Understanding how some people tolerate malaria infections without symptoms

Unravelling disease tolerance and host resistance in afebrile P. falciparum infections: a prospective study in Mozambican adults

NIH-funded research Fundacao Manhica · NIH-10866342

This study is looking at why some adults in Mozambique can have malaria without feeling sick, and it hopes to find out how their immune systems help them stay healthy, which could lead to better ways to treat malaria in people who don’t show symptoms.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFundacao Manhica NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Maputo, Mozambique)
Project IDNIH-10866342 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain adults in Mozambique can carry malaria infections without showing symptoms. By following a group of afebrile adults over a month, the study aims to identify biological factors that allow some individuals to manage the infection without developing fever. The researchers will analyze the role of antibodies and other immune responses in controlling the parasite load and preventing disease progression. This could lead to better strategies for managing malaria in populations where asymptomatic infections are common.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are afebrile adults living in Mozambique who have been diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum infections.

Not a fit: Patients who are symptomatic or have severe malaria infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and prevention strategies for malaria, particularly in asymptomatic individuals.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into malaria immunity, this specific approach to studying asymptomatic infections is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Maputo, Mozambique

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.