Malaria Journal最新文献

{"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}

{"title":"The economic burden of malaria in Africa: a systematic review of cost of illness studies.","authors":"Anteneh Lamesgen, Mamo Engidaw, Getnet Gedif, Menberu Gete, Yihalem Abebe Belay","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05390-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05390-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The burden of malaria is lower than ten years ago. However, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of malaria cases around the world. a systematic review of studies on the cost of malaria were conducted to understand its economic burden to the health system, the household, and the society as whole.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Published articles on the cost of malaria in Africa from 2000 to 2024 were included to this review. Cochrane library, PubMed, and google scholar were searched to access the included articles and the results of the studies were described using text, tables, and diagram. The costs of malaria were presented using minimum and maximum values.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total treatment cost for simple (uncomplicated) malaria per case ranged from USD 4.03 to USD 31.23 and for the severe malaria, it ranged from USD 10.48 to USD 70.86. The maximum preventive cost for insecticide-treated bed nets distribution per unit ITN, larvicide per individual, and indoor residual spraying per a single use was about USD 10.81, USD 28.43, and USD 18.55, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The cost variability across studies and/or countries might be accounted for either the use of different costing methods, spatial variation, or the population considered while estimating the cost for malaria. To synthesise the cost data using meta-analysis, studies on the COI required to follow uniform costing methods and considering the discount rates while calculating health service costs. It can also facilitate meaningful comparison of cost estimates and to apply the results for evidence-based practices. This review protocol was registered and approved by the international prospective register of systematic reviews with a Protocol ID: CRD42024563063.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"223"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12243344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144600858","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":"Utility of rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy to detect malaria in health facilities across the Solomon Islands.","authors":"Genevieve Kerr, Lyndes Wini, John Leaburi, Joanne Macdonald, Tanya L Russell","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05468-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05468-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accurate and efficient malaria diagnosis is critical for effective malaria control and elimination. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been deployed over the last decade, particularly in rural and low-and-middle-income countries, as an alternative to microscopy-based diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study analysed retrospective health data from the Solomon Islands District Health Information System (DHIS2) for 2017-2019, focusing on factors affecting diagnostic test selection and positivity rates for microscopy versus RDTs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The national Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of malaria declined over the 3 years, with localised increases in specific health zones. The choice of malaria diagnostic test was associated with administrative division, patient age, health facility type and year. Overall, RDTs had higher malaria positivity rates than microscopy for both Plasmodium falciparum (microscopy, 6%; RDT, 11%) and Plasmodium vivax (microscopy, 10%; RDT, 14%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>RDTs were more widely used than microscopy in health facilities and had higher test positivity rates. This study highlights the factors influencing diagnostic test selection and underscores the importance of considering detection limits and potential overdiagnosis when interpreting positivity rates from different diagnostic methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"219"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12235921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144584306","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":"Variations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers and their association with Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a cross-sectional comparative study at a clinic in Ghana.","authors":"Jaiyeola Kofi Bohli, Patrick Boateng Ansah, Turkson Ephraim Kwamena, Emmanuel Allotey, Richard Vikpebah Duneeh, Ernest Boateng Yeboah, Lynda Addo, Ransford Kyeremeh, Precious Kwablah Kwadzokpui, Kenneth Ablordey","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05474-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05474-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Ghana, with haematological alterations being a common feature of infection. Understanding these changes is crucial for improving disease management, particularly in endemic regions where resource limitations may affect diagnostic capabilities. This study aimed to evaluate variations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers and their association with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a Ghanaian setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority Clinic from January to May 2018, involving 200 participants (100 P. falciparum-infected and 100 malaria-negative participants). Full blood count parameters and derived inflammatory indices were analysed. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine the variations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers across malaria and non-malaria groups. Logistic regression was also used to find the haematological and inflammatory biomarkers associated with malaria. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences were observed in several haematological parameters between P. falciparum malaria and non-malaria groups. Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients showed markedly lower white blood cell counts (4.88 vs. 5.84 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001), lymphocyte counts (0.91 vs. 2.10 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001), and platelet counts (117.50 vs. 224.50 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001). Inflammatory indices revealed elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (3.49 vs. 1.43, p < 0.001) and systemic inflammatory response index (1.83 vs. 0.73, p < 0.001) in P. falciparum malaria patients. Notably, the platelet-monocyte ratio was significantly reduced in malaria patients (207.45 vs. 457.78, p < 0.001). Haemoglobin levels showed significant variation across parasite densities, particularly between moderate and low parasitaemia groups (p = 0.026). The logistic regression also revealed that the odds of malaria decreased with increasing haematocrit (aOR: 0.77,95% CI 0.60-0.97, p = 0.032), platelets (aOR:0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, p = 0.013) and platelets-monocyte ratio (aOR:0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, p = 0.004), and increased with increased platelets-lymphocyte ratio (aOR:1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, p = 0.031).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated significant alterations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers during P. falciparum malaria infection. These findings reveal the importance of haematological parameters in malaria diagnosis and severity assessment, with potential implications for improving early detection, risk stratification, and clinical management of P. falciparum malaria patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"220"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12235773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144591599","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":"Hidden reservoirs of infection: prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in a high-endemic region of Zambia.","authors":"Wisdom Silwamba, David Chisompola, John Nzobokela, Martin Chakulya, Lombe Kabwe, Kingsley Tembo","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05472-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05472-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where asymptomatic cases contribute to ongoing transmission and hinder elimination efforts. Asymptomatic individuals act as hidden reservoirs, sustaining onward malaria transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in Mwandi District, Zambia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted between January to May 2024 in Mwandi District. Blood samples were collected for malaria diagnosis and simultaneously tested using rapid diagnostic tests and Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy techniques to detect Plasmodium infections. Structured questionnaires were administered to gather demographic data and information on potential risk factors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data while categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between outcomes and independent variables, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 370 participants were enrolled in the study, with females comprising the majority (52.4%) and a median age of 24 years (IQR: 9-30). The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was (4.1%), as determined by microscopy. Logistic regression analysis showed that females had significantly lower odds of asymptomatic malaria compared to males (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI 0.05-0.68; p = 0.010). Additionally, participants residing in Matoya and Sikute were more likely to have asymptomatic malaria, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.56 (95% CI 1.10-18.80; p = 0.036) and 4.72 (95% CI 1.03-21.50; p = 0.045), respectively. No significant associations were found with insecticide-treated net use, indoor residual spraying, or socioeconomic status.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance and interventions in high-risk groups and locations to curb silent transmission. Despite limitations in diagnostic sensitivity, the study underscores the importance of integrating asymptomatic malaria screening into control programmes to advance elimination efforts in Zambia and similar endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"221"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12239312/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144591598","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":"Comparative susceptibility of wild and laboratory-reared Aedes and Anopheles larvae to ivermectin.","authors":"Cheick Oumar W Ouédraogo, Fabrice A Somé, André B Sagna, Emmanuel Sougué, Dieudonné D Soma, Mady Ndiaye, Fangala Hamidou Coulibaly, Sié H Pooda, Lamidi Zela, Christophe Roberge, El Hadji A Niang, Karine Mouline, Roch K Dabiré","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05470-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05470-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Administering ivermectin to humans and livestock renders their blood toxic for mosquitoes like Anopheles and Aedes, offering a promising approach for controlling these vectors. However, the impact of such treatment on larval stages exposed to the drug through contaminated breeding sites is not fully understood. This study looked at how ivermectin affects the development of Aedes and Anopheles larvae.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Four instars laboratory-reared (Anopheles gambiae Kisumu strain and Aedes aegypti Bora Bora strain) and wild-derived (Anopheles coluzzii VK5 and Ae. aegypti Bobo) larvae were exposed to ivermectin-medium containing the molecule at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 ng/ml for 24 h, then transferred surviving larvae into ivermectin-free medium to monitor development until adult stage and female fecundity. Parameters measured were: larval survival, pupation dynamics, teneral emergence rates, and fecundity of the adult females in terms of numbers of eggs developed and laid. Two independent experiments were performed, each with four biological replicates. Data obtained for each life history parameter were compared between treatments to characterize ivermectin effects.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data indicated that highest ivermectin concentrations (100, 75, and 50 ng/ml) reduced larval survival by over 50% within 24 to 48 h post-exposure, with varying effects across different strains. Wild-derived larvae showed lower susceptibility to ivermectin compared to laboratory larvae for both Anopheles and Aedes species. The concentrations leading to 50% larval mortality (4-day-LC50) were 3.65 and 1.86 ng/ml for Anopheles VK5 and Kisumu strains, and 15.60 and 2.56 ng/ml for Aedes Bobo and Bora Bora strains, respectively. Notably, while high concentrations severely impacted larval development, low concentration (1 ng/ml) appear to be a sublethal concentration and allowed for adult emergence. No significant effects on the number of laid eggs were observed across the different strains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, these data showed how development parameters of laboratory-raised and wild-derived Anopheles and Aedes larvae are affected differently by ivermectin, highlighting potential implications for vector control strategies and ecological concerns regarding non-target organisms and environment persistence. Further investigations are planned to understand existing mechanisms allowing wild-derived larvae to better survive than laboratory ones despite the presence of ivermectin in their breeding environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"222"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12239304/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144591597","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":"Initial community response to a novel spatial repellent for malaria prevention in Busia County, Kenya.","authors":"Sheila Muya Ekodir, Lucy Baker, Julius I Odero, Jane Klein A Ikapesi, Moureen Ekisa, Albert Casella, April Monroe, Anna Passaniti, Eric Ochomo, Steven A Harvey","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05452-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05452-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria transmission in Africa significantly declined between 2005 and 2015 due to widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). However, since 2015, transmission has increased due to insecticide resistance and biting at times when people are not using ITNs. Spatial repellents (SRs) may help address these challenges. A double-blinded cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT) in Busia County, Kenya, reported that Mosquito Shield™, a transfluthrin-based SR, reduced malaria infections by 33.4% during interim analysis and 32.7% by the end of the study, among children aged 6 months to 10 years. Understanding community responses to SRs is critical for their successful deployment and long-term use. This paper reports the initial community response to MosquitoShield™ as part of the Advancing Evidence for the Global Implementation of Spatial Repellents (AEGIS) project.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Longitudinal qualitative data were collected from 30 households participating in the cRCT, using modified trials of improved practices (TIPs) to assess participants' perceptions of MosquitoShield's utility, efficacy, appearance, and user experience with monthly product replacement. This analysis focuses on initial responses recorded one week and two months post-installation. The data were analysed using thematic coding, with researchers blinded to trial arm assignment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The participants reported a positive initial response to the SR, with a significant perceived reduction in mosquito density and activity. Some also reported concerns about the product's effectiveness over time and its comparison with existing mosquito control methods, particularly after first replacement. Participants highlighted their perception that the SR provided continuous protection in contrast with the situational protection offered by ITNs. Improvement suggestions included modified installation methods plus a longer-lasting product that protected more space.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MosquitoShield™ shows potential as a promising malaria prevention tool among communities in Busia County, Kenya. Incorporating user feedback and addressing concerns about product installation, duration, and coverage are crucial for successful implementation. Future research exploring community perceptions, cultural factors and behavioural responses related to long-term acceptability and the impact of SRs on malaria transmission will be crucial to ensure effective SR implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"217"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12228312/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564846","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":"Bionomics of Anopheles gambiae complex (Diptera: Culicidae) and malaria transmission pattern in a pre-elimination area in South-Western Senegal.","authors":"Moussa Diop, Youssouph Coulibaly, Omar Thiaw, Abdoulaye Kane Dia, Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly, Modibo Sangaré, Ndèye Aita Ndoye, Moussa Diallo, Mame Fatou Tall, Mouhamadou Bassir Faye, Oumar Ciss, Seynabou Mocote Diédhiou, Ousmane Faye, Abdoulaye Diop, Abdoulaye Konaté, Badara Samb, Abdoulaye Niang, Lassana Konaté, Roger Clément Kouly Tine, El Hadji Amadou Niang","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05411-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05411-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a public health problem in many African countries. In Senegal, the Southern region had the highest malaria incidence and malaria-related deaths. The relationship between vector density and malaria transmission remains poorly understood in some specific areas. The aim of this study was to characterize the current entomological and transmission parameters with special emphasis on the Anopheles gambiae complex in the malaria pre-elimination area of Mlomp south-western Senegal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted from July 2020 to February 2021 in Djicomol and Cadjinolle in the commune of Mlomp region of Ziguinchor, Senegal. Sampling was carried out using Human Landing Catches (HLC) and Pyrethrum Spray Catches (PSC). Ovaries were dissected to determine female parity rate. Infection status, blood meal sources and species molecular identification were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 6956 mosquitoes of the An. gambiae complex were collected, of which 6739 were by HLC (96.88%) and 217 by PSC (3.12%). The mean human biting rate was 36.98 bites/person/night (b/p/n) indoors and 43.25 b/p/n outdoors. Female biting activity was more frequent during the second half of the night. Mean parity rates were 24.83% indoors and 18.94% outdoors. The human blood index was estimated at 76.09%. Overall, An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) was the most common species (75.08%). No female An. gambiae was found to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum in the sub-sample tested, thus no malaria transmission was recorded in Mlomp during the study period.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results alert malaria control programme to develop additional strategies for controlling these vectors, which show exophagic behaviours to effectively combat malaria.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"215"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12228239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564876","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":"Resolution of experimental malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome is Alox12 independent and shows residual inflammation.","authors":"Fran Prenen, Bram De Pauw, Sofie Knoops, Emilie Pollenus, Hendrik Possemiers, Johan Van Weyenbergh, Philippe E Van den Steen","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05462-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05462-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (MA-ARDS) is a lung complication affecting 5-25% of adults with severe malaria and has a mortality rate of ~ 40% despite mechanical ventilation. Effective recovery requires the resolution of inflammation, an active process involving pathogen clearance, suppression of inflammation, and tissue repair. While antimalarial drugs eliminate the parasite, they do not adequately promote resolution.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using Nanostring nCounter technology, 840 inflammation- and metabolism-related genes were profiled in lung tissue from Plasmodium berghei NK65-infected mice, comparing untreated and antimalarial-treated groups to identify gene signatures specific to pathology and resolution.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the resolution-specific genes, Alox12, encoding 12-lipoxygenase, was identified as a key regulator of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). However, functional studies targeting the 12-lipoxygenase pathway with the ML355 inhibitor or with Maresin Conjugate in Tissue Regeneration 1 supplementation did not affect survival or resolution outcomes. Further bioinformatic analysis of the Nanostring data revealed persistent T cell-driven inflammation, partial reduction in JAK/STAT signalling, altered chemokine expression and incomplete metabolic recovery during the resolution phase of MA-ARDS.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that while Nanostring profiling reveals critical processes in MA-ARDS resolution, targeting late-stage resolution alone by modulating SPM production is insufficient. This suggests that more effective, multi-targeted adjunctive therapies, alongside antimalarial drugs, may be required to improve survival and resolution upon MA-ARDS.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"216"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12228167/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564848","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}