosco
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- National Malaria Control Division, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joaniter I. Nankabirwa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adoke Yeka
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sam Nsobya
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Karryn Gresty
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Queensland, Australia
- The Army Malaria Institute Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Karen Anderson
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Queensland, Australia
- The Army Malaria Institute Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Mbaka
- World Health Organization Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christiane Prosser
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Smith
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Queensland, Australia
- The Army Malaria Institute Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Opigo
- National Malaria Control Division, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda Namubiru
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - John Kissa
- National Health Information Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Sungho Won
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, S. Korea
| | - Bora Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, S. Korea
| | - Chae Seung Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, S. Korea
| | - Charles Karamagi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Qin Cheng
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Queensland, Australia
- The Army Malaria Institute Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joan K. Nakayaga
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
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19
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Galatas B, Mayor A, Gupta H, Balanza N, Jang IK, Nhamussua L, Simone W, Cisteró P, Chidimatembue A, Munguambe H, Saúte F, Aide P, Bassat Q. Field performance of ultrasensitive and conventional malaria rapid diagnostic tests in southern Mozambique. Malar J 2020; 19:451. [PMID: 33287822 PMCID: PMC7720469 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03526-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An ultrasensitive malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was recently developed for the improved detection of low-density Plasmodium falciparum infections. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of the PfHRP2-based Abbott Malaria Ag P. falciparum ultrasensitive RDT (uRDT) to that of the conventional SD-Bioline Malaria Ag P. falciparum RDT (cRDT) when performed under field conditions. Methods Finger-prick blood samples were collected from adults and children in two cross-sectional surveys in May of 2017 in southern Mozambique. Using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) as the reference method, the age-specific diagnostic performance indicators of the cRDT and uRDT were compared. The presence of histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) and Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) antigens was evaluated in a subset from dried blood spots by a quantitative antigen assay. pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions were assessed in samples positive by RT-qPCR and negative by both RDTs. Results Among the 4,396 participants with complete test results, the sensitivity of uRDTs (68.2; 95% CI 60.8 to 74.9) was marginally better than that of cRDTs (61.5; 95% CI 53.9 to 68.6) (p-value = 0.004), while the specificities were similar (uRDT: 99.0 [95% CI 98.6 to 99.2], cRDT: 99.2 [95% CI 98.9 to 99.4], p-value = 0.02). While the performance of both RDTs was lowest in ≥ 15-year-olds, driven by the higher prevalence of low parasite density infections in this group, the sensitivity of uRDTs was significantly higher in this age group (54.9, 95% CI 40.3 to 68.9) compared to the sensitivity of cRDTs (39.2, 95% CI 25.8 to 53.9) (p-value = 0.008). Both RDTs detected P. falciparum infections at similar geometric mean parasite densities (112.9 parasites/μL for uRDTs and 145.5 parasites/μL for cRDTs). The presence of HRP2 antigen was similar among false positive (FP) samples of both tests (80.5% among uRDT-FPs and 84.4% among cRDT-FPs). Only one false negative sample was detected with a partial pfhrp2 deletion. Conclusion This study showed that the uRDTs developed by Abbott do not substantially outperform SD-Bioline Pf malaria RDTs in the community and are still not comparable to molecular methods to detect P. falciparum infections in this study setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Galatas
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Himanshu Gupta
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Núria Balanza
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Lidia Nhamussua
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Wilson Simone
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pau Cisteró
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Francisco Saúte
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pedro Aide
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.,Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (University of Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Kelsey A, Stillinger D, Pham TB, Murphy J, Firth S, Carballar-Lejarazú R. Global Governing Bodies: A Pathway for Gene Drive Governance for Vector Mosquito Control. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:976-985. [PMID: 32748773 PMCID: PMC7470596 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene drive technologies represent powerful tools to develop vector control strategies that will complement the current approaches to mitigate arthropod-borne infectious diseases. The characteristics of gene drive technologies have raised additional concerns to those for standard genetically engineered organisms. This generates a need for adaptive governance that has not been met yet because of the rapid rate of progress in gene drive research. For the eventual release of gene drive insects into wild populations, an international governance network would be helpful in guiding scientists, stakeholders, public opinion, and affected communities in its use. We examined the current institutions and governing bodies among various continents that could have an impact on gene drive governance or the potential to adapt to its future use. Possible governance strategies also are proposed that seek to bridge gaps and promote an ethically sound policy framework. Ideally, governance strategies should be developed before or at the same pace as gene drive research to anticipate field releases and maximize their impact as a public health tool. However, this is not likely to happen as it takes years to develop global accords, and some countries may choose to move ahead independently on the new technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kelsey
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Drusilla Stillinger
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Thai Binh Pham
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Jazmin Murphy
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Sean Firth
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Irvine, California
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21
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Lê HG, Kang JM, Lee J, Yoo WG, Myint MK, Lin K, Kim TS, Na BK. Genetic variations in histidine-rich protein 2 and histidine-rich protein 3 of Myanmar Plasmodium falciparum isolates. Malar J 2020; 19:388. [PMID: 33138831 PMCID: PMC7607715 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are precious tools to diagnose malaria. Most RDTs used currently are based on the detection of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) in a patient's blood. However, concern has been raised in recent years that deletion of pfhrp2 in the parasite could affect the accuracy of PfHRP2-based RDTs. In addition, genetic variation in pfhrp2 might influence the accuracy and sensitivity of RDTs. In this study, the genetic variation in pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 in Myanmar P. falciparum isolates was analysed. METHODS Blood samples were collected from malaria patients who were infected with P. falciparum in Mandalay, Naung Cho, Tha Beik Kyin, and Pyin Oo Lwin, Upper Myanmar between 2013 and 2015. The pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloned and sequenced. Genetic variation in Myanmar pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 was analysed using the DNASTAR program. Comparative analysis of Myanmar and global pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 isolates was also performed. RESULTS One-hundred and two pfhrp2 and 89 pfhrp3 were amplified from 105 blood samples, of which 84 pfhrp2 and 56 pfhrp3 sequences were obtained successfully. Myanmar pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 showed high levels of genetic variation with different arrangements of distinct repeat types, which further classified Myanmar pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 into 76 and 47 haplotypes, respectively. Novel amino acid changes were also found in Myanmar pfhrp2 and pfhrp3, but their frequencies were very low. Similar structural organization was shared by Myanmar and global pfhrp2 and pfhrp3, and differences in frequencies of repeat types and lengths were also observed between and among global isolates. CONCLUSION Length polymorphisms and amino acid substitutions generated extensive genetic variation in Myanmar pfhrp2 and pfhrp3. Comparative analysis revealed that global pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 share similar structural features, as well as extensive length polymorphisms and distinct organizations of repeat types. These results provide a better understanding of the genetic structure of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 in global P. falciparum populations and suggest useful information to develop RDTs with improved quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hương Giang Lê
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Lee
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Gi Yoo
- Korea Mouse Phenotyping Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Moe Kyaw Myint
- Department of Medical Research Pyin Oo Lwin Branch, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
| | - Khin Lin
- Department of Medical Research Pyin Oo Lwin Branch, Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar
| | - Tong-Soo Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Inha Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Ultrasensitive CRISPR-based diagnostic for field-applicable detection of Plasmodium species in symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:25722-25731. [PMID: 32958655 PMCID: PMC7568265 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2010196117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of submicroscopic malaria in asymptomatic individuals is needed for eradication and remains a diagnostic gap in resource-limited settings. Nonfalciparum clinical diagnostics are a second gap, as these infections have a low parasite density and are commonly undetected. We describe an integrated, 60-min, ultrasensitive and specific CRISPR-based diagnostic for the four major pathogenic Plasmodium species that can fill these gaps. Using the SHERLOCK (specific high-sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking) platform, we designed assays with limits of detection below that recommended by the World Health Organization. These assays have a simplified sample preparation method: the SHERLOCK parasite rapid extraction protocol, which eliminates complicated nucleic acid extraction steps. Our work further translates the SHERLOCK platform into a field-deployable diagnostic. Asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium parasites hamper malaria control and eradication. Achieving malaria eradication requires ultrasensitive diagnostics for low parasite density infections (<100 parasites per microliter blood) that work in resource-limited settings (RLS). Sensitive point-of-care diagnostics are also lacking for nonfalciparum malaria, which is characterized by lower density infections and may require additional therapy for radical cure. Molecular methods, such as PCR, have high sensitivity and specificity, but remain high-complexity technologies impractical for RLS. Here we describe a CRISPR-based diagnostic for ultrasensitive detection and differentiation of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae, using the nucleic acid detection platform SHERLOCK (specific high-sensitivity enzymatic reporter unlocking). We present a streamlined, field-applicable, diagnostic comprised of a 10-min SHERLOCK parasite rapid extraction protocol, followed by SHERLOCK for 60 min for Plasmodium species-specific detection via fluorescent or lateral flow strip readout. We optimized one-pot, lyophilized, isothermal assays with a simplified sample preparation method independent of nucleic acid extraction, and showed that these assays are capable of detection below two parasites per microliter blood, a limit of detection suggested by the World Health Organization. Our P. falciparum and P. vivax assays exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity on clinical samples (5 P. falciparum and 10 P. vivax samples). This work establishes a field-applicable diagnostic for ultrasensitive detection of asymptomatic carriers as well as a rapid point-of-care clinical diagnostic for nonfalciparum malaria species and low parasite density P. falciparum infections.
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23
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Bosco AB, Anderson K, Gresty K, Prosser C, Smith D, Nankabirwa JI, Nsobya S, Yeka A, Opigo J, Gonahasa S, Namubiru R, Arinaitwe E, Mbaka P, Kissa J, Won S, Lee B, Lim CS, Karamagi C, Cunningham J, Nakayaga JK, Kamya MR, Cheng Q. Molecular surveillance reveals the presence of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions in Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations in Uganda, 2017-2019. Malar J 2020; 19:300. [PMID: 32843041 PMCID: PMC7449024 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03362-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Histidine-rich protein-2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are the only RDTs recommended for malaria diagnosis in Uganda. However, the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2 and 3 (pfhrp2 and pfhrp3) gene deletions threatens their usefulness as malaria diagnostic and surveillance tools. The pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions surveillance was conducted in P. falciparum parasite populations in Uganda. Methods Three-hundred (n = 300) P. falciparum isolates collected from cross-sectional malaria surveys in symptomatic individuals in 48 districts of eastern and western Uganda were analysed for the presence of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes. Presence of parasite DNA was confirmed by PCR amplification of the 18s rRNA gene, msp1 and msp2 single copy genes. Presence or absence of deletions was confirmed by amplification of exon1 and exon2 of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 using gene specific PCR. Results Overall, pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions were detected in 29/300 (9.7%, 95% CI 6.6–13.6%) parasite isolates. The pfhrp2 gene was deleted in 10/300 (3.3%, 95% CI 1.6–6.0%) isolates, pfhrp3 in 9/300 (3.0%, 95% CI 1.4–5.6%) while both pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 were deleted in 10/300 (3.3%, 95% CI 1.6–6.0%) parasite isolates. Proportion of pfhrp2/3 deletions was higher in the eastern 14.7% (95% CI 9.7–20.0%) compared to the western region 3.1% (95% CI 0.8–7.7%), p = 0.001. Geographical location was associated with gene deletions aOR 6.25 (2.02–23.55), p = 0.003. Conclusions This is the first large-scale survey reporting the presence of pfhrp2/3 gene deletions in P. falciparum isolates in Uganda. Roll out of RDTs for malaria diagnosis should take into consideration the existence of pfhrp2/3 gene deletions particularly in areas where they were detected. Periodic pfhrp2/3 surveys are recommended to inform future decisions for deployment of alternative RDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agaba B Bosco
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. .,National Malaria Control Division, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Karen Anderson
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Enoggera, Australia
| | - Karryn Gresty
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Enoggera, Australia
| | - Christiane Prosser
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Enoggera, Australia
| | - David Smith
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Enoggera, Australia
| | - Joaniter I Nankabirwa
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sam Nsobya
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adoke Yeka
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Opigo
- National Malaria Control Division, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Rhoda Namubiru
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Paul Mbaka
- World Health Organization Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Kissa
- National Health Information Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sungho Won
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bora Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chae Seung Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Charles Karamagi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Joan K Nakayaga
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R Kamya
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Qin Cheng
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Enoggera, Australia
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24
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Jones S, Subramaniam G, Plucinski MM, Patel D, Padilla J, Aidoo M, Talundzic E. One-step PCR: A novel protocol for determination of pfhrp2 deletion status in Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236369. [PMID: 32702040 PMCID: PMC7377462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) detecting rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have played an important role in enabling prompt malaria diagnosis in remote locations. However, emergence of pfhrp2 deleted parasites is threatening the efficacy of RDTs, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted surveillance of these deletions as a priority. Nested PCR is used to confirm pfhrp2 deletion but is costly and laborious. Due to spurious amplification of paralogue pfhrp3, the identity of nested exon 1 PCR product must be confirmed by sequencing. Here we describe a new one-step PCR method for detection of pfhrp2. To determine sensitivity and specificity, all PCRs were performed in triplicate. Using photo-induced electron transfer (PET) PCR detecting 18srRNA as true positive, one-step had comparable sensitivity of 95.0% (88.7–98.4%) to nested exon 1, 99.0% (94.6–99.9%) and nested exon 2, 98.0% (93.0–99.8%), and comparable specificity 93.8% (69.8–99.8%) to nested exon 1 100.0% (79.4–100.0%) and nested exon 2, 100.0% (74.4–100.0%). Sequencing revealed that one step PCR does not amplify pfhrp3. Logistic regression models applied to measure the 95% level of detection of the one-step PCR in clinical isolates provided estimates of 133p/μL (95% confidence interval (CI): 3-793p/μL) for whole blood (WB) samples and 385p/μL (95% CI: 31–2133 p/μL) for dried blood spots (DBSs). When considering protocol attributes, the one-step PCR is less expensive, faster and more suitable for high throughput. In summary, we have developed a more accurate PCR method that may be ideal for the application of the WHO protocol for investigating pfhrp2 deletions in symptomatic individuals presenting to health care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Jones
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Williams Consulting, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Gireesh Subramaniam
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mateusz M. Plucinski
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- President’s Malaria Initiative, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Dhruviben Patel
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Williams Consulting, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jasmine Padilla
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Biotechnology Core Facilities Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michael Aidoo
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Eldin Talundzic
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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25
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Addai-Mensah O, Dinko B, Noagbe M, Ameke SL, Annani-Akollor ME, Owiredu EW, Mensah K, Tackie R, Togbe E, Agyare-Kwabi C, Gyasi C, Adu-Gyamfi C, Debrah AY. Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 diversity in Ghana. Malar J 2020; 19:256. [PMID: 32678034 PMCID: PMC7364488 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the absence of microscopy, Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich proteins 2 (PfHRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are recommended for the diagnosis of falciparum malaria, particularly in endemic regions. However, genetic variability of the pfhrp2 gene threatens the usefulness of the test due to its impact on RDT sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of pfhrp2 in malaria cases among children in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Adidome Government Hospital in the Volta Region of Ghana. A total of 50 children with mean age of 6.6 ± 3.5 years and diagnosed falciparum malaria were included. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count, malaria parasite identification and counting using auto analyzer and microscopy, respectively. DNA was isolated from blood-spotted Whatman filters, amplified and sequenced. Nucleotide sequences were translated in silico to corresponding amino acids and the deduced amino acids sequences were analyzed for diversity using Mega X. Results The number of repeats and number of each repeat within PfHRP2 varied between isolates. Twelve rare PfHRP2 repeat types, two of which are previously unreported, were identified in this study. The HRP2 sequence obtained in this study shared high similarities with isolates from Kenya. Using Baker’s regression model, Group B was the highest occurring type (58.0%). Screening of all sequences for epitopes recognized by PfHRP2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), the predominant motif was AHHAADAHH, which is recognized by the C1-13 mAbs. Conclusion This study reports diversity of P. falciparum HRP2 in samples from Ghanaian children with symptomatic malaria. The findings of this study highlight the existence of extra amino acid repeat types which adds to the PfHRP2 antigenic variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otchere Addai-Mensah
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, 00233, Ghana.
| | - Bismarck Dinko
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Mark Noagbe
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, 00233, Ghana
| | | | - Max Efui Annani-Akollor
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eddie-Williams Owiredu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kofi Mensah
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, 00233, Ghana
| | - Richmond Tackie
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Eliezer Togbe
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, 00233, Ghana
| | - Comfort Agyare-Kwabi
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Charles Gyasi
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, 00233, Ghana
| | - Constance Adu-Gyamfi
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, 00233, Ghana
| | - Alexander Yaw Debrah
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, 00233, Ghana
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26
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Chishimba S, Mwenda M, Mambwe B, Mulube C, Chalwe V, Moonga H, Hamainza B, Chizema-Kawesha E, Steketee RW, Domingo G, Fraser M, Kahn M, Pal S, Silumbe K, Conner RO, Bennett A, Porter TR, Eisele TP, Miller JM, Bridges DJ. Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Non- falciparum Infections by Photo-Induced Electron Transfer-PCR in a Longitudinal Cohort of Individuals Enrolled in a Mass Drug Administration Trial in Southern Province, Zambia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:82-89. [PMID: 32618252 PMCID: PMC7416980 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria burden in Zambia has significantly declined over the last decade because of improved coverage of several key malaria interventions (e.g., vector control, case management, bed net distributions, and enhanced surveillance/responses). Campaign-based mass drug administration (MDA) and focal MDA (fMDA) were assessed in a trial in Southern Province, Zambia, to identify its utility in elimination efforts. As part of the study, a longitudinal cohort was visited and tested (by PCR targeting the 18s rRNA and a Plasmodium falciparum–specific rapid diagnostic test [RDT] from SD Bioline) every month for the trial duration (18 months). Overall, there was high concordance (> 97%) between the PCR and RDT results, using the PCR as the gold standard. The RDTs had high specificity and negative predictive values (98.5% and 98.6%, respectively) but low sensitivity (53.0%) and a low positive predictive value (53.8%). There was evidence for persistent antigenemia affecting the low specificity of the RDT, while false-negative RDTs were associated with a lower parasite density than true positive RDTs. Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant species identified, with 98.3% of all positive samples containing P. falciparum. Of these, 97.5% were mono-infections and 0.8% coinfections with one other species. Plasmodium malariae was found in 1.4% of all positive samples (50% mono-infections and 50% coinfections with P. falciparum), whereas Plasmodium ovale was found in 1.1% of all positive samples (90% mono-infections and 10% coinfections with P. falciparum). Although MDA/fMDA appeared to reduce P. malariae prevalence, P. ovale prevalence appeared unchanged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Chishimba
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Mulenga Mwenda
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brenda Mambwe
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Conceptor Mulube
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Victor Chalwe
- Zambia Ministry of Health Provincial Medical Office, Mansa, Zambia
| | - Hawela Moonga
- National Malaria Elimination Centre, Zambia Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Busiku Hamainza
- National Malaria Elimination Centre, Zambia Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Richard W Steketee
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Seattle, Washington
| | - Gonzalo Domingo
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Seattle, Washington
| | - Maya Fraser
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Seattle, Washington
| | - Maria Kahn
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Seattle, Washington
| | - Sampa Pal
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Seattle, Washington
| | - Kafula Silumbe
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ruben O Conner
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Seattle, Washington
| | - Adam Bennett
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Global Health Group, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Travis R Porter
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Center for Applied Malaria Research and Evaluation, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Thomas P Eisele
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Center for Applied Malaria Research and Evaluation, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - John M Miller
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Daniel J Bridges
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), Lusaka, Zambia
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27
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Thomson R, Parr JB, Cheng Q, Chenet S, Perkins M, Cunningham J. Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum lacking histidine-rich proteins 2 and 3: a systematic review. Bull World Health Organ 2020; 98:558-568F. [PMID: 32773901 PMCID: PMC7411324 DOI: 10.2471/blt.20.250621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To calculate prevalence estimates and evaluate the quality of studies reporting Plasmodium falciparum lacking histidine-rich proteins 2 and 3, to inform an international response plan. Methods We searched five online databases, without language restriction, for articles reporting original data on Plasmodium falciparum-infected patients with deletions of the pfhrp2 and/or pfhrp3 genes (pfhrp2/3). We calculated prevalence estimates of pfhrp2/3 deletions and mapped the data by country. The denominator was all P. falciparum-positive samples testing positive by microscopy and confirmed positive by species-specific polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR). If microscopy was not performed, we used the number of samples based on a different diagnostic method or PCR alone. We scored studies for risk of bias and the quality of laboratory methods using a standardized scoring system. Findings A total of 38 articles reporting 55 studies from 32 countries and one territory worldwide were included in the review. We found considerable heterogeneity in the populations studied, methods used and estimated prevalence of P. falciparum parasites with pfhrp2/3 deletions. The derived prevalence of pfhrp2 deletions ranged from 0% to 100%, including focal areas in South America and Africa. Only three studies (5%) fulfilled all seven criteria for study quality. Conclusion The lack of representative surveys or consistency in study design impairs evaluations of the risk of false-negative results in malaria diagnosis due to pfhrp2/3 deletions. Accurate mapping and strengthened monitoring of the prevalence of pfhrp2/3 deletions is needed, along with harmonized methods that facilitate comparisons across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan B Parr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States of America
| | - Qin Cheng
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stella Chenet
- Instituto de Enfermedades Tropicales, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Mark Perkins
- Department of Emergency Preparedness, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jane Cunningham
- Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
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Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 and 3 Gene Deletions and Their Implications in Malaria Control. Diseases 2020; 8:diseases8020015. [PMID: 32443811 PMCID: PMC7349124 DOI: 10.3390/diseases8020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains the biggest threat to public health, especially among pregnant women and young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical for effective case management and detection of drug resistance. Conventionally, microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are the tools of choice for malaria diagnosis. RDTs are simple to use and have been extensively used in the diagnosis of malaria among travelers to malaria-endemic regions, routine case management, and surveillance studies. Most RDTs target the histidine-rich protein (PfHRP) which is exclusively found in Plasmodium falciparum and a metabolic enzyme Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) which is common among all Plasmodium species. Other RDTs incorporate the enzyme aldolase that is produced by all Plasmodium species. Recently, studies have reported false-negative RDTs primarily due to the deletion of the histidine-rich protein (pfhrp2 and pfhrp3) genes in field isolates of P. falciparum. Herein, we review published literature to establish pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions, the extent of these deletions in different geographical regions, and the implication in malaria control. We searched for publications on pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions and retrieved all publications that reported on this subject. Overall, 20 publications reported on pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions, and most of these studies were done in Central and South America, with very few in Asia and Africa. The few studies in Africa that reported on the occurrence of pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions rarely evaluated deletions on the flanking genes. More studies are required to evaluate the existence and extent of these gene deletions, whose presence may lead to delayed or missed treatment. This information will guide appropriate diagnostic approaches in the respective areas.
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Kojom LP, Singh V. Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum field isolates with deletions in histidine-rich protein 2 and 3 genes in context with sub-Saharan Africa and India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J 2020; 19:46. [PMID: 31992330 PMCID: PMC6986054 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, nearly 80% of malaria morbidity and mortality occurred in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries and India. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), especially those targeting histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) of Plasmodium falciparum, have become an important diagnostic tool in these malaria-endemic areas. However, the chances of RDT-oriented successful treatment are increasingly jeopardized by the appearance of mutants with deletions in pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes. This systematic review and meta-analysis determines the prevalence of field P. falciparum isolates with deletion in pfhrp2 and/or pfhrp3 genes and their proportion among false-negative results in the PfHRP2-based RDTs in SSA and India. METHODS Eight electronic databases were used for searching potentially relevant publications for the systematic review analysis, wherein the main methodological aspects of included studies were analysed and some missing links in the included studies were identified. RESULTS A total of 19 studies were included, 16 from SSA and 3 from India. The pooled prevalence of pfhrp2 deletions was 8 and 5% while 16 and 4% for pfhrp3 gene deletions in Africa and India, respectively. The pooled proportion of pfhrp2 gene deletions found among false negative PfHRP2-based RDTs results was about 27.0 and 69.0% in Africa and India, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This review study indicates a relatively high proportion of both pfhrp2/3 genes deletions in P. falciparum isolates and among false-negative malaria cases using PfHRP2-based RDT results in SSA and India. Recently the deletions in pfhrp2/3 genes have also been reported from two African countries (Nigeria and Sudan). This review emphasizes the importance of more extensive studies and standardization of studies addressing the pfhrp2/3 gene deletions in malarious areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loick P Kojom
- Cell Biology Laboratory and Malaria Parasite Bank, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Cell Biology Laboratory and Malaria Parasite Bank, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110077, India.
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30
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Dong Y, Liu S, Deng Y, Xu Y, Chen M, Liu Y, Xue J. Genetic polymorphism of histidine rich protein 2 in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from different infection sources in Yunnan Province, China. Malar J 2019; 18:446. [PMID: 31888663 PMCID: PMC6937805 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3084-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Failed diagnoses of some falciparum malaria cases by RDTs are constantly reported in recent years. Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhpr2) gene deficiency has been found to be the major reason of RDTs failure in many countries. This article analysed the deletion of pfhpr2 gene of falciparum malaria cases isolated in Yunnan Province, China. Methods Blood samples from falciparum malaria cases diagnosed in Yunnan Province were collected. Plasmodium genomic DNA was extracted and the pfhrp2 gene exon2 region was amplified via nested PCR. The haplotype of the DNA sequence, the nucleic acid diversity index (PI) and expected heterozygosity (He) were analyzed. Count PfHRP2 amino acid peptide sequence repeat and its times, and predict the properties of PfHRP2 peptide chain reaction to RDTs testing. Results A total of 306 blood samples were collected, 84.9% (259/306) from which pfhrp2 PCR amplification products (gene exon2) were obtained, while the remaining 47 samples were false amplification. The length of the 250 DNA sequences ranged from 345 - 927 bp, with 151 haplotypes, with PI and He values of 0.169 and 0.983, respectively. The length of the PfHRP2 peptide chain translated from 250 DNA sequences ranged from 115 to 309 aa. All peptide chains had more than an amino acid codon deletion. All 250 PfHRP2 strands ended with a type 12 amino acid repeat, 98.0% (245/250) started with a type 1 repetition and 2.0% (5/250) with a type 2 repetition. The detection rate for type 2 duplicates was 100% (250/250). Prediction of RDT sensitivity of PfHRP2 peptide chains based on type 2 and type 7 repeats showed that 9.60% (24/250), 50.0% (125/250), 13.20% (33/250) and 27.20.5% (68/250) of the 250 peptide chains were very sensitive, sensitive, borderline and non-sensitive, respectively. Conclusion The diversified polymorphism of the pfhrp2 gene deletion from different infection sources in the Yunnan province are extremely complex. The cause of the failure of pfhrp2 exon2 amplification is still to be investigated. The results of this study appeal to Yunnan Province for a timely evaluation of the effectiveness and applicability of RDTs in the diagnosis of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Dong
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory, Yunnan Centre of Malaria Research, Academician Workstation of Professor Jin Ningyi, Pu'er, 665000, China.
| | - Shuping Liu
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory, Yunnan Centre of Malaria Research, Academician Workstation of Professor Jin Ningyi, Pu'er, 665000, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Dali University, Dali, 667000, China
| | - Yan Deng
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory, Yunnan Centre of Malaria Research, Academician Workstation of Professor Jin Ningyi, Pu'er, 665000, China
| | - Yanchun Xu
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory, Yunnan Centre of Malaria Research, Academician Workstation of Professor Jin Ningyi, Pu'er, 665000, China
| | - Mengni Chen
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory, Yunnan Centre of Malaria Research, Academician Workstation of Professor Jin Ningyi, Pu'er, 665000, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases Control, Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory, Yunnan Centre of Malaria Research, Academician Workstation of Professor Jin Ningyi, Pu'er, 665000, China
| | - Jingpo Xue
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, China
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31
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Agaba BB, Yeka A, Nsobya S, Arinaitwe E, Nankabirwa J, Opigo J, Mbaka P, Lim CS, Kalyango JN, Karamagi C, Kamya MR. Systematic review of the status of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletion, approaches and methods used for its estimation and reporting in Plasmodium falciparum populations in Africa: review of published studies 2010-2019. Malar J 2019; 18:355. [PMID: 31694718 PMCID: PMC6836395 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2987-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria rapid diagnostic tests based on histidine-rich protein-2 have played a vital role in improving malaria case management and surveillance particularly in Africa, where Plasmodium falciparum is predominant. However, their usefulness has been threatened by the emergence of gene deletion on P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) and P. falciparum histidine rich protein 3 (pfhrp3). Use of standard and recommended methods is key for accurate investigation, confirmation and reporting of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletion. Methods A systematic review was conducted to assess the status, methods and approaches that have been used for investigation, confirmation and reporting of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletion in Africa. An online search was done using PubMed and MEDLINE Google Scholar for all articles published in English on pfhrp2/3 gene deletion in Africa. Relevant articles that met the inclusion criteria were summarized and assessed based on the protocol recommended by the World Health Organization for confirmation and reporting of pfhrp2/3 gene deletion. Results The search identified a total of 18 articles out of which 14 (77.7%) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion and were retained for review. The articles were distributed across 12 countries where the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletion studies were conducted and reported. The level of pfhrp2/3 gene deletion across selected studies in Africa ranged from the highest 62% to the lowest 0.4%. There was wide variation in methods and approaches including study designs, size and sampling and whether both pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 double deletions or pfhrp2 single deletion were investigated, with a wide variation in laboratory methods. Conclusion Based on the review, there is evidence of the presence of pfhrp2/3 gene-deleted P. falciparum parasites in Africa. The approaches and methods used for investigation, confirmation and reporting of pfhrp2/3 deleted parasites have varied between studies and across countries. Countries that are considering plans to investigate, confirm and report pfhrp2/3 deletion should use recommended standard and harmonized methods to prevent unnecessary recommendations for costly switch of RDTs in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosco B Agaba
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. .,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda. .,National Malaria Control Programme, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Adoke Yeka
- School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sam Nsobya
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Joaniter Nankabirwa
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jimmy Opigo
- National Malaria Control Programme, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Mbaka
- World Health Organization Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chae Seung Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joan N Kalyango
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Charles Karamagi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R Kamya
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
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Gupta H, Galatas B, Matambisso G, Nhamussua L, Cisteró P, Bassat Q, Casellas A, Macete E, Aponte JJ, Sacoor C, Alonso P, Saúte F, Guinovart C, Aide P, Mayor A. Differential expression of var subgroups and PfSir2a genes in afebrile Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a matched case-control study. Malar J 2019; 18:326. [PMID: 31547813 PMCID: PMC6755688 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2963-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poor knowledge on the afebrile Plasmodium falciparum biology limits elimination approaches to target asymptomatic malaria. Therefore, the association of parasite factors involved in cytoadhesion, parasite multiplication and gametocyte maturation with afebrile malaria was assessed. Methods Plasmodium falciparum isolates were collected from febrile (axillary temperature ≥ 37.5 °C or a reported fever in the previous 24 h) and afebrile (fever neither at the visit nor in the previous 24 h) individuals residing in Southern Mozambique. var, PfSir2a and Pfs25 transcript levels were determined by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCRs (RT-qPCRs) and compared among 61 pairs of isolates matched by parasite density, age and year of sample collection. Results The level of varC and PfSir2a transcripts was higher in P. falciparum isolates from afebrile individuals (P ≤ 0.006), while varB and DC8 genes (P ≤ 0.002) were higher in isolates from individuals with febrile infections. After adjusting the analysis by area of residence, doubling the relative transcript unit (RTU) of varC and PfSir2a was associated with a 29.7 (95% CI 4.6–192.3) and 8.5 (95% CI 1.9–32.2) fold increases, respectively, of the odds of being afebrile. In contrast, doubling the RTU of varB and DC8 was associated with a 0.8 (95% CI 0.05–0.6) and 0.2 (95% CI 0.04–0.6) fold changes, respectively, of the odds of being afebrile. No significant differences were found for Pfs25 transcript levels in P. falciparum isolates from afebrile and febrile individuals. Conclusions var and gametocyte-specific transcript patterns in febrile and afebrile infections from southern Mozambique matched by age, parasite density and recruitment period suggest similar transmissibility but differential expression of variant antigens involved in cytoadhesion and immune-evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Gupta
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Beatriz Galatas
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | | | - Lidia Nhamussua
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Pau Cisteró
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.,Pediatrics department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (University of Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aina Casellas
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - John J Aponte
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | | | - Pedro Alonso
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Francisco Saúte
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Caterina Guinovart
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Pedro Aide
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique.,National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
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Schindler T, Deal AC, Fink M, Guirou E, Moser KA, Mwakasungula SM, Mihayo MG, Jongo SA, Chaki PP, Abdulla S, Valverde PCM, Torres K, Bijeri JR, Silva JC, Hoffman SL, Gamboa D, Tanner M, Daubenberger C. A multiplex qPCR approach for detection of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions in multiple strain infections of Plasmodium falciparum. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13107. [PMID: 31511562 PMCID: PMC6739368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49389-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid and accurate diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection is an essential factor in malaria control. Currently, malaria diagnosis in the field depends heavily on using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) many of which detect circulating parasite-derived histidine-rich protein 2 antigen (PfHRP2) in capillary blood. P. falciparum strains lacking PfHRP2, due to pfhrp2 gene deletions, are an emerging threat to malaria control programs. The novel assay described here, named qHRP2/3-del, is well suited for high-throughput screening of P. falciparum isolates to identify these gene deletions. The qHRP2/3-del assay identified pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletion status correctly in 93.4% of samples with parasitemia levels higher than 5 parasites/µL when compared to nested PCR. The qHRP2/3-del assay can correctly identify pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions in multiple strain co-infections, particularly prevalent in Sub-Saharan countries. Deployment of this qHRP2/3-del assay will provide rapid insight into the prevalence and potential spread of P. falciparum isolates that escape surveillance by RDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schindler
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Anna C Deal
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martina Fink
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Etienne Guirou
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kara A Moser
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Solomon M Mwakasungula
- Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Michael G Mihayo
- Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Said A Jongo
- Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Prosper P Chaki
- Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Salim Abdulla
- Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Paulo C Manrique Valverde
- Laboratorios de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia & Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Alexander von Humboldt Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Katherine Torres
- Laboratorios de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia & Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Alexander von Humboldt Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jose R Bijeri
- Equatorial Guinea Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Joana C Silva
- Laboratorios de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia & Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Alexander von Humboldt Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Laboratorios de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofia & Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Alexander von Humboldt Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Daubenberger
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Assessing Performance of HRP2 Antigen Detection for Malaria Diagnosis in Mozambique. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.00875-19. [PMID: 31270184 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00875-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that detect the Plasmodium falciparum-specific histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) antigen are the primary methods for malaria diagnosis in Mozambique. However, these tests do not detect infections with non-falciparum malaria or Pfhrp2- and Pfhrp3-deleted P. falciparum parasites. To assess the appropriateness of conventional PfHRP2-only RDTs for malaria diagnosis in Mozambique, samples collected during a health facility survey conducted in three provinces of Mozambique were screened using antigen detection methods and further characterized by molecular techniques. Samples from 1,861 outpatients of all ages and symptoms attending 117 randomly selected public health facilities in 2018 were analyzed with an ultrasensitive bead-based immunoassay for the presence of PfHRP2, pan-Plasmodium aldolase (pAldo), and pan-Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH). The presence of PfHRP2 in patient blood detected using the bead-based assay was compared to the results of PfHRP2-based RDTs performed during the routine health facility consult and during the survey reexamination at the exit interview. Samples with discordant antigen profiles (negative for PfHRP2 but positive for pAldo and/or pLDH) were further characterized by photoinduced electron transfer PCR (PET-PCR). Using the bead-based laboratory assay as the gold standard, the sensitivities of the conventional RDTs administered during the routine health facility consult and the exit interview were 90% and 83%, respectively, and the specificities were 91% and 97%, respectively. Of 710 samples positive for at least one antigen, 704 (99.2%) were positive for PfHRP2. Six (0.8% of total) discordant samples lacked PfHRP2 but were positive for pAldo and/or pLDH; 3 of these (0.4% of total) were Plasmodium ovale monoinfections or coinfections where P. ovale was the dominant species. The remaining 3 discordant samples were negative by PET-PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of the conventional RDTs performed in the routine health facility consults and survey exit interviews were acceptable, and there was no evidence of Pfhrp2- and Pfhrp3-deleted parasites. Monoinfections with non-falciparum malaria species comprised <1% of the total malaria infections. Nearly all malaria antigen-positive patients had detectable PfHRP2, confirming that this antigen remains an appropriate malaria diagnostic target in the surveyed provinces.
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Watson OJ, Sumner KM, Janko M, Goel V, Winskill P, Slater HC, Ghani A, Meshnick SR, Parr JB. False-negative malaria rapid diagnostic test results and their impact on community-based malaria surveys in sub-Saharan Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001582. [PMID: 31406591 PMCID: PMC6666813 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Surveillance and diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria relies predominantly on rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). However, false-negative (FN) RDT results are known to occur for a variety of reasons, including operator error, poor storage conditions, pfhrp2/3 gene deletions, poor performance of specific RDT brands and lots, and low-parasite density infections. We used RDT and microscopy results from 85 000 children enrolled in Demographic Health Surveys and Malaria Indicator Surveys from 2009 to 2015 across 19 countries to explore the distribution of and risk factors for FN-RDTs in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria’s impact is greatest. We sought to (1) identify spatial and demographic patterns of FN-RDT results, defined as a negative RDT but positive gold standard microscopy test, and (2) estimate the percentage of infections missed within community-based malaria surveys due to FN-RDT results. Across all studies, 19.9% (95% CI 19.0% to 20.9%) of microscopy-positive subjects were negative by RDT. The distribution of FN-RDT results was spatially heterogeneous. The variance in FN-RDT results was best explained by the prevalence of malaria, with an increase in FN-RDT results observed at lower transmission intensities, among younger subjects, and in urban areas. The observed proportion of FN-RDT results was not predicted by differences in RDT brand or lot performance alone. These findings characterise how the probability of detection by RDTs varies in different transmission settings and emphasise the need for careful interpretation of prevalence estimates based on surveys employing RDTs alone. Further studies are needed to characterise the cost-effectiveness of improved malaria diagnostics (eg, PCR or highly sensitive RDTs) in community-based surveys, especially in regions of low transmission intensity or high urbanicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Watson
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kelsey Marie Sumner
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark Janko
- Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Varun Goel
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter Winskill
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah C Slater
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Azra Ghani
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jonathan B Parr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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36
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Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein (PfHRP2 and 3) diversity in Western and Coastal Kenya. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1709. [PMID: 30737461 PMCID: PMC6368535 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich proteins 2 (PfHRP2) based RDTs are advocated in falciparum malaria-endemic regions, particularly when quality microscopy is not available. However, diversity and any deletion in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes can affect the performance of PfHRP2-based RDTs. A total of 400 samples collected from uncomplicated malaria cases from Kenya were investigated for the amino acid repeat profiles in exon 2 of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes. In addition, PfHRP2 levels were measured in 96 individuals with uncomplicated malaria. We observed a unique distribution pattern of amino acid repeats both in the PfHRP2 and PfHRP3. 228 PfHRP2 and 124 PfHRP3 different amino acid sequences were identified. Of this, 214 (94%) PfHRP2 and 81 (65%) PfHRP3 amino acid sequences occurred only once. Thirty-nine new PfHRP2 and 20 new PfHRP3 amino acid repeat types were identified. PfHRP2 levels were not correlated with parasitemia or the number of PfHRP2 repeat types. This study shows the variability of PfHRP2, PfHRP3 and PfHRP2 concentration among uncomplicated malaria cases. These findings will be useful to understand the performance of PfHRP2-based RDTs in Kenya.
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Gendrot M, Fawaz R, Dormoi J, Madamet M, Pradines B. Genetic diversity and deletion of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 and 3: a threat to diagnosis of P. falciparum malaria. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 25:580-585. [PMID: 30267926 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PfHRP2-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), based on the recognition of the Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2, are currently the most used tests in malaria detection. Most of the antibodies used in RDTs also detect PfHRP3. However, false-negative results were reported. Significant variation in the pfhrp2 gene could lead to the expression of a modified protein that would no longer be recognized by the antibodies used in PfHRP2-based RDTs. Additionally, parasites lacking the PfHRP2 do not express the protein and are, therefore, not identifiable. AIMS This review aims to assess the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genetic variation or the prevalence of gene deletion in areas where malaria is endemic and describe its implications on RDT use. SOURCES Publications of interest were identified using PubMed, Google Scholar and Google. CONTENT More than 18 types of amino acid repeats were identified from the PfHRP2 sequences. Sequencing analysis revealed high-level genetic variation in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes (>90% of variation in Madagascar, Nigeria or Senegal) both within and between countries. However, genetic variation of PfHRP2 and PfHRP3 does not seem to be a major cause of false-negative results. The countries that showed the highest proportions of pfhrp2-negative parasites were Peru (20%-100%) and Guyana (41%) in South America, Ghana (36%) and Rwanda (23%) in Africa. High prevalence of pfhrp2 deletion causes a high rate of false-negatives results. IMPLICATIONS Presence of parasites lacking the pfhrp2 gene may pose a major threat to malaria control programmes because P. falciparum-infected individuals are not diagnosed and properly treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gendrot
- Unité Parasitologie et entomologie, Département de biologie des agents transmissibles, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - R Fawaz
- Ecole de santé des armées, Bron, France
| | - J Dormoi
- Unité Parasitologie et entomologie, Département de biologie des agents transmissibles, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - M Madamet
- Unité Parasitologie et entomologie, Département de biologie des agents transmissibles, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Centre national de référence du paludisme, Institut hospitalo-universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - B Pradines
- Unité Parasitologie et entomologie, Département de biologie des agents transmissibles, Institut de recherche biomédicale des armées, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; Centre national de référence du paludisme, Institut hospitalo-universitaire (IHU) Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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Fontecha G, Mejía RE, Banegas E, Ade MP, Mendoza L, Ortiz B, Sabillón I, Alvarado G, Matamoros G, Pinto A. Deletions of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes of Plasmodium falciparum from Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Malar J 2018; 17:320. [PMID: 30170596 PMCID: PMC6119307 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2470-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria remains a public health problem in some countries of Central America. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are one of the most useful tools to assist in the diagnosis of malaria in remote areas. Since its introduction, a wide variety of RDTs have been developed for the detection of different parasite antigens. PfHRP2 is the most targeted antigen for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum infections. Genetic mutations and gene deletions are important factors influencing or affecting the performance of rapid diagnostic tests. Methods In order to demonstrate the presence or absence of the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes and their flanking regions, a total of 128 blood samples from patients with P. falciparum infection from three Central American countries were analysed through nested or semi-nested PCR approaches. Results In total, 25.8 and 91.4% of the isolates lacked the region located between exon 1 and exon 2 of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes, respectively. Parasites from the three countries showed deletions of one or both genes. The highest proportion of pfhrp2 deletions was found in Nicaragua while the isolates from Guatemala revealed the lowest number of pfhrp2 deletions. Parasites collected from Honduras showed the highest proportion of phfrp3 absence (96.2%). Twenty-one percent of isolates were double negative mutants for the exon 1–2 segment of both genes, and 6.3% of isolates lacked the full-length coding region of both genes. Conclusions This study provides molecular evidence of the existence of P. falciparum isolates lacking the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes, and their flanking regions, in Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua. This finding could hinder progress in the control and elimination of malaria in Central America. Continuous evaluation of RDTs and molecular surveillance would be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Fontecha
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
| | - Rosa E Mejía
- Panamerican Health Organization, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Engels Banegas
- National Department of Surveillance, Ministry of Health, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | | | - Lisandro Mendoza
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Bryan Ortiz
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Isaac Sabillón
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Gerardo Alvarado
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Gabriela Matamoros
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Alejandra Pinto
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
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Parr JB, Anderson O, Juliano JJ, Meshnick SR. Streamlined, PCR-based testing for pfhrp2- and pfhrp3-negative Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2018; 17:137. [PMID: 29609602 PMCID: PMC5879555 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2287-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that detect histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) are used throughout Africa for the diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, recent reports indicate that parasites lacking the pfhrp2 and/or histidine-rich protein 3 (pfhrp3) genes, which produce antigens detected by these RDTs, are common in select regions of South America, Asia, and Africa. Proving the absence of a gene is challenging, and multiple PCR assays targeting these genes have been described. A detailed characterization and comparison of published assays is needed to facilitate robust and streamlined testing approaches. Results Among six pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 PCR assays tested, the lower limit of detection ranged from 0.01 pg/µL to 0.1 ng/µL of P. falciparum 3D7 strain DNA, or approximately 0.4–4000 parasite genomes/µL. By lowering the elongation temperature to 60 °C, a tenfold improvement in the limit of detection and/or darker bands for all exon 1 targets and for the first-round reaction of a single exon 2 target was achieved. Additionally, assays targeting exon 1 of either gene yielded spurious amplification of the paralogous gene. Using these data, an optimized testing algorithm for the detection of pfhrp2- and pfhrp3-negative P. falciparum is proposed. Conclusions Surveillance of pfhrp2- and pfhrp3-negative P. falciparum requires careful laboratory workflows. PCR-based testing methods coupled with microscopy and/or antigen testing serve as useful tools to support policy development. Standardized approaches to the detection of pfhrp2- and pfhrp3-negative P. falciparum should inform efforts to define the impact of these parasites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2287-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Parr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, 130 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Olivia Anderson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, 130 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Curriculum in Genetics and Microbiology, University of North Carolina, 321 South Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, 130 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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Gupta H, Matambisso G, Galatas B, Cisteró P, Nhamussua L, Simone W, Cunningham J, Rabinovich NR, Alonso P, Saute F, Aide P, Mayor A. Correction to: Molecular surveillance of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Mozambique. Malar J 2017; 16:464. [PMID: 29137629 PMCID: PMC5686941 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2111-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Gupta
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Matambisso
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Beatriz Galatas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pau Cisteró
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lidia Nhamussua
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Wilson Simone
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Jane Cunningham
- World Health Organization (WHO), Global Malaria Programme, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - N Regina Rabinovich
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pedro Alonso
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Francisco Saute
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Pedro Aide
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr. Int. Health Res. (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Carrer Rosselló 153 (CEK Building), 08036, Barcelona, Spain. .,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.
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