Why some malaria infections keep coming back in Africa
Relapsing malaria in Africa: mechanisms for persistence amid falciparum decline
Researchers are following Plasmodium vivax and ovale infections in African communities to find out why they relapse and continue to spread as falciparum declines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 ID | NIH-11405703 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You might be asked to provide blood samples and brief health information so researchers can use new field tests and genetic methods to detect vivax and ovale infections that are often missed. Teams will track people over time to see who gets repeat infections and will compare parasite genetics to tell apart relapses from new infections. The study combines on-the-ground testing, high-throughput genotyping, and lab analyses to learn how dormant liver forms and early transmissible stages help these parasites persist. Findings will focus on transmission patterns in African communities where these species are becoming more common.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people living in or near study sites in Africa who have had malaria symptoms or repeat malaria infections, and who are willing to give blood samples and be followed over time.
Not a fit: People outside the African field sites, those with only falciparum infections not targeted by this work, or those unable to access follow-up care may not directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve detection and lead to better treatments and control strategies that reduce repeat malaria infections in affected communities.
How similar studies have performed: Molecular diagnostics and genotyping have helped map vivax transmission in Asia and show promise, but studying relapse biology and transmission of vivax and ovale in Africa is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Juliano, Jonathan J — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Juliano, Jonathan J
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.