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Fola AA, He Q, Xie S, Thimmapuram J, Bhide KP, Dorman J, Ciubotariu II, Mwenda MC, Mambwe B, Mulube C, Hawela M, Norris DE, Moss WJ, Bridges DJ, Carpi G. Genomics reveals heterogeneous Plasmodium falciparum transmission and selection signals in Zambia. Commun Med (Lond) 2024; 4:67. [PMID: 38582941 PMCID: PMC10998850 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00498-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic surveillance is crucial for monitoring malaria transmission and understanding parasite adaptation to interventions. Zambia lacks prior nationwide efforts in malaria genomic surveillance among African countries. METHODS We conducted genomic surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum parasites from the 2018 Malaria Indicator Survey in Zambia, a nationally representative household survey of children under five years of age. We whole-genome sequenced and analyzed 241 P. falciparum genomes from regions with varying levels of malaria transmission across Zambia and estimated genetic metrics that are informative about transmission intensity, genetic relatedness between parasites, and selection. RESULTS We provide genomic evidence of widespread within-host polygenomic infections, regardless of epidemiological characteristics, underscoring the extensive and ongoing endemic malaria transmission in Zambia. Our analysis reveals country-level clustering of parasites from Zambia and neighboring regions, with distinct separation in West Africa. Within Zambia, identity by descent (IBD) relatedness analysis uncovers local spatial clustering and rare cases of long-distance sharing of closely related parasite pairs. Genomic regions with large shared IBD segments and strong positive selection signatures implicate genes involved in sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and artemisinin combination therapies drug resistance, but no signature related to chloroquine resistance. Furthermore, differences in selection signatures, including drug resistance loci, are observed between eastern and western Zambian parasite populations, suggesting variable transmission intensity and ongoing drug pressure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings enhance our understanding of nationwide P. falciparum transmission in Zambia, establishing a baseline for analyzing parasite genetic metrics as they vary over time and space. These insights highlight the urgency of strengthening malaria control programs and surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe A Fola
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Qixin He
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Shaojun Xie
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jyothi Thimmapuram
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Ketaki P Bhide
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jack Dorman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Ilinca I Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Mulenga C Mwenda
- PATH-MACEPA, National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brenda Mambwe
- PATH-MACEPA, National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Conceptor Mulube
- PATH-MACEPA, National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moonga Hawela
- PATH-MACEPA, National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Douglas E Norris
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William J Moss
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology, & Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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Fola AA, He Q, Xie S, Thimmapuram J, Bhide KP, Dorman J, Ciubotariu II, Mwenda MC, Mambwe B, Mulube C, Hawela M, Norris DE, Moss WJ, Bridges DJ, Carpi G. Genomics reveals heterogeneous Plasmodium falciparum transmission and population differentiation in Zambia and bordering countries. medRxiv 2024:2024.02.09.24302570. [PMID: 38370674 PMCID: PMC10871455 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.09.24302570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Genomic surveillance plays a critical role in monitoring malaria transmission and understanding how the parasite adapts in response to interventions. We conducted genomic surveillance of malaria by sequencing 241 Plasmodium falciparum genomes from regions with varying levels of malaria transmission across Zambia. We found genomic evidence of high levels of within-host polygenomic infections, regardless of epidemiological characteristics, underscoring the extensive and ongoing endemic malaria transmission in the country. We identified country-level clustering of parasites from Zambia and neighboring countries, and distinct clustering of parasites from West Africa. Within Zambia, our identity by descent (IBD) relatedness analysis uncovered spatial clustering of closely related parasite pairs at the local level and rare cases of long-distance sharing. Genomic regions with large shared IBD segments and strong positive selection signatures identified genes involved in sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and artemisinin combination therapies drug resistance, but no signature related to chloroquine resistance. Together, our findings enhance our understanding of P. falciparum transmission nationwide in Zambia and highlight the urgency of strengthening malaria control programs and surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe A. Fola
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Qixin He
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Shaojun Xie
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jyothi Thimmapuram
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Ketaki P. Bhide
- Bioinformatics Core, Purdue University, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jack Dorman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | | | - Brenda Mambwe
- PATH-MACEPA, National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Conceptor Mulube
- PATH-MACEPA, National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moonga Hawela
- PATH-MACEPA, National Malaria Elimination Centre, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Douglas E. Norris
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William J. Moss
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology, & Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Ciubotariu II, Wilkes RP, Kattoor JJ, Christian EN, Carpi G, Kitchen A. Investigating the rise of Omicron variant through genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a highly vaccinated university population. Microb Genom 2024; 10:001194. [PMID: 38334271 PMCID: PMC10926704 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to emerge as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic extends into its fourth year. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 circulation in university populations is vital for effective interventions in higher education settings and will inform public health policy during pandemics. In this study, we generated 793 whole-genome sequences collected over an entire academic year in a university population in Indiana, USA. We clearly captured the rapidity with which Delta variant was wholly replaced by Omicron variant across the West Lafayette campus over the length of two academic semesters in a community with high vaccination rates. This mirrored the emergence of Omicron throughout the state of Indiana and the USA. Further, phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that there was a more diverse set of potential geographic origins for Omicron viruses introduction into campus when compared to Delta. Lastly, statistics indicated that there was a more significant role for international and out-of-state migration in the establishment of Omicron variants at Purdue. This surveillance workflow, coupled with viral genomic sequencing and phylogeographic analyses, provided critical insights into SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and variant arrival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca I. Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Rebecca P. Wilkes
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Jobin J. Kattoor
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Erin N. Christian
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Andrew Kitchen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Ciubotariu II, Monroe A, Williams NA, Ogoma SB, Okumu F. Ifakara MasterClasses: lessons from leading experts on the battle against malaria. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:607-614. [PMID: 37331883 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca I Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - April Monroe
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, USA; Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.
| | - Nana Aba Williams
- MESA Alliance, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain; Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Ciubotariu II, Bosch G. Teaching students to R3eason, not merely to solve problem sets: The role of philosophy and visual data communication in accessible data science education. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011160. [PMID: 37289659 PMCID: PMC10249832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Much guidance on statistical training in STEM fields has been focused largely on the undergraduate cohort, with graduate education often being absent from the equation. Training in quantitative methods and reasoning is critical for graduate students in biomedical and science programs to foster reproducible and responsible research practices. We argue that graduate student education should more center around fundamental reasoning and integration skills rather than mainly on listing 1 statistical test method after the other without conveying the bigger context picture or critical argumentation skills that will enable student to improve research integrity through rigorous practice. Herein, we describe the approach we take in a quantitative reasoning course in the R3 program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with an error-focused lens, based on visualization and communication competencies. Specifically, we take this perspective stemming from the discussed causes of irreproducibility and apply it specifically to the many aspects of good statistical practice in science, ranging from experimental design to data collection and analysis, and conclusions drawn from the data. We also provide tips and guidelines for the implementation and adaptation of our course material to various graduate biomedical and STEM science programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca I. Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, R Center for Innovation in Science Education, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gundula Bosch
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, R Center for Innovation in Science Education, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Ciubotariu II, Dorman J, Perry NM, Gorenstein L, Kattoor JJ, Fola AA, Zine A, Hendrix GK, Wilkes RP, Kitchen A, Carpi G. Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in a university community: insights into tracking variants, transmission, and spread of Gamma (P.1) variant. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac268. [PMID: 35818365 PMCID: PMC9213861 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Using a combination of data from routine surveillance, genomic sequencing, and phylogeographic analysis we tracked the spread and introduction events of SARS-CoV-2 variants focusing on a large university community.
Methods
Here, we sequenced and analyzed 677 high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomes from positive RNA samples collected from Purdue University students, faculty, and staff who tested positive for the virus between January 2021 and May 2021, comprising an average of 32% of weekly cases across the time frame.
Results
Our analysis of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants over time revealed periods when Variant of Concern (VOC) Alpha (B.1.1.7) and Iota (B.1.526) reached rapid dominance and documented that VOC Gamma (P.1) was increasing in frequency as campus surveillance was ending. Phylodynamic analysis of Gamma genomes from campus alongside a subsampling of >20,000 previously published P.1 genomes revealed ten independent introductions of this variant into the Purdue community, predominantly from elsewhere in the United States, with introductions from within the state of Indiana and from Illinois, and possibly Washington and New York, suggesting a degree of domestic spread.
Conclusions
We conclude that a robust and sustained active and passive surveillance program coupled with genomic sequencing during a pandemic offers important insights into the dynamics of pathogen arrival and spread in a campus community and can help guide mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca I. Ciubotariu
- Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Jack Dorman
- Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Nicole M. Perry
- Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Lev Gorenstein
- Purdue University Information Technology Research Computing, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Jobin J. Kattoor
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Comparative Biology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Abebe A. Fola
- Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Amy Zine
- University of Iowa Department of Anthropology, , Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - G. Kenitra Hendrix
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Comparative Biology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Rebecca P. Wilkes
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Comparative Biology, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
| | - Andrew Kitchen
- University of Iowa Department of Anthropology, , Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- Purdue University Department of Biological Sciences, , West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute of Inflammation , Immunology and Infectious Disease, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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7
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Ciubotariu II, Bosch G. Improving research integrity: a framework for responsible science communication. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:177. [PMID: 35570294 PMCID: PMC9107633 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06065-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractResearch integrity, an essential precept of scientific inquiry and discovery, comprises norms such as Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility (the 3R’s). Over the past decades, numerous issues have arisen that challenge the reliability of scientific studies, including irreproducibility crises, lack of good scientific principles, and erroneous communications, which have impacted the public’s trust in science and its findings. Here, we highlight one important component of research integrity that is often overlooked in the discussion of proposals for improving research quality and promoting robust research; one that spans from the lab bench to the dissemination of scientific work: responsible science communication. We briefly outline the role of education and institutions of higher education in teaching the tenets of good scientific practice and within that, the importance of adequate communications training. In that context, we present our framework of responsible science communication that we live by and teach to our students in courses and workshops that are part of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health R3 Center for Innovation in Science Education.
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Jones CM, Ciubotariu II, Muleba M, Lupiya J, Mbewe D, Simubali L, Mudenda T, Gebhardt ME, Carpi G, Malcolm AN, Kosinski KJ, Romero-Weaver AL, Stevenson JC, Lee Y, Norris DE. Multiple Novel Clades of Anopheline Mosquitoes Caught Outdoors in Northern Zambia. Front Trop Dis 2021; 2. [PMID: 35983564 PMCID: PMC9384971 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.780664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Residual vector populations that do not come in contact with the most frequently utilized indoor-directed interventions present major challenges to global malaria eradication. Many of these residual populations are mosquito species about which little is known. As part of a study to assess the threat of outdoor exposure to malaria mosquitoes within the Southern and Central Africa International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research, foraging female anophelines were collected outside households in Nchelenge District, northern Zambia. These anophelines proved to be more diverse than had previously been reported in the area. In order to further characterize the anopheline species, sequencing and phylogenetic approaches were utilized. Anopheline mosquitoes were collected from outdoor light traps, morphologically identified, and sent to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for sequencing. Sanger sequencing from 115 field-derived samples yielded mitochondrial COI sequences, which were aligned with a homologous 488 bp gene segment from known anophelines (n = 140) retrieved from NCBI. Nuclear ITS2 sequences (n = 57) for at least one individual from each unique COI clade were generated and compared against NCBI’s nucleotide BLAST database to provide additional evidence for taxonomical identity and structure. Molecular and morphological data were combined for assignment of species or higher taxonomy. Twelve phylogenetic groups were characterized from the COI and ITS2 sequence data, including the primary vector species Anopheles funestus s.s. and An. gambiae s.s. An unexpectedly large proportion of the field collections were identified as An. coustani and An. sp. 6. Six phylogenetic groups remain unidentified to species-level. Outdoor collections of anopheline mosquitoes in areas frequented by people in Nchelenge, northern Zambia, proved to be extremely diverse. Morphological misidentification and underrepresentation of some anopheline species in sequence databases confound efforts to confirm identity of potential malaria vector species. The large number of unidentified anophelines could compromise the malaria vector surveillance and malaria control efforts not only in northern Zambia but other places where surveillance and control are focused on indoor-foraging and resting anophelines. Therefore, it is critical to continue development of methodologies that allow better identification of these populations and revisiting and cleaning current genomic databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Jones
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ilinca I. Ciubotariu
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - James Lupiya
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia
| | - David Mbewe
- Tropical Diseases Research Centre, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | | | - Mary E. Gebhardt
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Ashley N. Malcolm
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
| | - Kyle J. Kosinski
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
| | - Ana L. Romero-Weaver
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
| | - Jennifer C. Stevenson
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yoosook Lee
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, United States
- Correspondence: Yoosook Lee, ; Douglas E. Norris,
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Mwenda MC, Fola AA, Ciubotariu II, Mulube C, Mambwe B, Kasaro R, Hawela MB, Hamainza B, Miller JM, Carpi G, Bridges DJ. Performance evaluation of RDT, light microscopy, and PET-PCR for detecting Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections in the 2018 Zambia National Malaria Indicator Survey. Malar J 2021; 20:386. [PMID: 34583692 PMCID: PMC8477358 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03917-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Zambia continues to advance on the path to elimination with significant reductions in malaria morbidity and mortality. Crucial components that have contributed to progress thus far and are necessary for achieving the national malaria elimination goals include properly identifying and treating all malaria cases through accurate diagnosis. This study sought to compare and assess the diagnostic performance of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) and Light Microscopy (LM) with photo-induced electron transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR) as the gold standard using 2018 Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) data across Zambia to better understand diagnostic accuracy metrics and how these vary across a transmission gradient. Methods Cross-sectional samples collected in a nationally representative survey from 7 provinces in Zambia were tested for the presence of malaria parasites by light microscopy (LM), rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and the gold standard PET-PCR. Diagnostic performance was assessed including sensitivity, specificity, negative- and positive-predictive values across a wide malaria transmission spectrum. Diagnostic accuracy metrics were measured, and statistically significant differences were calculated between test methods for different outcome variables. Results From the individuals included in the MIS, the overall prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was 32.9% by RDT, 19.4% by LM, and 23.2% by PET-PCR. Herein, RDT and LM diagnostic performance was compared against gold standard PET-PCR with LM displaying a higher diagnostic accuracy than RDTs (91.3% vs. 84.6% respectively) across the transmission spectrum in Zambia. However, the performance of both diagnostics was significantly reduced in low parasitaemia samples. Consistent with previous studies, RDT diagnostic accuracy was predominantly affected by a high rate of false positives. Conclusions RDTs and LM both perform well across a range of transmission intensities within their respective target applications, i.e., in the community, for the former, where ease of use and speed of result is critical, and at the health facility, for the latter, where accuracy is prioritized. However, the performance of both diagnostic methods is adversely affected by low parasitaemia infections. As Zambia moves towards elimination more sensitive tools may be required to identify the last cases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03917-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulenga C Mwenda
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Abebe A Fola
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Ilinca I Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Conceptor Mulube
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Brenda Mambwe
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Rachael Kasaro
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moonga B Hawela
- National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Hospital and College Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Busiku Hamainza
- National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Hospital and College Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - John M Miller
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.,Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Indiana, USA
| | - Daniel J Bridges
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia.
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Mulenga MC, Sitali L, Ciubotariu II, Hawela MB, Hamainza B, Chipeta J, Mharakurwa S. Decreased prevalence of the Plasmodium falciparum Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr1 and N86Y mutations post-chloroquine treatment withdrawal in Katete District, Eastern Zambia. Malar J 2021; 20:329. [PMID: 34320992 PMCID: PMC8317340 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03859-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2002, Zambia withdrew chloroquine as first-line treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria due to increased treatment failure and worldwide spread of chloroquine resistance. The artemisinin combination regimen, artemether–lumefantrine, replaced chloroquine (CQ) as first choice malaria treatment. The present study determined the prevalence of CQ resistance molecular markers in the Pfcrt and Pfmdr1 genes in Eastern Zambia at 9 and 13 years after the removal of drug pressure. Methods Samples collected from Katete District during the drug therapeutic efficacy assessments conducted in 2012 and 2016 were assayed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) to determine the prevalence of genetic mutations, K76T on the Pfcrt gene and N86Y on the Pfmdr1 gene. A total of 204 P. falciparum-positive DBS samples collected at these two time points were further analysed. Results Among the samples analysed for Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr1 N86Y in the present study, 112 (82.4%) P. falciparum-infected samples collected in 2012 were successfully amplified for Pfcrt and 94 (69.1%) for Pfmdr1, while 69 (65.7%) and 72 (68.6%) samples from 2016 were successfully amplified for Pfcrt and Pfmdr1, respectively. In 2012, the prevalence of Pfcrt 76K (sensitive) was 97.3%, 76T (resistant) was 1.8%, and 0.8% had both 76K and 76T codons (mixed). Similarly in 2012, the prevalence of Pfmdr1 86N (sensitive) was 97.9% and 86Y (resistant) was 2.1%. In the 2016 samples, the prevalence of the respective samples was 100% Pfcrt 76K and Pfmdr1 86N. Conclusion This study shows that there was a complete recovery of chloroquine-sensitive parasites by 2016 in Katete District, Eastern Zambia, 13 years following the withdrawal of CQ in the country. These findings add to the body of evidence for a fitness cost in CQ-resistant P. falciparum in Zambia and elsewhere. Further studies are recommended to monitor resistance countrywide and explore the feasibility of integration of the former best anti-malarial in combination therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwenda C Mulenga
- PATH Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa (MACEPA), National Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia.
| | - Lungowe Sitali
- School of Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Department, Ridgeway campus, Lusaka, Zambia.,School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ilinca I Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Moonga B Hawela
- Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Hospital and College Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Busiku Hamainza
- Malaria Elimination Centre, Ministry of Health, Chainama Hospital and College Grounds, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - James Chipeta
- School of Medicine, University Teaching Hospital Malaria Research Unit (SMUTH-MRU), Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sungano Mharakurwa
- College of Health, Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe
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11
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Hoffman JE, Ciubotariu II, Simubali L, Mudenda T, Moss WJ, Carpi G, Norris DE, Stevenson JC. Phylogenetic Complexity of Morphologically Identified Anopheles squamosus in Southern Zambia. Insects 2021; 12:insects12020146. [PMID: 33567609 PMCID: PMC7915044 DOI: 10.3390/insects12020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite dramatic reductions in malaria cases in the catchment area of Macha Hospital, Choma District, Southern Province in Zambia, prevalence has remained near 1-2% by RDT for the past several years. To investigate residual malaria transmission in the area, this study focuses on the relative abundance, foraging behavior, and phylogenetic relationships of Anopheles squamosus specimens. In 2011, higher than expected rates of anthropophily were observed among "zoophilic" An. squamosus, a species that had sporadically been found to contain Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites. The importance of An. squamosus in the region was reaffirmed in 2016 when P. falciparum sporozoites were detected in numerous An. squamosus specimens. This study analyzed Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light trap collections of adult mosquitoes from two collection schemes: one performed as part of a reactive-test-and-treat program and the second performed along a geographical transect. Morphological identification, molecular verification of anopheline species, and blood meal source were determined on individual samples. Data from these collections supported earlier studies demonstrating An. squamosus to be primarily exophagic and zoophilic, allowing them to evade current control measures. The phylogenetic relationships generated from the specimens in this study illustrate the existence of well supported clade structure among An. squamosus specimens, which further emphasizes the importance of molecular identification of vectors. The primarily exophagic behavior of An. squamosus in these collections also highlights that indoor vector control strategies will not be sufficient for elimination of malaria in southern Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan E. Hoffman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Ilinca I. Ciubotariu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (I.I.C.); (G.C.)
| | | | - Twig Mudenda
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia; (L.S.); (T.M.); (J.C.S.)
| | - William J. Moss
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (I.I.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Douglas E. Norris
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-614-2710
| | - Jennifer C. Stevenson
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia; (L.S.); (T.M.); (J.C.S.)
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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12
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Ciubotariu II, Jones CM, Kobayashi T, Bobanga T, Muleba M, Pringle JC, Stevenson JC, Carpi G, Norris DE. Genetic Diversity of Anopheles coustani (Diptera: Culicidae) in Malaria Transmission Foci in Southern and Central Africa. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:1782-1792. [PMID: 32614047 PMCID: PMC7899271 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite ongoing malaria control efforts implemented throughout sub-Saharan Africa, malaria remains an enormous public health concern. Current interventions such as indoor residual spraying with insecticides and use of insecticide-treated bed nets are aimed at targeting the key malaria vectors that are primarily endophagic and endophilic. Anopheles coustani s.l., an understudied vector of malaria, is a species previously thought to exhibit mostly zoophilic behavior. Like many of these understudied species, An. coustani has greater anthropophilic tendencies than previously appreciated, is often both endophagic and exophagic, and carries Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites. The aim of this study was to explore genetic variation of An. coustani mosquitoes and the potential of this species to contribute to malaria parasite transmission in high transmission settings in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Morphologically identified An. coustani specimens that were trapped outdoors in these study sites were analyzed by PCR and sequencing for species identification and bloodmeal sources, and malaria parasite infection was determined by ELISA and qPCR. Fifty An. coustani s.s. specimens were confirmed by analysis of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2). Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis of COI and ITS2 sequences revealed two distinct phylogenetic groups within this relatively small regional collection. Our findings indicate that both An. coustani groups have anthropophilic and exophagic habits and come into frequent contact with P. falciparum, suggesting that this potential alternative malaria vector might elude current vector control measures in northern Zambia and southern DRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilinca I Ciubotariu
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Christine M Jones
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Tamaki Kobayashi
- The Department of Epidemiology, Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thierry Bobanga
- The Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Université Protestante au Congo, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- The Department of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | | | - Julia C Pringle
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jennifer C Stevenson
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Douglas E Norris
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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