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Li J, Docile HJ, Fisher D, Pronyuk K, Zhao L. Current Status of Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Progress and Challenges. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2. [PMID: 38656731 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The African continent carries the greatest malaria burden in the world. Falciparum malaria especially has long been the leading cause of death in Africa. Climate, economic factors, geographical location, human intervention and unstable security are factors influencing malaria transmission. Due to repeated infections and early interventions, the proportion of clinically atypical malaria or asymptomatic plasmodium carriers has increased significantly, which easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. African countries have made certain progress in malaria control and elimination, including rapid diagnosis of malaria, promotion of mosquito nets and insecticides, intermittent prophylactic treatment in high-risk groups, artemisinin based combination therapies, and the development of vaccines. Between 2000 and 2022, there has been a 40% decrease in malaria incidence and a 60% reduction in mortality rate in the WHO African Region. However, many challenges are emerging in the fight against malaria in Africa, such as climate change, poverty, substandard health services and coverage, increased outdoor transmission and the emergence of new vectors, and the growing threat of resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides. Joint prevention and treatment, identifying molecular determinants of resistance, new drug development, expanding seasonal malaria chemo-prevention intervention population, and promoting the vaccination of RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M may help to solve the dilemma. China's experience in eliminating malaria is conducive to Africa's malaria prevention and control, and China-Africa cooperation needs to be constantly deepened and advanced. Our review aims to help the global public develop a comprehensive understanding of malaria in Africa, thereby contributing to malaria control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haragakiza Jean Docile
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of The Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khrystyna Pronyuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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Bianconi I, Aschbacher R, Pagani E. Current Uses and Future Perspectives of Genomic Technologies in Clinical Microbiology. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1580. [PMID: 37998782 PMCID: PMC10668849 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advancements in sequencing technology and data analytics have led to a transformative era in pathogen detection and typing. These developments not only expedite the process, but also render it more cost-effective. Genomic analyses of infectious diseases are swiftly becoming the standard for pathogen analysis and control. Additionally, national surveillance systems can derive substantial benefits from genomic data, as they offer profound insights into pathogen epidemiology and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global public health issue. While clinical laboratories have traditionally relied on culture-based antimicrobial susceptibility testing, the integration of genomic data into AMR analysis holds immense promise. Genomic-based AMR data can furnish swift, consistent, and highly accurate predictions of resistance phenotypes for specific strains or populations, all while contributing invaluable insights for surveillance. Moreover, genome sequencing assumes a pivotal role in the investigation of hospital outbreaks. It aids in the identification of infection sources, unveils genetic connections among isolates, and informs strategies for infection control. The One Health initiative, with its focus on the intricate interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment, seeks to develop comprehensive approaches for disease surveillance, control, and prevention. When integrated with epidemiological data from surveillance systems, genomic data can forecast the expansion of bacterial populations and species transmissions. Consequently, this provides profound insights into the evolution and genetic relationships of AMR in pathogens, hosts, and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Bianconi
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Provincial Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversitätvia Amba Alagi 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (R.A.); (E.P.)
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Penkova A, Kuziakova O, Gulaia V, Tiasto V, Goncharov NV, Lanskikh D, Zhmenia V, Baklanov I, Farniev V, Kumeiko V. Comprehensive clinical assays for molecular diagnostics of gliomas: the current state and future prospects. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1216102. [PMID: 37908227 PMCID: PMC10613994 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1216102] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most intractable types of cancer, due to delayed diagnosis at advanced stages. The clinical symptoms of glioma are unclear and due to a variety of glioma subtypes, available low-invasive testing is not effective enough to be introduced into routine medical laboratory practice. Therefore, recent advances in the clinical diagnosis of glioma have focused on liquid biopsy approaches that utilize a wide range of techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Among all techniques, NGS is the most advantageous diagnostic method. Despite the rapid cheapening of NGS experiments, the cost of such diagnostics remains high. Moreover, high-throughput diagnostics are not appropriate for molecular profiling of gliomas since patients with gliomas exhibit only a few diagnostic markers. In this review, we highlighted all available assays for glioma diagnosing for main pathogenic glioma DNA sequence alterations. In the present study, we reviewed the possibility of integrating routine molecular methods into the diagnosis of gliomas. We state that the development of an affordable assay covering all glioma genetic aberrations could enable early detection and improve patient outcomes. Moreover, the development of such molecular diagnostic kits could potentially be a good alternative to expensive NGS-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Penkova
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Olga Kuziakova
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Valeriia Gulaia
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Vladlena Tiasto
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Nikolay V. Goncharov
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
- A. V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, FEB RAS, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Daria Lanskikh
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Valeriia Zhmenia
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Ivan Baklanov
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
- A. V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, FEB RAS, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Vladislav Farniev
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Vadim Kumeiko
- Institute of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, Russia
- A. V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, FEB RAS, Vladivostok, Russia
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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Malaria Control in Africa: A Preliminary Analysis. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8010067. [PMID: 36668974 PMCID: PMC9863638 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8010067] [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] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a significant public health concern in Africa, and the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have negatively impacted malaria control. Here, we conducted a descriptive epidemiological analysis of malaria globally, and preliminarily explored the impact of COVID-19 on the malaria elimination program in regions of Africa (AFR). The present analysis found that there was a vast heterogeneity of incidence of deaths caused by malaria globally in different continents, and the highest malaria burden was observed in AFR. In 2020, there was an obviously increasing trend in the malaria epidemic in AFR, while the other four continents exhibited stable and declining patterns. Historically, malaria has been largely concentrated in high-malaria-burden regions, such as West Africa, and there has been an obvious increasing trend in Nigeria. These data suggest that dynamic changes in the malaria epidemic situation worldwide have primarily originated from AFR, and West Africa has played an important role in the global malaria increase in recent years. Under the coercion of COVID-19, multiple factors have co-driven the increase in malaria in AFR, including insufficient financial investments, a high native malaria burden, weak surveillance systems, limited medical resources, and low socioeconomic development levels. In addition, the shift of medical resources (e.g., health workers and personal protective equipment (PPE), the manufacturing of diagnostic reagents, and drugs) from malaria control to emergency COVID-19 response in the pandemic's early stage caused disruptions, reductions, and delays in pillar malaria control measures, leading to a significant negative impact on malaria control. In particular, a funding shortfall at both the international and domestic levels led to a "significant threat," resulting in vast gaps in access to proven malaria control tools. Although there has been a declining trend in malaria control over time due to COVID-19, the effect still cannot be ignored. Hence, we recommend the implementation of medical and technical resource assistance as a priority strategy to support Africa (West Africa) in order to curb further transmission.
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Mensah BA, Akyea-Bobi NE, Ghansah A. Genomic approaches for monitoring transmission dynamics of malaria: A case for malaria molecular surveillance in Sub-Saharan Africa. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:939291. [PMID: 38455324 PMCID: PMC10911004 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2022.939291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Transmission dynamics is an important indicator for malaria control and elimination. As we move closer to eliminating malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa (sSA), transmission indices with higher resolution (genomic approaches) will complement our current measurements of transmission. Most of the present programmatic knowledge of malaria transmission patterns are derived from assessments of epidemiologic and clinical data, such as case counts, parasitological estimates of parasite prevalence, and Entomological Inoculation Rates (EIR). However, to eliminate malaria from endemic areas, we need to track changes in the parasite population and how they will impact transmission. This is made possible through the evolving field of genomics and genetics, as well as the development of tools for more in-depth studies on the diversity of parasites and the complexity of infections, among other topics. If malaria elimination is to be achieved globally, country-specific elimination activities should be supported by parasite genomic data from regularly collected blood samples for diagnosis, surveillance and possibly from other programmatic interventions. This presents a unique opportunity to track the spread of malaria parasites and shed additional light on intervention efficacy. In this review, various genetic techniques are highlighted along with their significance for an enhanced understanding of transmission patterns in distinct topological settings throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. The importance of these methods and their limitations in malaria surveillance to guide control and elimination strategies, are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedicta A. Mensah
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nukunu E. Akyea-Bobi
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Akoniyon OP, Adewumi TS, Maharaj L, Oyegoke OO, Roux A, Adeleke MA, Maharaj R, Okpeku M. Whole Genome Sequencing Contributions and Challenges in Disease Reduction Focused on Malaria. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:587. [PMID: 35453786 PMCID: PMC9027812 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Malaria elimination remains an important goal that requires the adoption of sophisticated science and management strategies in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. The advent of next generation sequencing (NGS) is making whole genome sequencing (WGS) a standard today in the field of life sciences, as PCR genotyping and targeted sequencing provide insufficient information compared to the whole genome. Thus, adapting WGS approaches to malaria parasites is pertinent to studying the epidemiology of the disease, as different regions are at different phases in their malaria elimination agenda. Therefore, this review highlights the applications of WGS in disease management, challenges of WGS in controlling malaria parasites, and in furtherance, provides the roles of WGS in pursuit of malaria reduction and elimination. WGS has invaluable impacts in malaria research and has helped countries to reach elimination phase rapidly by providing required information needed to thwart transmission, pathology, and drug resistance. However, to eliminate malaria in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with high malaria transmission, we recommend that WGS machines should be readily available and affordable in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusegun Philip Akoniyon
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa; (O.P.A.); (T.S.A.); (L.M.); (O.O.O.); (A.R.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Taiye Samson Adewumi
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa; (O.P.A.); (T.S.A.); (L.M.); (O.O.O.); (A.R.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Leah Maharaj
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa; (O.P.A.); (T.S.A.); (L.M.); (O.O.O.); (A.R.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Olukunle Olugbenle Oyegoke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa; (O.P.A.); (T.S.A.); (L.M.); (O.O.O.); (A.R.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Alexandra Roux
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa; (O.P.A.); (T.S.A.); (L.M.); (O.O.O.); (A.R.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Matthew A. Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa; (O.P.A.); (T.S.A.); (L.M.); (O.O.O.); (A.R.); (M.A.A.)
| | - Rajendra Maharaj
- Office of Malaria Research, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa;
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa; (O.P.A.); (T.S.A.); (L.M.); (O.O.O.); (A.R.); (M.A.A.)
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Fernandez PW. Prostate Cancer Genomics Research Disparities in Africa: Advancing Knowledge in Resource Constrained Settings. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221095952. [PMID: 35475404 PMCID: PMC9087236 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221095952] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer disproportionately affects men of African descent and it is
estimated that Africa will bear the highest disease burden in the next decade.
Underlying genomic factors may contribute to prostate cancer disparities;
however, it is unclear whether Africa has prioritised genomics research toward
addressing these disparities. A Pubmed review was performed of publications
spanning a 15-year period, with specific focus on prostate cancer genomics
research that included samples from Africa and investigators in Africa. Data are
presented on research publications from Africa relative to similar publications
from different geographical regions, and more specifically, the extent of
disparities and the contributions to prostate cancer knowledge as a result of
genomics research that included African samples and African institutions.
Limited publication output may reflect the infrastructure and funding challenges
in Africa. Widespread cooperation should be fostered by sharing capacity and
leveraging existing expertise to address the growing cancer burden facing the
continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro W Fernandez
- Division of Urology, 26697Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Aydemir O, Mensah B, Marsh PW, Abuaku B, Myers-Hansen JL, Bailey JA, Ghansah A. Immediate pools of malaria infections at diagnosis combined with targeted deep sequencing accurately quantifies frequency of drug resistance mutations. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11794. [PMID: 34820155 PMCID: PMC8588852 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimalarial resistance surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa is often constrained by logistical and financial challenges limiting its breadth and frequency. At two sites in Ghana, we have piloted a streamlined sample pooling process created immediately by sequential addition of positive malaria cases at the time of diagnostic testing. This streamlined process involving a single tube minimized clinical and laboratory work and provided accurate frequencies of all known drug resistance mutations after high-throughput targeted sequencing using molecular inversion probes. Our study validates this method as a cost-efficient, accurate and highly-scalable approach for drug resistance mutation monitoring that can potentially be applied to other infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozkan Aydemir
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Benedicta Mensah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Patrick W Marsh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Benjamin Abuaku
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - James Leslie Myers-Hansen
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Anita Ghansah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Noviyanti R, Miotto O, Barry A, Marfurt J, Siegel S, Thuy-Nhien N, Quang HH, Anggraeni ND, Laihad F, Liu Y, Sumiwi ME, Trimarsanto H, Coutrier F, Fadila N, Ghanchi N, Johora FT, Puspitasari AM, Tavul L, Trianty L, Utami RAS, Wang D, Wangchuck K, Price RN, Auburn S. Implementing parasite genotyping into national surveillance frameworks: feedback from control programmes and researchers in the Asia-Pacific region. Malar J 2020; 19:271. [PMID: 32718342 PMCID: PMC7385952 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Asia-Pacific region faces formidable challenges in achieving malaria elimination by the proposed target in 2030. Molecular surveillance of Plasmodium parasites can provide important information on malaria transmission and adaptation, which can inform national malaria control programmes (NMCPs) in decision-making processes. In November 2019 a parasite genotyping workshop was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, to review molecular approaches for parasite surveillance and explore ways in which these tools can be integrated into public health systems and inform policy. The meeting was attended by 70 participants from 8 malaria-endemic countries and partners of the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network. The participants acknowledged the utility of multiple use cases for parasite genotyping including: quantifying the prevalence of drug resistant parasites, predicting risks of treatment failure, identifying major routes and reservoirs of infection, monitoring imported malaria and its contribution to local transmission, characterizing the origins and dynamics of malaria outbreaks, and estimating the frequency of Plasmodium vivax relapses. However, the priority of each use case varies with different endemic settings. Although a one-size-fits-all approach to molecular surveillance is unlikely to be applicable across the Asia-Pacific region, consensus on the spectrum of added-value activities will help support data sharing across national boundaries. Knowledge exchange is needed to establish local expertise in different laboratory-based methodologies and bioinformatics processes. Collaborative research involving local and international teams will help maximize the impact of analytical outputs on the operational needs of NMCPs. Research is also needed to explore the cost-effectiveness of genetic epidemiology for different use cases to help to leverage funding for wide-scale implementation. Engagement between NMCPs and local researchers will be critical throughout this process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivo Miotto
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Genomics and Global Health, Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alyssa Barry
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jutta Marfurt
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Sasha Siegel
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Nguyen Thuy-Nhien
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Huynh Hong Quang
- Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Quy Nhon, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Yaobao Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China
| | | | | | - Farah Coutrier
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nadia Fadila
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Najia Ghanchi
- Pathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fatema Tuj Johora
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Bangladesh Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Livingstone Tavul
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Leily Trianty
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Duoquan Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Kesang Wangchuck
- Royal Center for Disease Control, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Thimphu, Bhutan
| | - Ric N Price
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sarah Auburn
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Nsanzabana C. Strengthening Surveillance Systems for Malaria Elimination by Integrating Molecular and Genomic Data. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:E139. [PMID: 31816974 PMCID: PMC6958499 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4040139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented efforts in malaria control over the last 15 years have led to a substantial decrease in both morbidity and mortality in most endemic settings. However, these progresses have stalled over recent years, and resurgence may cause dramatic impact on both morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, elimination efforts are currently going on with the objective of reducing malaria morbidity and mortality by 90% and malaria elimination in at least 35 countries by 2030. Strengthening surveillance systems is of paramount importance to reach those targets, and the integration of molecular and genomic techniques into routine surveillance could substantially improve the quality and robustness of data. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) are increasingly available in malaria endemic countries, whereas others such as sequencing are already available in a few laboratories. However, sequencing, especially next-generation sequencing (NGS), requires sophisticated infrastructure with adequate computing power and highly trained personnel for data analysis that require substantial investment. Different techniques will be required for different applications, and cost-effective planning must ensure the appropriate use of available resources. The development of national and sub-regional reference laboratories could help in minimizing the resources required in terms of equipment and trained staff. Concerted efforts from different stakeholders at national, sub-regional, and global level are needed to develop the required framework to establish and maintain these reference laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nsanzabana
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; ; Tel.: +41-61-284-82-52
- University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
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