Longitudinal study of Plasmodium vivax relapses in Central Africa
Official title: A longitudinal cohort study of Plasmodium vivax relapses in Central Africa
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11401366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study following people in Central Africa over time to understand how Plasmodium vivax infections relapse and affect malaria control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $149,808 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI190606-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401366 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in Central Africa, including Cameroon, who have or are at risk for Plasmodium vivax infection and relapse.
✕Less likely to help
People without Pv exposure or in areas outside the study region may not benefit from the findings.
What this research studies
This project follows a cohort in Central Africa to track Pv relapses and their impact on morbidity and transmission. It builds on existing evidence that Pv can affect Duffy-negative individuals and may contribute to ongoing malaria burden in the region. By observing participants over time, the study aims to identify relapse patterns and factors that influence recurrence. The findings could guide more effective diagnosis, treatment, and public health strategies for vivax malaria in Africa.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could improve understanding of Pv relapses and inform better prevention and treatment approaches for people living in Central Africa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown Pv relapses are a significant driver of recurrent infections, but data in Africa remain limited and this study targets those gaps.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lo, Eugenia — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Lo, Eugenia
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.