Tracking antimalarial drug resistance in Uganda's malaria parasites
Surveillance to track and characterize antimalarial resistance trends in Ugandan Plasmodium falciparum parasites (STARTUP)
This project follows malaria parasites in Uganda to find and monitor genetic changes that make common antimalarial drugs less effective for people with malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11468726 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect blood samples from people with malaria at 80 surveillance sites across Uganda and analyze the parasites in modern labs in Kampala and Tororo. They will look for known genetic markers (like pfkelch13 mutations) and use laboratory tests and molecular tools, including CRISPR-based experiments, to see which parasites resist artemisinins and partner drugs. Field information about treatments, travel, and local ecology will be combined with parasite genetics to map where resistance is emerging and how it spreads. Results will be shared with public health teams to help keep treatments working for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people in Uganda with confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria who can provide a blood sample at one of the surveillance sites.
Not a fit: People without P. falciparum malaria, those outside the surveillance areas in Uganda, or patients with non-malarial illnesses are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help guide treatment choices and public-health actions to keep antimalarial drugs effective and reduce malaria deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Recent reports from Uganda and Rwanda have already found resistance-linked K13 mutations and delayed parasite clearance, but a nationwide, coordinated surveillance program using molecular and ecological data is newer.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conrad, Melissa D — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Conrad, Melissa D
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.