New Ways to Stop Malaria Spread by Targeting Hidden Infections
The Impact of Novel Vector Control Tools on Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Infection Prevalence and Transmission Potential
This research looks at how new mosquito control methods can help reduce hidden malaria infections in people, which are a major source of spreading the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111419 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Malaria is a serious illness, and while current programs treat sick people and use bed nets, they often miss those who carry the infection without symptoms. These hidden infections are responsible for most malaria transmission. This project explores whether new tools, like spatial repellents that keep mosquitoes away from homes, can also reduce these asymptomatic infections. We want to understand if these repellents can help shrink the number of people unknowingly spreading malaria, which is key to controlling the disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals living in malaria-prone regions, particularly those in western Kenya who may carry asymptomatic malaria infections.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in areas where malaria is prevalent or who do not have asymptomatic malaria infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective strategies for controlling malaria by reducing the hidden infections that keep the disease spreading.
How similar studies have performed: Spatial repellents have shown promise in reducing clinical malaria cases, but their effect on asymptomatic infections has not been thoroughly studied yet.
Where this research is happening
Notre Dame, United States
- University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koepfli, Cristian — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Koepfli, Cristian
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 below.