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
This project looks at whether finding and treating very-low-level malaria infections in Tanzanian children can improve their health, growth, and future opportunities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11513543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Younger children in Tanzanian communities will be screened with more sensitive tests that can find low-density malaria infections that routine tests miss, and those found will be offered treatment. The project follows groups of children over time to compare different approaches to detecting and treating these hidden infections. Study teams will collect health data such as blood tests for anemia, growth measurements, and developmental or cognitive checks, and will record episodes of fever and bacterial infections. The researchers will also monitor safety and any effects on drug resistance or longer-term socioeconomic outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are children (infants through about 10 years old) living in the Tanzanian communities where the project is being carried out.
Not a fit: Children who do not have low-density malaria infections, adults, or people living outside the study areas are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clearing hidden malaria infections could reduce anemia and repeated illness, support better growth and cognitive development, and improve children's long-term wellbeing.
How similar studies have performed: Past mass drug or preventive therapy programs have sometimes lowered illness, but results are mixed and directly targeting low-density infections with sensitive tests is a newer approach with limited direct evidence.
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.