Malaria Journal最新文献

{"title":"Correction: Assessment of the in vitro activity and selectivity of Artemisia afra and Artemisia annua aqueous extracts against artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum.","authors":"Camille Roesch, Kutub Ashraf, Amélie Vantaux, Adriana A Marin, Steven P Maher, Jean-Francois Franetich, Nimol Kloeung, Sopheakvatey Ke, Hoa Thi My Vo, Jean-Christophe Barale, Dominique Mazier, Benoit Witkowski","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05491-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05491-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"257"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12345072/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144835561","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":"Refining malaria diagnosis in high-transmission areas: a dual-approach with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and dbPCR-NALFIA.","authors":"Diane Yirgnur Some, Francois Kiemde, Hermann Sorgho, Marc Christian Tahita, Antonia Windkouni Bere, Abdoulaye Ouedraogo, Souleymane Vivien Banao, Kouadjo Bagre, Gérémie Djiri, Georges Some, Toussaint Rouamba, Yeri Esther Hien, Aly Savadogo, Henk D F H Schallig, Halidou Tinto","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05500-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05500-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are an essential tool in managing febrile illnesses in endemic settings. However, persisting parasite antigen after treatment or spontaneous remission, which can be detected by histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2)-based RDT or Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH)-based RDTs, could lead to misdiagnosis. To overcome the latter, a diagnostic approach combining sequential interpretation of two-step malaria RDTs incorporating two parasite antigens detecting PfHRP2 and pLDH coupled with a direct-on-blood mini PCR-nucleic acid lateral flow immunoassay (dbPCR-NALFIA) has been evaluated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Febrile patients visiting two rural health facilities in Burkina Faso were enrolled. For each participant, an HRP2-based RDT and blood slides for microscopy (gold standard) were performed. A capillary blood sample was also collected in an EDTA tube and transported to laboratory to perform the two-step malaria RDT detecting HRP2 and LDH, and dbPCR-NALFIA testing. Malaria diagnostic results were sequentially interpreted and reported as: (i) positive when pLDH line appears regardless of the HRP2 results (PfHRP2 + /pLDH + or PfHRP2-/pLDH +); (ii) negative when both lines are absent (PfHRP2-/pLDH-); and (iii) undetermined when only the HRP2 line appears (PfHRP2 + /pLDH-). Undetermined cases were subsequently confirmed by dbPCR-NALFIA test and reported as positive or negative. Malaria microscopy was used as reference test of conclusive diagnostic results (PfHRP2 + /pLDH + , PfHRP2-/pLDH + or PfHRP2-/pLDH-) and qPCR for undetermined cases (PfHRP2 + /pLDH-).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 438 blood samples analysed, 87.2% (382/438) of patients with conclusive sequential interpretation of HRP2 and pLDH did not need confirmative testing with dbPCR-NALFIA. The sensitivity and specificity of these conclusive results were 98.8% and 95.3%, respectively. Following confirmation of undetermined sequential interpretation with dbPCR-NALFIA, the sequential algorithm had a sensitivity of 97.9%, a specificity of 94.8%, a positive predictive value of 97.2%, and a negative predictive value of 96.1%. For single HRP2-based RDT, the sensitivity was 95.2%, the specificity 73.2%, the positive predictive value 85.1%, and the negative predictive value 90.4%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The sequential algorithm of the two-step RDTs combined with dbPCR-NALFIA on inconclusive results enhances the diagnosis of malaria in febrile patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"252"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12330003/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144799559","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":"Diversity of anopheline species and malaria transmission dynamics in high-altitude areas of western Cameroon.","authors":"Belinda Claire Kiam, Aline Gaelle Bouopda-Tuedom, Jean Arthur Mbida Mbida, Ibrahima Ibrahima, Samuel J White, Pacome V K Tchuenkam, Zachary R Popkin-Hall, Mariama Mbouh, Charlène Tina Nanssong V, Luc Abate, Clément Janvier Onguene, Brigitte Tumamo Fotso, Jacob M Sadler, Jonathan B Parr, Jessica T Lin, Jonathan J Juliano, Innocent Mbulli Ali, Rhoel R Dinglasan, Sandrine Eveline Nsango","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05480-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05480-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Assessing vector bionomics and their role in transmission is crucial to improving vector control strategies. Several entomological studies have been conducted to describe malaria transmission in different eco-epidemiological settings in Cameroon; however, data gaps persist, particularly in the highland areas. This study aimed to characterize malaria vectors in three localities along an altitudinal gradient in the western region: Santchou (700 m), Dschang (1400 m) and Penka Michel (1500 m).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Human landing catches were conducted from May to June 2023 in 17 villages (including 10 health zones in Dschang, 4 in Santchou and 3 in Penka Michel) from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Mosquitoes were sorted into genera and all Anopheles species were identified using morphological taxonomic keys and species-specific Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR). Entomological indicators, including species composition, abundance, biting behaviour, infection rate and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) were assessed. Genomic DNA from the head and thorax was extracted and tested for Plasmodium infection by real-time PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2835 Anopheles mosquitoes were identified, including Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (82.88%), Anopheles funestus s.l. (15.92%), Anopheles nili (0.09%) and Anopheles ziemanni (1.11%), with An. gambiae s.l. being the most prevalent at all sites. Anopheles gambiae s.l. had a significantly higher human-biting rate at Penka Michel (45.25 bites/human/night) compared to Santchou (3.1 bites/human/night [b/h/n]) and Dschang (0.41 bites/human/night) (p-value < 0.001). It was also the main malaria vector, with an entomological inoculation rate (EIR) 13 times higher in Penka Michel than Santchou (1.11 vs. 0.08 infective bites/human/night). The data suggest a very focal distribution of infective An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant malaria parasite (67% in Santchou, 62% in Penka Michel), but Plasmodium malariae (33% in Santchou, 31% in Penka Michel) and Plasmodium ovale (1.21% only in Penka Michel) infections were also detected.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights a difference in mosquito composition and host-seeking behaviour across altitudes, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance to monitor vector populations. To combat the persistence of malaria in Cameroon, it is crucial to implement additional tools like larviciding, integrated and environmental management, particularly against outdoor-biting mosquitoes, to prevent potential malaria outbreaks in these highland areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"251"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12330072/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144794876","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":"Deletion of target gene (histidine-rich protein 2/3) for Plasmodium falciparum rapid diagnostic tests in Amhara region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Aderaw Adamu, Getaneh Alemu, Mulat Yimer, Banchamlak Tegegne, Sindew Mekasha","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05485-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05485-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been instrumental in enhancing malaria surveillance and case management, especially in Africa where P. falciparum predominates. However, the emergence of pfhrp2/3 gene deletions poses a serious threat to their effectiveness. Therefore, regular monitoring of pfhrp2/3 deletion status at both local and national levels is essential to inform policy decisions on appropriate diagnostic strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to 2022 across 28 health facilities in three survey domains (Gondar, Gojjam, and East Amhara) within the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The study included 1232 microscopy-confirmed P. falciparum patients. Participants were recruited through convenient sampling based on informed consent. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Capillary blood samples were obtained and tested for Plasmodium infection using pfhrp2-based RDTs, microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR analysis specifically targeted the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes to detect deletions. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS version 20.0 to summarize participant characteristics and calculate the prevalence of gene deletions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 1232 microscopy-confirmed P. falciparum-positive samples, 123 were suspected of pfhrp2/3 gene deletion (i.e., microscopy positive but RDT negative). These 123 discordant samples and 87 samples with concordant RDT and microscopy-positive results (total 210) were recruited for the pfhrp2/3 gene deletion study using PCR. An additional 17 concordant and 14 discordant samples (a total of 31) were excluded due to insufficient DNA amplification. As a result, pfhrp2/3 gene deletion analysis was conducted on 179 samples. Of these, 158 (88.3%) samples had either one or both of the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions. Ninety-two (51.4%), 4 (2.2%) and 62 (34.6%) samples were with dual pfhrp2/3, Pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions, respectively. Among 109 false-negative pfhrp2/3 RDT results, 102 (93.6%) were due to pfhrp2/3 gene deletions. P. falciparum with pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 or dual gene deletion was found in all survey domains.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The regional prevalence of pfhrp2/3 gene deletion is above the threshold (5%) recommended by the World Health Organization. Plasmodium falciparum strains with pfhrp2/3 gene deletion are distributed throughout the Amhara region. Continued use of the newly introduced LDH-based Biocredit RDTs is recommended in Ethiopia.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"250"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12318410/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144768765","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":"Prevalence and determinants of malaria among children aged 6-59 months in Tanzania: a nationwide cross-sectional study.","authors":"Jovinary Adam, Pankras Luoga, Tumaini Nyamhanga, Chijano Makunenge, Meshack Ayubu","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05409-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05409-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in children under age 5 years in Tanzania. It is more often recognized as the most serious health problem in the community by women and men in Tanzania. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and the determinants of malaria among children aged 6-59 months in Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Secondary data analysis was conducted on data from 2022 Tanzanian Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey. The weighted sample included in this study was 4,923 children aged 6-59 months, who underwent malaria rapid diagnostic test. Data analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 software. The strength of the association was assessed using the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) along with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of malaria among children aged 6-59 months was 8% (95% CI 6.2, 9.5). The percentage of children with malaria was highest in Tabora (23%) and below 1% among children in Dodoma, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Singida, Songwe, and the Zanzibar regions. The study found that children aged 24-59 months (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.33, 2.21), children residing in rural areas (aOR = 6.92, 95% CI 2.19, 8.83), children from lower economic status (aOR = 3.08, 95% CI 1.22-7.83), and children who never slept under an insecticide-treated net (ITN) (aOR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.51-4.91) were significantly associated with malaria among children aged 6-59 months.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study revealed a malaria prevalence of 8% among children aged 6-59 months in Tanzania, with the highest percentage observed in Tabora. This prevalence was associated with older age, residence in rural areas, lower economic status, and lack of access to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). These results underscore the need for targeted malaria prevention strategies, particularly in rural areas and among economically disadvantaged populations. Enhancing access to ITNs and promoting their use, along with broader health education initiatives, could significantly reduce malaria incidence in this vulnerable age group.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"248"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12317549/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144765062","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":"Subnational introduction of the RTS,S/AS01_E malaria vaccine into routine immunization: experience and lessons from the three pilot countries.","authors":"Rose Jalang'o, Kwame Amponsa-Achiano, Mike Chisema, Keziah Malm, Lydiah Khalayi, Brenda Mhone, Wahjib Mohammed, Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Adam Haji, Josephine Njoroge, Boston Zimba, Esther Chirwa, Peter O Tweneboah, Jackson Sillah, Mgaywa G M D Magafu, Cynthia Bergstrom, Tracey Goodman, Jenny Walldorf, Kristen Kelleher, Eliane Pellaux-Furrer, Mary J Hamel, Michael R Adjei, Rafiq N A Okine","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05484-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05484-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In October 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the RTS,S/AS01_E (RTS,S) malaria vaccine for the prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children living in endemic areas informed by evidence from the subnational pilot introduction and evaluation in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi as part of the WHO-coordinated Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP). With the global vaccine supply boosted by the pre-qualification of a second malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M (R21), in October 2023, many endemic countries (20 as of April 2025) have introduced malaria vaccines into their national childhood immunization and malaria control programmes. More endemic countries are expected to introduce or scale up malaria vaccines in 2025 and beyond. This paper summarizes key operational lessons from the pilot countries to facilitate the introduction and scale-up of malaria vaccination in other countries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Pilot areas were identified, in part, based on local malaria epidemiology. RTS,S was initially introduced in randomly selected areas, while other areas served as comparators until the four-dose schedule vaccine was scaled up following the WHO recommendation in 2021. In Ghana and Kenya, the vaccine was administered at ages 6, 7, 9, and 24 months (Ghana switched to administer the fourth dose at age 18 months in 2023), and Malawi chose a schedule of 5, 6, 7, and 22 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Vaccination coverage improved over time, reaching about 80% for the first dose and around 75% for the third dose by 2023 in the initial pilot areas. Implementation challenges included an inadequate understanding of age eligibility among healthcare workers during the early phase of introduction, low fourth dose coverage (with a median coverage of 46% in 2023 across the three countries), and disruptions to service delivery caused by disease outbreaks and other natural disasters. Health stakeholders and caregivers attested to the positive impact of introducing the malaria vaccine, including a reduction in malaria hospitalizations and the strengthening of the National Immunization Programme (NIP) through routine immunization refresher training and supportive supervision.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The pilot highlighted lessons for malaria vaccine introduction: (1) clearly outlined roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including NIP and National Malaria Programme (NMP); (2) appropriate approach to vaccine introduction launch, communication, and demand generation to enhance vaccine uptake; (3) flexibility with dose scheduling to optimize coverage; and (4) updated data collection tools for accurate documentation, and data quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"244"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12305954/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144732091","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":"Emergence of urban malaria and the associated risk factors: a case-control study in Mutare city, Zimbabwe.","authors":"Sungano Mharakurwa, Natasha Mbwana, Trish Mharakurwa, Thelma Karumbidza, Vuyisile Mathe, Punha Fusire, Andrew Tangwena, Wilson Chauke, Munyaradzi Mukuzunga, Patience Dhliwayo, Shungu Mtero Munyati, Lovemore Gwanzura, Jeffrey A Bailey, William J Moss","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05494-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05494-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mutare city of Zimbabwe was considered free of autochthonous malaria, until 2017, when the Ministry of Health and Child Care formally confirmed escalating cases of locally transmitted malaria in the city. The current study examined the risk factors for malaria cases in the city to aid in formulation of targeted intervention packages for helping restore malaria-free status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study employed complementary cross-sectional and case-control designs to ascertain the magnitude and risk factors of urban malaria cases presenting at all eight primary health care facilities of Mutare city from 2022 to 2023. Malaria cases were enrolled as confirmed by RDT or microscopy on presenting all-age symptomatic suspected malaria patients. Controls were similarly enrolled as all-age symptomatic suspected malaria patients found negative by both RDT and microscopy. All cases and controls were enrolled as representative of the presenting population with no matching. Data were analysed for descriptive and prevalence statistics, as well as risk factors, using SPSS Faculty version 27.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In a multivariate binary logistic model, significant risk factors for malaria cases found in the city included residential locale (RR [95%CI]: 3 [1.1-5.8], p = 0.029, N = 7,222), household proximity to still surface water pools or unprotected wells (16 [3.8-67.5], p < 0.001) and travel history in the past 2 weeks (9 [5.2-14.4], p < 0.001, N = 7,222), modal travel destinations being malaria-endemic adjoining districts within Zimbabwe, as well as areas of neighbouring Mozambique, mainly for trade or work. By far the most predominant risk factor for malaria cases was artisanal mining (RR [95%CI]: 22 [10.7-44.1], p < 0.001), which was 93% dominated by men, and male residents exhibited four-fold higher odds of being malaria cases than females (4 [2.0-6.5]).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Significant risk factors for urban malaria were found that were consistent with both autochthonous transmission and imported malaria in Mutare city. Environmental management and the deployment and concomitant promotion of mass ITNs, personal protection and other intervention packages, especially targeting communities exposed to the identified risk factors, would be instrumental towards re-establishing urban malaria elimination from Mutare city.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"245"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12305887/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144732090","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":"Development and application of an LC-MS/MS method for quantification of fosmidomycin in human and rat plasma.","authors":"Christoph Pfaffendorf, Keanu D Sackmann, Johannes Mischlinger, Jean Claude Dejon-Agobé, Oumou Maïga-Ascofaré, Ebenezer Ahenkan, Ayôla Akim Adegnika, Michael Ramharter, Philipp Uhl, Gert Fricker, Sebastian G Wicha","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05489-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05489-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria still poses a significant burden on global health, with millions of cases reported annually and rising resistance to current treatments, emphasizing the need for new therapeutic strategies. Fosmidomycin, initially recognized for its antibacterial properties, has emerged as a promising candidate in the fight against malaria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, a sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS method for quantifying fosmidomycin in human and rat plasma was developed and validated. Plasma samples were prepared using a simple protein precipitation method with 10% trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The assay featured a rapid run time of 5 min, and validation was performed according to the European Medicines Agency's guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The method validation confirmed its selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and stability. Notably, the calibration range was established from 0.25 to 15 mg/L, demonstrating improvements over previous methodologies with lower limits of quantification of 0.5-1.0 mg/L. Using the developed LC-MS/MS method, plasma samples were analysed from a clinical trial conducted in Gabon, as well as from a pharmacokinetic study involving male Wistar rats, revealing viable pharmacokinetic profiles for fosmidomycin.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings confirm the utility of the developed analytical method for supporting the clinical development of fosmidomycin as a potential therapy for malaria.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"243"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12297723/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144718095","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":"How to use learning curves to evaluate the sample size for malaria prediction models developed using machine learning algorithms.","authors":"Sophie G Zaloumis, Megha Rajasekhar, Julie A Simpson","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05479-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05479-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Machine learning algorithms have been used to predict malaria risk and severity, identify immunity biomarkers for malaria vaccine candidates, and determine molecular biomarkers of antimalarial drug resistance. Developing these prediction models requires large training datasets to ensure prediction accuracy when applied to new individuals in the target population. Learning curves can be used to assess the sample size required for the training dataset by evaluating the predictive performance of a model trained using different dataset sizes. These curves are agnostic to the specific prediction model, but their construction does require existing data. This tutorial demonstrates how to generate and interpret learning curves for malaria prediction models developed using machine learning algorithms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To illustrate the approach, training dataset sizes were evaluated to inform the design of a \"mock\" prediction modelling study aimed to predict the artemisinin resistance status of Plasmodium falciparum malaria isolates from gene expression data. Data were simulated based on a previously published in vivo parasite gene expression dataset, which contained transcriptomes of 1043 P. falciparum isolates from patients with acute malaria, of which 29% (299/1043) were from slow clearing infections (parasite clearance half-life > 5 h). Learning curves were produced for two machine learning algorithms, sparse Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis plus Support Vector Machines (sPLSDA + SVMs) and random forests. Prediction error was measured using the balanced error rate (average of percentage of slow clearing infections incorrectly predicted as fast and percentage of fast clearing infections predicted as slow).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For this mock malaria prediction study, the balanced error rate on a test dataset not used for model training (208 samples) was 50% for sPLSDA + SVMs and 50% for random forests on the smallest training dataset evaluated (20 samples) and 14% for sPLSDA + SVMs and 22% for random forests on the largest training dataset evaluated (835 samples). The shape of the learning curves indicates that increasing the training dataset size beyond 835 samples is unlikely to significantly reduce the balanced error rates further.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Learning curves are a simple tool that can be used to determine the minimum sample size required for future prediction modelling studies of different malaria outcomes that use machine learning algorithms for prediction. These curves need to be generated for each specific prediction modelling application.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"242"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12291394/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144708012","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":"Individual and community-level correlates of optimal doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy in Tanzania: a multilevel analysis of the 2022 national survey.","authors":"Elihuruma Eliufoo Stephano, Tian Yusheng, Thomas Wiswa John, Stephen Mathew Kibusi, Li Yamin, Mtoro J Mtoro","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05482-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05482-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria during pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 32 million pregnant women are at risk. Despite the progress made in the coverage of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of malaria during pregnancy using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP), notable gaps persist in understanding the individual and community-level factors that correlate with optimal dosing adherence. This study aims to assess these correlates in Tanzania using recent Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) data.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study employed an analytical cross-sectional design, utilizing data from the 2022 TDHS. This study's analysis included 4497 women who had given birth within two years before the survey. The data were analzed using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression, employing four models to identify factors associated with optimal IPTp-SP dose uptake.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall uptake of optimal (≥ 3 doses) IPTp-SP was 31.2% (95% CI 29.1-33.3). In the adjusted analysis, individual correlates were women aged 25-34 years (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.21-1.90) and 35-49 years (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.10-1.96) compared to women aged 15-24 years. Women with primary education (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.07-1.68) were more likely to achieve optimal uptake than those with no formal education. Furthermore, women with one child (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.26-2.17) and two children (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.09-1.74) showed higher odds of optimal uptake compared to women with no children. Having more than three antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.47-2.12) increased the likelihood of optimal uptake compared to those with fewer than three visits. Community-level correlates of optimal IPTp-SP uptake included communities with higher ANC visit rates (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.13-1.97), which showed higher odds of optimal uptake than those with low ANC visit rates. Residing in the Northern (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.01-2.59) and Lake zones (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.12-2.53) was also associated with higher odds of optimal uptake compared to women in the Western zone. Conversely, women in Zanzibar (AOR = 0.01, 95% CI 0.01-0.06) had low uptake because IPTp-SP is no longer recommended.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed low uptake of optimal doses of IPTp-SP influenced by several individual and community factors. Future malaria prevention in pregnancy requires integrating control programs with reproductive health services, overcoming socio-cultural barriers, and utilizing community engagement to enhance IPTp-SP coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"240"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12285042/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698978","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}