Relapsing malaria in Africa: mechanisms for persistence amid falciparum decline
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11550771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying why relapsing malaria from parasites like P. ovale and P. vivax continues to persist in Africa even as P. falciparum declines, and how this could affect future control efforts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $46,785 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI165537-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11550771 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals in Africa, particularly in Cameroon, who are at risk of relapsing malaria caused by P. vivax or P. ovale and who participate through local health settings and research collaborations.
✕Less likely to help
People infected exclusively with Plasmodium falciparum or those not involved in relapsing malaria research may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project investigates how relapsing malaria species sustain transmission in African settings, focusing on their dormant liver stages and early-forming gametocytes. By partnering with Cameroonian investigators, the study combines field epidemiology with laboratory analyses to uncover transmission dynamics and host-parasite interactions in real-world conditions. Findings could inform improved strategies for diagnosing, preventing, and treating relapsing malaria to reduce persistent infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of relapsing malaria could lead to more effective interventions and reduced transmission, helping communities in Africa stay healthier.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown the importance of relapsing species in malaria transmission, but the African context and real-world conditions for P. vivax and P. ovale remain underexplored, making this study innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Juliano, Jonathan J — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Juliano, Jonathan J
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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.