Using advanced imaging to measure malaria parasite development in mosquitoes
Official title: Image-based quantification of Plasmodium sporozoites in a single oocyst using deep learning-based segmentation and 3D reconstruction
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10989906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to better understand malaria by counting tiny parts of the malaria parasite found in mosquitoes, using advanced imaging and computer techniques, which will help us learn how different mosquito species and parasite types affect the spread of malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $79,419 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI180804-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in malaria-endemic regions, particularly in Africa and Asia, who may be affected by malaria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in malaria-endemic areas or those who are not at risk of malaria infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving our understanding of malaria by quantifying the number of sporozoites in single oocysts, which are a crucial stage of the malaria parasite's life cycle in mosquitoes. By employing super-resolution imaging and deep learning techniques, the researchers aim to develop a method that allows for accurate and efficient counting of these parasites, overcoming the limitations of traditional manual counting. The study will also explore differences in oocyst maturation across various mosquito species and parasite isolates, enhancing our knowledge of malaria transmission dynamics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for controlling malaria transmission by providing insights into the parasite's life cycle.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, previous studies have shown limited success in quantifying malaria parasites, indicating a need for improved methodologies like the one proposed.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kanatani, Sachie — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kanatani, Sachie
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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.