Understanding the genetics and relapse patterns of Plasmodium ovale malaria in Africa
Official title: Population genomics and relapse epidemiology of Plasmodium ovale in sub-Saharan Africa
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10901459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Plasmodium ovale malaria parasite affects children in Tanzania, especially how it can come back after they’ve been treated, to help us understand more about this type of malaria and how it spreads.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,012 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI179111-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are children under 11 years old living in sub-Saharan Africa who have experienced malaria infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in sub-Saharan Africa or who are over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic makeup and relapse patterns of the Plasmodium ovale malaria parasite, which is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. By analyzing blood samples from children and utilizing advanced molecular techniques, the study aims to uncover how this parasite behaves and spreads, particularly focusing on its ability to cause relapses after initial infections. The research will involve a cohort of Tanzanian participants who have been monitored over time for malaria recurrence, providing valuable insights into the epidemiology of this lesser-known malaria species.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for malaria prevention and treatment, particularly for infections caused by Plasmodium ovale.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Plasmodium falciparum is well-established, studies focusing on Plasmodium ovale are less common, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carey-Ewend, Kelly — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Carey-Ewend, Kelly
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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.