Malaria Journal最新文献

{"title":"Comparative immunological study of Plasmodium knowlesi infections in humans and macaques: insights into cytokine dynamics.","authors":"Mohammad Faruq Abd Rachman Isnadi, Yean Kong Yong, Matthew J Grigg, Symphorosa Sipangkui, Ping-Chin Lee, Nor Afizah Nuin, Angelica Fiona Tan, Paul Molius, Augustine Tuuga, Jum Rafiah Abd Sukor, Giri Rajahram, Sylvia Daim, Tock H Chua","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05478-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05478-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite endemic to Southeast Asia, is transmitted from macaques to humans via mosquitoes and has seen a surge due to human encroachment into macaque habitats. While the primary host, Macaca fascicularis, can regulate P. knowlesi and alleviate disease symptoms, infected humans face a different scenario. A study was conducted in Sabah, Malaysia to compare the effects of parasite genomic DNA (gDNA) and host (both human and macaques) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release on cytokine profiles in humans and macaques infected with P. knowlesi.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Blood samples from 30 Plasmodium knowlesi-infected individuals and 30 healthy controls, along with serum samples from 35 wild macaques, were analysed using PCR and immunological assays. Nested PCR and real-time PCR were performed on macaque blood samples to confirm mono-infection with P. knowlesi. Parasite genomic DNA (gDNA) levels were quantified via qPCR. Additionally, the concentrations of six cytokines-TNF, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10-were measured in the samples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Parasitaemia levels, determined through microscopy method, exhibited strong correlations with parasite gDNA. Notably, the infected macaques displayed significantly higher parasite gDNA and mtDNA levels compared to humans. Cytokine analysis unveiled IL-10 dominance in humans, positively associated with parasite gDNA, while macaques showed IL-6 dominance unrelated to parasite gDNA. Despite lower parasite gDNA levels, patients exhibited a higher IL-10/TNF ratio, indicative of disease severity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results suggestively highlight variations in immune responses between two distinct hosts in two different phases of infection: human (acute infection) and macaque (presumed chronic infection) hosts. The correlations and interplay between parasite gDNA, host's mtDNA (both human and macaques) and cytokine levels observed in this study further emphasizing the need for further research to comprehensively understand P. knowlesi pathogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"233"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144649865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investing in traditional medicine: leveraging evidence and innovative research to strengthen the fight against malaria in Nigeria.","authors":"Francisca Ogochukwu Onukansi, Collins Chibueze Anokwuru, Stanley Chinedu Eneh, Goodness Ogeyi Odey, Dough Owojoku Onah, Taiwo Sokunbi, David Chinaecherem Innocent, Ugonma Winnie Dozie, Prince Christian Umoke, Temitope Olumuyiwa Ojo, Cosmas Nnadozie Ezejindu","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05359-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05359-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traditional medicine (TM) has been a cornerstone of healthcare across various cultures, especially in Africa, where it has played an integral role in the management of diseases such as malaria. Despite the popularity and historical significance of TM, scientific validation remains a key challenge, hindering its widespread acceptance in modern healthcare systems. This study explores the potential of traditional African medicine, particularly in the context of Nigeria, as a vital resource in the fight against malaria. Drawing on the success of plants like Artemisia annua in the development of modern anti-malarial drugs, the research emphasizes the need for comprehensive investment in TM research. With Nigeria facing the highest malaria burden globally, the research advocates for increased funding, scientific investigations into the efficacy of traditional remedies, and enhanced regulation of herbal medicine. The paper also highlights the growing trust and reliance on herbal remedies in rural areas of Nigeria and the importance of ensuring their safety through pharmacological testing. This study examines these issues through an analysis of existing literature, historical applications, and documented successes of herbal treatments. By integrating traditional medicine into national health systems, Nigeria could unlock new strategies for combating malaria and other infectious diseases, advancing toward sustainable health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"232"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12261709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144642918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine, artesunate-amodiaquine, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and artesunate-pyronaridine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mozambique, 2022.","authors":"Abel Nhama, Arlindo Chidimatembue, Lídia Nhamussua, Quique Bassat, Clemente da Silva, Arsénio Nhacolo, Paulo Arnaldo, Crizolgo Salvador, Annette Cassy, Baltazar Candrinho, Mércia Dimene, Eva Carvalho, Abuchahama Saifodine, Flavio Wate, Hélio Mucavele, Yaritbel Torres-Mendoza, Breanna Horton, Mateusz Plucinski, Pau Cistero, Alfredo Mayor, Pedro Aide","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05473-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05473-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ) are the first-line treatments against malaria in Mozambique. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) has been used in-country for mass drug administration campaigns, and artesunate-pyronaridine (AS-PY) is considered an alternative drug to delay AL resistance in the country. To assess whether AL and AS-AQ remain efficacious and to confirm that DP and AS-PY are potential alternatives for uncomplicated malaria treatment, an in vivo therapeutic efficacy study was conducted in Mozambique at five sentinel sites.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted in the districts of Montepuez (AL), Dondo (AL and AS-AQ), Mopeia (AL and AS-PY), Moatize (AL and AS-AQ), and Massinga (AL and DP) following the 2009 World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended protocol. Patients aged 6 months to 11 years with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (1000-200,000 parasites/µl) were enrolled, followed, and assessed for 28 days (AL and AS-AQ) or 42 days (DP and AS-PY). Genotyping for msp1/msp2/poly-α markers and match counting via the WHO/Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) 3/3 algorithm were used to differentiate recrudescences from new infections. The primary outcome was polymerase chain reaction corrected efficacy for each drug.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 828 participants were enrolled in the four study arms: AL (462), AS-AQ (183), DP (91), and AS-PY (92). Among the recruited participants, 10.2% (85/828) were lost to follow-up or withdrew, and 60 had recurrent malaria infections, 55 of which were considered new infections and five recrudescences. Day 28 corrected AL efficacy was 100% (95% CI 94.3-100) in Massinga, 100% in Dondo, 100% (95% CI 95.5-100) in Moatize, 97.63% (95% CI 94.4-100) in Mopeia, and 98.68% (95% CI 96.2-100) in Montepuez. Day 28 corrected AS-AQ efficacy was 100% in Dondo and 100% (95% CI 95.4-100) in Moatize. For DP, the corrected efficacy on day 42 was 100% (95% CI 94.1-100) in Massinga, and that on day 42 was 97.75% (95% CI 94.7-100) in Mopeia. All drugs were well tolerated, with adverse events reported in less than 2% of the participants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AL and AS-AQ remain effective, as their efficacy remained above the 90% WHO-recommended cut-off. DP and AS-PY also showed therapeutic efficacy above the WHO-acceptable cut-off and could be used as first-line treatments when needed. All four artemisinin-based combinations were well tolerated, with minimal safety concerns.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05343312.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"231"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257838/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144637401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical and insecticidal durability of PermaNet^® 3.0 and Olyset^® plus piperonyl butoxide-synergist insecticide-treated nets in Sierra Leone: results of durability monitoring from 2020 to 2023.","authors":"Raymond Kiprop Sudoi, Keith Esch, Frederick Yamba, Laurent Iyikirenga, Charlene Youssef, Prince Nallo, Isabel Swamidoss, Carla Mapp, Dennis Marke, Samuel Juana Smith, Ronald Carshon-Marsh, Musa Sillah-Kanu, Dave Schnabel, Jacky Raharinjatovo, Jenny Carlson, Rebecca Levine, Evelyne Alyko, Ramlat Jose, Tony Hughes, Djenam Jacob, Yemane Yihdego, Kevin Opondo, Stephen Poyer","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05421-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05421-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The performance of two piperonyl butoxide (PBO-synergist) insecticide-treated net (ITN) brands, PermaNet^® 3.0 and Olyset^® Plus, were evaluated under field conditions in two neighboring districts in Sierra Leone over 36 months to estimate median ITN survival, understand insecticidal efficacy, and identify factors influencing ITN durability. This assessment can help guide future PBO-synergist ITN procurement and replacement strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective study tracked 370 households and 652 campaign-distributed ITNs from 2020, followed annually for 36 months. Districts were purposefully selected based on shared characteristics. Household surveys were conducted, and 30 ITNs per round were tested for bioefficacy and chemical residue. Key indicators included ITN survival, 24-h mosquito mortality, and chemical content reduction compared to manufacturer targets doses. Cox proportional hazard models identified factors influencing ITN survival.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median useful life was 3.0 (95% CI 2.7-3.5) years for PermaNet^® 3.0 ITNs in Bo and 2.2 (95% CI 2.0-2.4) years for Olyset^® Plus ITNs in Moyamba. PermaNet^® 3.0 ITNs displayed 13% 24-h mortality against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes on roof panels, with a 46% reduction in PBO content 34 months post-distribution. Olyset^® Plus ITNs had 3% f24-hour mortality against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes, with a 77% reduction in PBO content. Several factors were associated with improved ITN survival, including cohort ITNs from Bo (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.33, p < 0.001), households without children under five (CU5) (aHR = 0.64, p = 0.003), highest socio-economic status tertile (aHR = 0.63, p = 0.016), exposure to social and behaviour change (SBC) messages combined with positive net attitudes (aHR = 0.63, p = 0.008), lack of food storage in sleeping spaces (aHR = 0.56, p = 0.006), exclusive adult use of ITNs (aHR = 0.72, p = 0.048), net folding when not in use (aHR = 0.67, p = 0.015), and drying nets outside (aHR = 0.44, p = 0.008).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ITNs in Bo outperformed those in Moyamba in both physical and insecticidal performance. However, ITN survival is highly context specific, and further investigation into field performance of new ITN types is necessary across diverse epidemiological settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"230"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144626684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating malaria reactive surveillance and response strategies in northeast Cambodia: a mixed-methods study.","authors":"Win Han Oo, Sovannaroth Siv, Kaungmyat Khant, Win Htike, Meach Monyth Molyta, Thet Lynn, Nilar Aye Tun, Paul A Agius, Freya J I Fowkes","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05475-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05475-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cambodia aims to eliminate malaria latest by 2030 applying the 1-3-7 malaria reactive surveillance and response (RASR) strategy which involves malaria case notification, investigation and classification on the same day as diagnosis, reactive case detection within three days, and investigation and classification of new active focus within seven days of case notification. This study investigates the implementation of the RASR strategy in terms of its timeliness, facilitators and barriers, and acceptability for implementation, thereby providing recommendations to improve the strategy in the context of the national health system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods study of secondary data analysis of aggregated routine malaria datasets, and cross-sectional survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with malaria programme stakeholders, frontline health workers and mobile and migrant populations was conducted in Ratanakiri and Stung Treng provinces. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed descriptively and thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2020 and 2022, 72% and 59% of malaria cases were notified and investigated within one day after diagnosis. Timeliness of reactive case detection was 89% and 45% in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Despite having challenges including minimal community participation in reactive case detection, poor mobile phone network coverage and road conditions, a heavy workload at the commune health centre level, inadequate surveillance technical knowledge among village malaria workers and insufficient budget to execute RASR, the existing RASR strategy was deemed acceptable among all levels of health personnels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The RASR strategy implemented in northeast Cambodia was generally functioning well despite some challenges. To improve the RASR strategy to achieve 100% timeliness and progress towards malaria elimination in Cambodia, allocating sufficient budget, capacity building to frontline health workers and better community engagement strategies are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"229"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144626683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review on the ethnomedicinal plants used for the traditional treatment of malaria in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.","authors":"Sandeep Kumar Behera, Lopamudra Subudhi, Shibani Mohapatra, Alok Kumar Panda","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05477-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05477-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in the tropics and subtropics. Though Odisha has seen a decline in malaria cases over the past few years, it remains a contributing factor in deciding India's malaria journey. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-based systematic review aims to investigate and compile the ethnomedicinal evidence-based documented research data on anti-malarial medicinal plants in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. An extensive literature survey was conducted using online databases, following the PRISMA-Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines for anti-malarial prophylaxis and diagnosis using the ethnomedicinal plants in Mayurbhanj. Using appropriate exclusion and inclusion criteria, 20 literature/book chapters were included in the study. Origin 2024b was used for the analysis of the ethnomedicinal information. The study identified 40 plant species used by traditional healers in anti-malarial treatment. These 40 plant species belong to 24 families, the majority of which are the Acanthaceae and Apocyanaceae. Most of the formulations came from a decoction, paste, juice and powder. It was interesting to note that the formulations were predominantly provided by oral route. The leaves and roots were the significant parts used by the healers for the anti-malarial treatment. However, no side effects were reported for these plants. The review highlights the rich variety of ethnomedicinal plants and their recipes for anti-malarial treatment in Mayurbhanj. The disease still plagues Odisha, necessitating study on dispersed ethnomedicinal studies for a better therapeutic comprehension of the diagnosis. This will aid diagnosis and boost tribal knowledge and culture.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"228"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255974/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144619003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated with hospitalizations due to severe malaria in the non-endemic Brazilian region: a case-control study in the extra-Amazon Region from 2011 to 2019.","authors":"Anderson Coutinho da Silva, Elisabeth Carmem Duarte, Paola Barbosa Marchesini, Giselle Maria Rachid Viana, Walter Massa Ramalho, Klauss K S Garcia","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05357-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05357-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is infectious disease with low occurrence in Brazil extra-Amazon Region. Despite this, higher lethality is observed in this region compared to the country's endemic area. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse factors associated with malaria hospitalizations (severe malaria) in the extra-Amazon Region, in order to prevent deaths.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case-control design was used, utilizing data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan) and hospitalization records from the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) from 2011 to 2019. Cases comprised hospitalized malaria patients, while controls included reported malaria notifications without hospitalization. Probabilistic record linkage techniques were employed, and associations were analysed using multiple logistic regression with a 0.05 significance level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The main risk factors identified were: Black or mixed-race ethnicity (OR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.04-1.43), low education (elementary school OR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.78-2.75 or high school OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.39-2.13), infection outside the extra-Amazon Region (Amazon Region OR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.15-1.96 or abroad OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.28-2.32), high parasite count (501 to 10,000/mm³ OR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.27-1.80, 10,001 to 100,000/mm³ OR = 1.77; 95% CI 2.87-1.96 or higher than 100,000/mm³ OR = 3.15; 95% CI 2.20-4.50) and delayed treatment (after 3-7 days symptoms onset OR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.36-2.24 or 8 days or more OR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.62-2.66). Active case detection was a protective factor (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.54-0.78).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Delayed treatment remains a key factor in the occurrence of severe malaria, leading to high parasitaemia and revealing inequalities in access to healthcare based on socioeconomic differences. Travel to the Amazon Region or other countries also poses a challenge, requiring strengthened traveller health strategies and increased surveillance awareness to promptly suspect and identify cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"227"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144619005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caveola-vesicle complexes of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium cynomolgi: large-scale aggregation and structure of PHIST-positive vesicles in late schizont-infected red blood cells.","authors":"Lawrence H Bannister, Anton R Dluzewski, Esmeralda V S Meyer, Stacey A Lapp, Mary R Galinski","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05405-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05405-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Numerous caveola-vesicle complexes (CVCs) form around the surface of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium cynomolgi infected erythrocytes during the asexual cycle. They include a 95 kDa protein in both species, the Plasmodium helical interspersed subtelomeric (PHIST) protein (PHIST/CVC-81₉₅) located at the cytoplasmic face of CVC vesicles and tubules. The functions and detailed structure of CVCs are poorly understood, although they are essential for parasite survival. In this study, electron and immuno-electron microscopy were used to explore structural changes to CVCs during the final phase of parasite maturation, when they may lose their importance to metabolic function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Blood with maturing parasite-infected erythrocytes was collected by venipuncture from Saimiri boliviensis and rhesus macaque monkeys infected with P. vivax and P. cynomolgi, respectively. Platelets and leukocytes were removed from the blood, and trophozoite- and schizont-infected erythrocytes were purified and concentrated. The parasitized RBCs were fixed in 2.5% v/v glutaraldehyde for morphological electron microscopy study or 2% v/v paraformaldehyde and 0.075% v/v glutaraldehyde for immuno-electron microscopy; sections were immuno-stained with rabbit anti-PHIST antibodies detected with protein A-conjugated to 10 nm gold.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Caveola-vesicle complexes, present along the periphery of trophozoite-infected erythrocytes, are dismantled in late-stage schizont-infected cells, releasing vesicles and tubules which aggregate as extensive PHIST-positive clusters within the infected cells. The clusters persist beyond the egress of merozoites, amongst the debris of the infected cells. The walls of vesicles and tubules are basket-like frameworks of fine filaments. Vesicle lumens also contain clusters of filaments and spheroidal spinous particles.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Caveolae-vesicle complex integrity is stage-specific. The CVC numbers are maximal in trophozoite and early schizont phases, and they are dismantled prior to merozoite egress when caveolae disappear and their vesicles and tubules are released to aggregate within the infected erythrocytes. This timing indicates that CVC activities are primarily related to the parasite's earlier trophic metabolism. Detailed study shows that vesicles and tubules have a unique structure which provides data relevant to the question of their function(s). The persistence of vesicle clusters after red cell lysis is also significant for the pathology of malaria.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"226"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12254962/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144619004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic investigation of a non-travel Plasmodium falciparum case linked to imported malaria in China's post-elimination era.","authors":"Fei Luo, Dan Jiang, Jing-Ru Xu, Yan Tan, Meng-Ping Yang, Jun Xie, Sen-Ping Yang, Hai-Mo Shen, Shuang Zhou, Jun-Hu Chen","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05476-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05476-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although China has achieved malaria elimination, the risk of reintroduction persists due to imported Plasmodium falciparum cases. Occasional infections without a clear travel history present challenge to routine epidemiological investigation and underscore the need for advanced tracing tools.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Whole-genome sequencing (WGS), principal component analysis (PCA), and identity-by-descent (IBD) analysis were applied to investigate a P. falciparum case reported in Chongqing, China, in 2019. The patient had no overseas travel history but was treated at the same hospital with a confirmed imported case from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Genomic analysis placed the unidentified case within the West and Central African parasite cluster. IBD analysis showed a high degree of relatedness (IBD = 0.9) between this case and the DRC-imported case, suggesting a potential transmission link. These findings indicate the likely Central African origin of the infection and raise concerns about local transmission risk even in a post-elimination setting.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This case highlights the limitations of traditional epidemiology in detecting cryptic transmission routes. Genomic epidemiology enables finer-scale resolution of parasite origin and relatedness, providing critical evidence in elimination-phase malaria control.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Genomic tools such as WGS, PCA, and IBD analysis can enhance national malaria surveillance systems by identifying infection sources and clarifying transmission routes. Their integration supports elimination-stage strategies and helps prevent malaria reintroduction in formerly endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"225"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12247474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144619006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A 3D culture model facilitates mass production of in vitro Plasmodium falciparum haemolymph-like sporozoites.","authors":"Kiara Hatzakis, Zachary MacMillen, Payton Kirtley, Maya Aleshnick, Thomas Martinson, Priya Gupta, Kristian E Swearingen, Brandon K Wilder, James W Davie, Marion Avril","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05471-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05471-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The in vitro cultivation of individual stages of the Plasmodium falciparum mosquito life cycle is notably challenging. The main difficulty is replicating the intricate nutrient and metabolite exchanges necessary for oocyst development and sporozoite (SPZ) formation in the three-dimensional environment of the mosquito midgut. Replicating these conditions is essential for understanding the biological interactions between mosquito and parasite, as well as advancing malaria vaccine development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An in vitro three-dimensional system was developed that closely mimics the mosquito midgut epithelium, basal lamina, and haemolymph, facilitating the production of substantial quantities of haemolymph-like Pf SPZ.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Use of an extracellular matrix-coated Alvetex^® Strata scaffold, combined with optimized culture medium, supports efficient oocyst attachment and provides the necessary nutrients for robust production of haemolymph-like SPZ. This system enables full maturation of oocysts, as shown by immunofluorescence assays (IFA), and allows timely release of in vitro SPZ (IVS) between days 11 and 15, comparable to the in vivo mosquito timeline. Haemolymph-like SPZ generated were found to be infectious, as evidenced by successful HC04 infection in in vitro and in vivo studies using FRG-huHep mice. Similar outcomes were observed across different P. falciparum strains.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Implementation of the Alvetex Strata scaffold, optimized medium, and improved ookinete production consistently enables in vitro generation of large quantities of haemolymph-like SPZ.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"224"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12243369/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144608735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}