Plasmodium Falciparum Infection Research Articles

An imported malaria case with repeated episodes of neurological syndromes resulting from different Plasmodium species

BackgroundImported cerebral malaria (CM) cases in non-endemic areas are often misdiagnosed, which delays treatment. Post-malaria neurological syndrome (PMNS) after recovery from severe malaria can also complicate diagnosis.CaseWe report an imported malaria case from West Africa with two sequential episodes with neurological syndromes within about a month. The first episode was diagnosed as CM with microscopy-positive Plasmodium falciparum infection. The second episode, occurring a month after the recovery from the first CM episode, was consistent with PMNS, since malaria parasites were not detected by microscopy in peripheral blood smears. However, this diagnosis was complicated by the detection of Plasmodium vivax in peripheral blood by PCR, suggesting a potential cause of the second episode by P. vivax.ConclusionThis study suggests that PMNS often occurs after severe falciparum malaria. Concurrent P. vivax infection with pathogenic biomass being predominantly extravascular further complicates accurate diagnosis.

Prevalence and correlates of malaria and undernutrition among acutely febrile children visiting temporary malaria screening sites in war-torn areas of Northeast Ethiopia.

Malaria and undernutrition pose challenges for children in conflict-affected areas. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for these issues in war-torn communities is important to effectively design aid efforts and select interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of malaria and undernutrition among febrile children in northeast Ethiopia to help address these problems. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023. Four hundred twenty-two children were enrolled using a systematic random sampling technique. Data on associated factor variables were collected via questionnaire. Capillary blood samples were collected from each child to prepare thick and thin blood films, which were stained with Giemsa and examined microscopically. Height and weight measurements were also taken using a meter and a standard calibrated balance. The data were analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression to determine associations between correlates, malaria infection, and undernutrition. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The overall malaria prevalence among screened children at temporary sites in the conflict-affected areas of Northeast Ethiopia was 65.9% (278/422). Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infections accounted for 74.1%, 19.8%, and 6.1% of the cases, respectively. The presence of stagnant water (P<0.01), improper utilization of ITN, inadequate number of ITNs per family size (P<0.01), and absence of environmental management (P<0.01) were independent predictors of malaria. On the other hand, the overall undernutrition prevalence was 54.7% (231/422), including 26.5% underweight, 16.8% stunted, and 11.4% wasted. Dietary diversity score (P<0.01), meal frequency (P<0.01), and confirmed malaria infection (P<0.01) were significantly associated with underlnutrition. Both malaria and undernutrition burdens were high among the children in this study. The findings suggest combined prevention measures for malaria and undernutrition should be strengthened in this region.

PARACENTRAL ACUTE MIDDLE MACULOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH SEVERE PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA.

To report a case of bilateral paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) lesions on spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) secondary to severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Retrospective case report. SD-OCT, ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography, and OCT-angiography were performed and analysed. A 54-year-old healthy man presented with acute vision loss in both eyes few days after being diagnosed with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Ophthalmoscopic examination was unremarkable but near-infrared reflectance imaging showed patchy hyporeflective areas located at the terminal tips of the venous branches. Corresponding SD-OCT demonstrated alternating bands of hyperreflectivity involving the inner nuclear layer and consistent with skip PAMM lesions. OCT-angiography illustrated corresponding flow signal loss at the level of the deep capillary plexus. Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography showed peripheral retinal vein staining and capillary non-perfusion. PAMM may be an OCT manifestation of malaria retinopathy associated with severe Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Covid-19 and Malaria Co-Infection in Imo State, Nigeria: A Descriptive Seroprevalence Study

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and malaria syndemic poses colossal challenge in prompt diagnosis and effective management of both infections especially in tropical regions. Therefore, this survey was conducted in order to ascertain the seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibodies and malaria parasite in a Federal University of Technology Owerri, located in the south-eastern part of Nigeria, shortly after the waves of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The study was carried out among staff and students in the School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria within the age range of twenty-one (21) and above.&#x0D; Method: A total of 600 randomly selected participants (400 students and 200 staff) who had provided informed consent, were randomly selected from the School of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology Owerri. Questionnaires were administered to collect data on respondents’ demographics and clinical history. Then, blood samples were aseptically collected by needle prick and tested for COVID-19 and malaria using the SARS-COV-2 IgM/IgG antibody test kit and the malaria test kit (Malaria Pf (HRP2) respectively.&#x0D; Results: Malaria and COVID-19 co-infection rates observed among the staff and students in this survey were 5% and 1.8% respectively. Out of the 200 staff tested in this study, 45(22.5%) were IgG positive, 0(0%) were positive for IgM while 10(5%) tested positive to malaria parasite. Although, all IgG positives were junior staff. Then, amongst the 400 students tested, 37(9.25%) tested positive for IgG while none (0%) were IgM positive but, 62(15.5%) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum infection. The interrelated symptoms of malaria and COVID-19 mostly observed in our respondents were fever, headache and fatigue.&#x0D; Conclusion: Results from this study further explained that the level of co-infection prevalence varies directly with the level of malaria prevalence and vice versa.

Out of Africa: Increasing reports of artemether-lumefantrine treatment failures of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Studies of travellers returning from Africa with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infection are starting to provide signals of failure of artemether-lumefantrine, a first-line treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Traveller-based reports offer an important adjunct to antimalarial efficacy studies performed in endemic regions.

Malaria prevalence and associated factors among symptomatic children aged under five years attending Sheko District Health Center, Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five worldwide. Although various malaria elimination measures have been implemented over the past decades, malaria remains a serious threat to public health, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Ethiopia has set targets for eliminating malaria by 2030. No research has been conducted in the study area concerning malaria among children, who are the most malaria-prone segment of a community. The purpose of this study was to assess malaria prevalence and the factors associated with it among children under five years of age who attended the Sheko Health Center, Southwest Ethiopia, from June 1 to October 30, 2022. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed from June 1 to October 30, 2022, at the Sheko Health Center. Capillary blood samples were collected from 286 randomly selected symptomatic children. Data on socio-demographics and associated factors were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, and data on parents' and guardians' knowledge about malaria was recorded on Excel 2016 Spreadsheets after interviewing them, and their responses were presented by a frequency table. Data were entered into Epi Data Manager (v4.0.2.101) and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Associated factors of malaria were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Overall, 23.4% (95% CI = 18.6-28.8%) malaria infection was recorded among the children whose blood samples were examined, with Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and mixed infections (both species) representing 52.2%, 34.3%, and 13.4% of the cases, respectively. The majority of the parents or guardians believed that malaria is transmissible but could be prevented, and 80% of them considered mosquito bites to be the main mode of malaria transmission. Insecticide-treated net (ITN) was mentioned as a malaria prevention strategy by more than half of the respondents, while indoor residual spraying (IRS) was considered only by 19.6%. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis, a significant association was found in children between the ages of 12 and 36 months (adjusted odds ratio = 5.050; 95% CI: 1.964-12.982), children who lived in rural areas (adjusted odds ratio = 2.901; 95% CI: 1.439-5.845), and children who did not use ITN the past two weeks before sample collection (adjusted odds ratio = 3.341; 95% CI: 1.646-6.781). This study revealed a high malaria prevalence among children aged under five years. Attention must be paid to improving the coverage of the ITN and its use in the study area, which could help reduce the risk of mosquito bites. Health education for the guardians of the children could also help to raise awareness about the prevention and control strategies for malaria transmission and further reduce the impact of the disease.

RESISTANCE STATUS IN ANOPHELES GAMBIAE AND PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM TRANSMISSION IN TORI-BOSSITO DISTRICT, SOUTHERN BENIN, WEST-AFRICA

In prelude to a large scale trial aiming to assess the field efficacy of Fludora Fusion 562.5WP-SB, entomologic baseline data were collected in 14 villages from Tori-Bossito District in Southern Benin during the rainy season from April to May 2018. Malaria vectors aggressiveness and longevity, Plasmodium falciparum infection in malaria vectors, malaria entomologic transmission as well as insecticide resistance status in malaria vectors were determinate. Overall 2695 mosquitoes were collected during 504 persons*nights. Among mosquitoes collected, 408 were Anopheles gambiae s.l. and 43 Anopheles funestus s.l. The proportion of parous malaria vectors was 54.2% and 79.1% for An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus s.l. respectively. A sample of 68 malaria vectors was tested for Plasmodium falciparum infection using quantitative Polymlerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). The infection rate was about 6% (4/68 vectors infected) corresponding to 1.58 infective bites per person per month. The mortality rate of An. gambiae s.l. exposed to deltamethrin 0.05%, pyrimiphos-methyl 0.25% and clothianidin at 9µg/ml was 38%, 98.86% and 100% respectively, indicating that An. gambiae s.l. was resistant to deltamethrin and susceptible to pyrimiphos-methyl and clothianidin.This study showed that An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus s.l. are the two major vectors with a predominance of An. gambiae s.l.

Association between asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection, anemia and mean corpuscular volume of school children in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract Introduction/Objective Although several studies have reported abnormal MCV values and anemia associated with malaria infections with a focus on P. falciparum among patients with complicated and uncomplicated malaria. This study assessed the association between asymptomatic P. falciparum malaria infection, anemia, and the MCV values of school children in Ghana. Methods/Case Report We conducted a cross-sectional study using 3 ml of blood samples from 549 children aged 5- 17 years attending 5 schools selected in the Volta Region. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the children to obtain demographic data. Blood samples were collected into a K2EDTA tube and then used to estimate the children’s automated full blood count (FBC) and malaria status using microscopy. MCV was classified into low, normal, and high. Data obtained were analyzed using STATA 15 software. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Most of the children in this study (49.9%) had normal MCV (81.3-91.3 fL) with an overall malaria prevalence of 55.6 % (95% CI: 51.3-59.8) and anemia prevalence of 48.6% (95% CI 44.4-52.9). The majority of the anemic children had normal MCV (81.3-91.3 fL) (49.8, 95% CI 43.7-56.0). The predicted probability of malaria was highly likely among children whose MCV fell within the first and third quartiles. Conclusion This study shows a reduced predicted probability of malaria among children with low and high MCV, playing a protective function against malaria. Further studies are required to elucidate the association and interaction between MCV, anemia, and asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Limited association between Wolbachia and Plasmodium falciparum infections in natural populations of the major malaria mosquito Anopheles moucheti.

Since the discovery of natural malaria vector populations infected by the endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia, a renewed interest has arisen for using this bacterium as an alternative for malaria control. Among naturally infected mosquitoes, Anopheles moucheti, a major malaria mosquito in Central Africa, exhibits one of the highest prevalences of Wolbachia infection. To better understand whether this maternally inherited bacterium could be used for malaria control, we investigated Wolbachia influence in An. moucheti populations naturally infected by the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. To this end, we collected mosquitoes in a village from Cameroon, Central Africa, where this mosquito is the main malaria vector. We found that the prevalence of Wolbachia bacterium was almost fixed in the studied mosquito population, and was higher than previously recorded. We also quantified Wolbachia in whole mosquitoes and dissected abdomens, confirming that the bacterium is also elsewhere than in the abdomen, but at lower density. Finally, we analyzed the association of Wolbachia presence and density on P. falciparum infection. Wolbachia density was slightly higher in mosquitoes infected with the malaria parasite than in uninfected mosquitoes. However, we observed no correlation between the P. falciparum and Wolbachia densities. In conclusion, our study indicates that naturally occurring Wolbachia infection is not associated to P. falciparum development within An. moucheti mosquitoes.

Cytolytic circumsporozoite-specific memory CD4+ T cell clones are expanded during Plasmodium falciparum infection

Clinical immunity against Plasmodium falciparum infection develops in residents of malaria endemic regions, manifesting in reduced clinical symptoms during infection and in protection against severe disease but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we compare the cellular and humoral immune response of clinically immune (0-1 episode over 18 months) and susceptible (at least 3 episodes) during a mild episode of Pf malaria infection in a malaria endemic region of Malawi, by analysing peripheral blood samples using high dimensional mass cytometry (CyTOF), spectral flow cytometry and single-cell transcriptomic analyses. In the clinically immune, we find increased proportions of circulating follicular helper T cells and classical monocytes, while the humoral immune response shows characteristic age-related differences in the protected. Presence of memory CD4+ T cell clones with a strong cytolytic ZEB2+ T helper 1 effector signature, sharing identical T cell receptor clonotypes and recognizing the Pf-derived circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antigen are found in the blood of the Pf-infected participants gaining protection. Moreover, in clinically protected participants, ZEB2+ memory CD4+ T cells express lower level of inhibitory and chemotactic receptors. We thus propose that clonally expanded ZEB2+ CSP-specific cytolytic memory CD4+ Th1 cells may contribute to clinical immunity against the sporozoite and liver-stage Pf malaria.

Diagnostic performance of ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic test for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum infections in asymptomatic individuals in Kisangani, Northeast Democratic Republic of Congo

BackgroundUltrasensitive rapid diagnostic test (usRDT) was recently developed to improve the detection of low-density Plasmodium falciparum infections. However, its diagnostic performance has not been evaluated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This study aims to determine the performance of the usRDT in malaria diagnosis in asymptomatic individuals under field condition in Kisangani, Northeast of DRC.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from June to August 2022 on 312 asymptomatic individuals residing in the city of Kisangani. Capillary blood samples were collected by finger prick for microscopic examination of thick and thin blood film, RDTs, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Alere™ Malaria Ag P.f usRDT and conventional RDT (cRDT/SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f) kits were used for the detection of Plasmodium histidine rich protein 2 (HRP2) antigen as a proxy for the presence of P. falciparum. The diagnostic performance of the usRDT was compared with cRDT, microscopy and PCR.ResultsThe prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum malaria was 40.4%, 42.0%, 47.1% and 54.2% by cRDT, microscopy, usRDT and PCR, respectively. By using PCR as a reference, usRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 87.0% (95% CI 81.4–91.7) and 100.0% (95% CI 97.5–100.0), respectively, whereas the cRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 74.6% (95% CI 67.3–80.9) and 100% (95% CI 97.1–100.0), respectively. By using microscopy as a reference, usRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 96.9% (95% CI 92.4–99.2) and 89.0% (95% CI 83.5–93.1), respectively, while the cRDT had sensitivity and specificity of 96.2% (95% CI 92.3–98.7) and 100% (95% CI 97.9–100.0), respectively.ConclusionThe usRDT showed better diagnostic performance with higher sensitivity than the cRDT which is currently in use as point-of-care test. Further research is necessary to assess the access and cost-effectiveness of the usRDTs to use for malaria surveillance.

Diversity analysis of southern African Artemisia afra using a single nucleotide polymorphism derived from diversity arrays

Artemisia afra is an aromatic shrub used as a herbal remedy in southern Africa for various disorders, including coughs, colds, influenza, and, most notably, for the prophylaxis and treatment of Plasmodium falciparum infections. Modern high-throughput genotyping by sequencing, which combines next generation sequencing and diversity array technology (DArTseq) complexity reduction methods, allows for the generation of high-quality whole-genome profiles without any previous organismal genetic information that may hamper the diversity analyses. This study investigated the feasibility of incorporating DArTseq-derived single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and bioactive compounds into a geographic information system to predict the spatial distribution of A. afra gene diversity in selected southern African environs. DNA extraction, sequencing, and SNP calling mineral analyses (using R Studio) were performed on a total of 80 genotypes collected around Roma and Mohale’s Hoek, Lesotho, and Wepener and Hobhouse, South Africa. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and neighbour-joining dendrograms revealed three clusters of variation among genotypes; however, geographic distribution did not influence A. afra genetic diversity. The mean heterozygosity among genotypes was 7.7%. Genotypes collected in Roma and Mohale’s Hoek exhibited high levels of genetic diversity. Local A. afra genetic diversity was relatively low, indicating uniformity of subspecies per locality. The diversity among genotypes indicated that A. afra SNPs may occur despite the location. Given that genetic diversity enhances crop performance, our findings can be useful in germplasm management, industries producing by-products of A. afra, and plant breeding programs. For the long-term conservation of medicinal plants in South Africa, significant sampling and regional data are required. In addition to evaluating qualitative and quantitative assessments of phytochemicals, it is necessary to evaluate foliar mineral composition, as well as the agronomic and morphological characteristics of collected specimens from studied locations.

COVID Perceptions among Pregnant Women Living in a Malaria Hyperendemic Rural Region in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Both SARS-CoV2 and Plasmodium falciparum infection during pregnancy increases the risk for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including abortion, severe disease, and death. Indeed, although malaria and COVID-19 show an overlapping clinical presentation, they require a profoundly different approach. The aim of this study was to explore COVID-19 awareness among pregnant women living in a P. falciparum hyperendemic region in rural Uganda. This cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted in one Hospital and two Health Centers (HC) in Lango region, Uganda, from July 14, 2022, to March 14, 2023. Data about demographics, COVID-19 history, and COVID-19 and malaria perceptions were collected using RedCap mobile app platform. Study endpoint was a context-specific COVID-19 awareness score, accounting for the most common disease misconceptions. Association between study variables and good COVID-19 awareness was assessed by χ2 and t test, as appropriate, and variables found to be statistically significant were further explored in multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 888 pregnant women were recruited. Median age was 24 (interquartile range: 20-29) years, whereas 79% (n = 704) attained only primary education and 66.6% (n = 591) were used in agriculture. SARS-CoV2 vaccination rate was 92%. In multivariate analysis (Table 3), variables associated with high COVID knowledge were presenting at antenatal care visit in Atipe HC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 8.1, 95% CI: 4.1-16.48) having a previous good knowledge about malaria (aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.21-2.56). Among pregnant women living in rural Uganda, COVID-19 awareness relies on the overall educational level, malaria knowledge and reference HC. Among pregnant women living in P. falciparum endemic areas, community-level malaria awareness might guide educational interventions during future pandemics.

Rapid, sensitive, and convenient detection of Plasmodium falciparum infection based on CRISPR and its application in detection of asymptomatic infection

Rapid and convenient detection of the Plasmodium in clinically diagnosed individuals and asymptomatically infected populations is essential for global malaria eradication, especially in malaria-endemic African countries where medical equipment and professionals are relatively deficient. Here, we described a CRISPR-based diagnostic for the detection of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest and most prevalent species of malaria parasite in Africa, via lateral flow strip readout without the need of nucleic acid extraction. The assay exhibited 100% sensitivity on clinical samples (5 P falciparum) and significant consistency with qPCR test on asymptomatic infection samples (49 P falciparum and 51 non-P. falciparum, Kappa=0.839). An artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum strain and 4 other laboratory-cultured strains can also be detected through this assay, whereas no cross-reactivity with Plasmodium vivax was observed. A 0.001% parasitaemia (corresponding to ∼60 parasites/μL) below the “low parasite density” test threshold (200 parasites/µL) is detectable. Our study demonstrated that direct malaria detection using whole blood on the spot and the detection of both clinical and asymptomatic infections of P. falciparum are feasible. This method is expected to be employed for clinical testing and large-scale community screening in Africa and possibly other places, contributing to the accurate diagnosis and control of malaria.

Plasmodium vivax Prevalence in Semiarid Region of Northern Kenya, 2019.

In urban and rural areas of Turkana County, Kenya, we found that 2% of household members of patients with Plasmodium falciparum infections were also infected with P. vivax. Enhanced surveillance of P. vivax and increased clinical resources are needed to inform control measures and identify and manage P. vivax infections.

Spatial features of malaria in the lowland and nearby highland areas of Taraba State, Nigeria

Malaria is a dilemma among inhabitants of the lowland and scarcely among those of the highland in Nigeria. The infection in the lowland and the highland was determined as well as a relationship between the infection and the environmental and climatic factors in Taraba State, Nigeria. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of Plasmodium species. The statistical tests were at probability p ≤ 0.05. Plasmodium falciparum infection was significantly higher in the lowland,106 (72.6 %) than in the highland, 58 (38.6 %) (χ² = 40.350; p = 0.000). Males and females on the lowland had significant infection, 49 (80.3 %) (χ²= 21.921; p = 0.000) and 57 (67.1 %) (χ²= 14.329; p = 0.000) respectively. In the lowland, the age groups, 6–15 years and 16–50 years respectively had higher infection with 60 (75.9 %) (χ²= 14.329; p = 0.000) and 31(67.4 %) (χ²= 10.580; p = 0.001). Households with two (2) and five (5) individuals in the lowland significantly had infection of 31(64.6 %)(χ² = 8.861; p = 0.003) and 53(85.5 %)(χ² = 33.034; p = 0.000) respectively. In the lowland, males with the low hemoglobin (< 11.5 g/dL) significantly had 16 (22.5 %)(χ² = 12.933; p = 0.051), while females on the highland with low hemoglobin significantly had malaria infection of 48 (47.0 %) (χ²= 14.421; p = 0.022). The low altitude, rainfall and temperature significantly had spatial autocorrelation predictive models for malaria infection with respective Odd Ratios (OR) of 3.521 (%95CI: 2.045 - 6.092; p = 0.000), 7.986 (%95CI: 4.489 - 14.209; p = 0.000) and 4.402 (%95CI: 2.687 - 7.212; p = 0.000). The males, females, age groups between 6 and 15 years as well as 16–50 years significantly had higher infection in the lowland. The low altitude, high temperature and rainfall significantly predicted malaria infection in the lowland. The appropriate distribution of long-lasting treated nets as well as the use of geographic information systems are recommended respectively to prevent and predict malaria infection in other areas.

Biomarker of Anopheles exposure in Ghanaian children with hemoglobin S and C

Heterozygous carriers of hemoglobin S and C (HbAS and HbAC) have a reduced risk of severe malaria but are not protected from Plasmodium falciparum infection, suggesting that the protection involves acquired immunity. During a blood meal, female Anopheles mosquitoes inject saliva that can elicit a host antibody response, which can serve as a proxy for exposure to Plasmodium infection. Previous studies have shown that the peptide gSG6-P1 of An. gambiae saliva is antigenic and highly Anopheles specific. Here, we used plasma samples from 201 Ghanaian children with wild-type hemoglobin (HbAA), HbAS, and HbAC to evaluate antibody levels against gSG6-P1 as a serological biomarker of Anopheles exposure and, therefore of P. falciparum infection risk. Malaria antigen (PfCSP, GLURP, Pfs230, and HB3VAR06)-specific IgG levels, demographic data, and data regarding P. falciparum infection and malaria control practices were also analyzed. Children with active P. falciparum infection had higher antibody levels against all antigens, and those with HbAS and HbAC had significantly higher antibody levels against Pfs230. Pfs230-specific IgG correlated negatively with gSG6-P1-specific IgG in children with HbAC. Our results highlight the importance of studying the role of hemoglobinopathies in malaria transmission to improve control interventions.

Risiko Infeksi Plasmodium Falciparum dalam Kehamilan terhadap Perkembangan Bahasa Reseptif dan Ekspresif pada Anak Balita

This study aims to analyze the relationship between Plasmodium Falciparum infection in pregnancy and impaired receptive and expressive language development in children under five. The research method uses an observational analytical design with a case-control approach. The results of the study showed that there was no significant relationship between a history of plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnancy and receptive language disorders in children under five, and there was no meaningful relationship between a history of plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnancy and expressive language disorders in children under five. In conclusion, a history of Plasmodium falciparum infection during pregnancy is not associated with impaired receptive and expressive language development in children under five.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Expressive, Pregnancy, Language Development, Plasmodium Falciparum, Receptive

A Non-Coding Fc Gamma Receptor Cis-Regulatory Variant within the 1q23 Gene Cluster Is Associated with Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Children Residing in Burkina Faso

Antibodies play a crucial role in activating protective immunity against malaria by interacting with Fc-gamma receptors (FcγRs). Genetic variations in genes encoding FcγRs can affect immune cell responses to the parasite. In this study, our aim was to investigate whether non-coding variants that regulate FcγR expression could influence the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection. Through bioinformatics approaches, we selected expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) for FCGR2A, FCGR2B, FCGR2C, FCGR3A, and FCGR3B genes encoding FcγRs (FCGR), in whole blood. We prioritized two regulatory variants, rs2099684 and rs1771575, located in open genomic regions. These variants were identified using RegVar, ImmuNexUT, and transcription factor annotations specific to immune cells. In addition to these, we genotyped the coding variants FCGR2A/rs1801274 and FCGR2B/rs1050501 in 234 individuals from a malaria-endemic area in Burkina Faso. We conducted age and family-based analyses to evaluate associations with the prevalence of malarial infection in both children and adults. The analysis revealed that the regulatory rs1771575-CC genotype was predicted to influence FCGR2B/FCGR2C/FCGR3A transcripts in immune cells and was the sole variant associated with a higher prevalence of malarial infection in children. In conclusion, this study identifies the rs1771575 cis-regulatory variant affecting several FcγRs in myeloid and neutrophil cells and associates it with the inter-individual capacity of children living in Burkina Faso to control malarial infection.

Evidence for a role of Anopheles stephensi in the spread of drug- and diagnosis-resistant malaria in Africa

Anopheles stephensi, an Asian malaria vector, continues to expand across Africa. The vector is now firmly established in urban settings in the Horn of Africa. Its presence in areas where malaria resurged suggested a possible role in causing malaria outbreaks. Here, using a prospective case–control design, we investigated the role of An. stephensi in transmission following a malaria outbreak in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia in April–July 2022. Screening contacts of patients with malaria and febrile controls revealed spatial clustering of Plasmodium falciparum infections around patients with malaria in strong association with the presence of An. stephensi in the household vicinity. Plasmodium sporozoites were detected in these mosquitoes. This outbreak involved clonal propagation of parasites with molecular signatures of artemisinin and diagnostic resistance. To our knowledge, this study provides the strongest evidence so far for a role of An. stephensi in driving an urban malaria outbreak in Africa, highlighting the major public health threat posed by this fast-spreading mosquito.