Tracking artemisinin-resistant malaria genes across Africa
Genomic surveillance for artemisinin resistance in Africa: moving beyond a candidate gene approach
This project looks for genetic changes in malaria parasites across Africa that can make artemisinin-based medicines less effective for people treated with those drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238973 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will collect malaria parasite samples from people treated with artemisinin-based combination therapies at participating sites in Africa and sequence parasite genomes over time. They will search for mutations and biological pathways under selection that could drive drug resistance beyond the well-known K13 gene. By comparing parasite populations before and after medicine use, the team hopes to spot emerging resistance earlier than current methods allow. The work combines field sample collection with genomic and bioinformatic analyses carried out by collaborating labs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people in malaria-endemic areas (especially parts of sub-Saharan Africa) with Plasmodium falciparum infection who can provide blood samples when receiving standard artemisinin-based treatment.
Not a fit: People without malaria, those with non-falciparum malaria species, or individuals outside participating regions are unlikely to benefit directly from joining, and participants may not receive immediate personal treatment benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could enable earlier detection of drug-resistant malaria so treatment guidelines and public health responses can change sooner to protect people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in Southeast Asia using K13 genotyping and parasite clearance measures identified artemisinin resistance there, but broad genomic surveillance across African parasite populations is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harrison, Shannon Takala — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Harrison, Shannon Takala
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.