Understanding how malaria parasites evolve and switch hosts
Official title: Evolutionary dynamics of zoonotic malaria
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11005711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of malaria parasite that can infect both people and monkeys changes over time, especially in Brazil, to help us understand how it jumps between different hosts and what that means for keeping everyone healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 25, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $654,831 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175622-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals living in regions where zoonotic malaria is prevalent, particularly in Brazil and Southeast Asia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in areas affected by zoonotic malaria or those who are not at risk of malaria infection may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the evolutionary dynamics of malaria parasites that can infect both humans and nonhuman primates. By focusing on the zoonotic malaria parasite P. simium from Brazil, the study aims to analyze its genetic makeup and how it has shifted between hosts. The researchers will use whole-genome sequencing and computational modeling to understand the factors that contribute to these host switches and the implications for human health. This work is crucial for developing strategies to prevent the spread of new malaria strains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and control strategies for malaria, particularly in areas where zoonotic strains pose a risk to human populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding malaria transmission dynamics, but this specific focus on zoonotic strains and their host-switching behavior is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldberg, Amy — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Goldberg, Amy
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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.