Tracking emerging monkey-origin malaria and improving detection in Malaysia
Emerging zoonotic malaria in Malaysia: strengthening surveillance and evaluating population genetic structure to improve regional risk prediction tools
This project will improve tests and surveillance to find and monitor monkey-origin malaria (Plasmodium knowlesi and related species) in people across Sabah, Malaysia, including pregnant women and clinic patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Infectious Disease Society Kota Kinabalu NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171400 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will expand molecular testing across the state to better detect P. knowlesi and other simian malaria species that can be missed by routine microscopy. They will run regular health-facility surveys and test both people with fevers and healthy attendees to find hidden or mild infections. Blood samples will be used for high-throughput serology to measure past exposure and for genetic analyses to track how parasites are spreading and changing. The results will be used to improve regional risk prediction tools and inform local malaria control efforts to better protect communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living in Sabah, Malaysia—especially clinic patients with fever, pregnant women, and residents in areas with macaques or recent land-use change—are the ideal candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People outside the study region or those without exposure to local malaria transmission are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier diagnosis and targeted control actions that reduce illness and deaths from zoonotic malaria in the region.
How similar studies have performed: Molecular and serological surveillance have helped detect and guide malaria control elsewhere, but applying these methods specifically to P. knowlesi and regional risk prediction is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Infectious Disease Society Kota Kinabalu — Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajahram, Giri — Infectious Disease Society Kota Kinabalu
- Study coordinator: Rajahram, Giri
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.