Treating very low-level malaria infections in Tanzanian children
Long-term health and socioeconomic impact of interventions targeting low-density malaria infection (LMI) among children in Tanzaniav
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11308301
This project will see if finding and treating very low-level malaria infections helps children in Tanzania stay healthier.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11308301 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Younger children in Tanzanian communities will be screened using more sensitive molecular tests to find malaria infections that routine tests miss. Children identified with low-density infections will be managed under different approaches (for example, immediate treatment, alternative management, or routine care) and followed over several years. The team will track anemia, growth, repeat infections, co-infections, and measures of learning and development, while watching for side effects and signs of drug resistance. Work is carried out through clinics and community follow-up visits in the study areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children living in the participating Tanzanian communities—primarily infants and young children up to about 10 years old—who may carry low-density malaria infections are the main candidates.
Not a fit: Adults, people without low-density malaria infections, or individuals living outside the study areas in Tanzania would not be expected to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lower anemia, reduce repeat malaria and related bacterial infections, and improve growth and cognitive outcomes in children by treating hidden infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior trials of mass drug administration and intermittent preventive therapy have sometimes shown benefits, but targeting low-density infections with sensitive detection is still relatively new and results are mixed.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HSIANG, MICHELLE SANG — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: HSIANG, MICHELLE SANG
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections