Tracking genetic signs of artemisinin resistance in African malaria
Genomic surveillance for artemisinin resistance in Africa: moving beyond a candidate gene approach
This project tracks genetic changes in malaria parasites in Africa to find early signs that artemisinin drugs may be becoming less effective for people with malaria.
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-11464820 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient perspective, researchers will collect parasite samples over time from people treated with artemisinin-based combination therapies in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. They will use whole-genome approaches rather than focusing only on the known K13 gene to find other mutations and biological pathways that change after drug use. The team aims to spot genetic changes that are being selected by treatment so resistance can be detected earlier. Results would help public health teams tailor surveillance and treatment choices to keep first-line drugs working.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people in malaria-endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa who have a current Plasmodium falciparum infection and are receiving artemisinin-based combination therapy.
Not a fit: People without P. falciparum malaria, those infected outside the sampled regions, or individuals not treated with ACTs would not directly benefit from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection of artemisinin resistance in Africa and help health programs act before common treatments fail.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research showed K13 mutations drive artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia, but broader genomic surveillance that tracks many genes over time in Africa is relatively new.
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.