Malaria

Lisa White, Professor of Modelling and Epidemiology at our MORU unit in Thailand, tells us how we can use mathematical and economic modelling to better use limited resources to control or eradicate tropical diseases Mathematical modelling, particularly when combined with economical modelling, allows researchers and policy makers to determine the most effective interventions to fight infectious diseases such as malaria. We can use those models to explore ‘what ifs’ scenarios, at country or province level, save more lives and limit costs.

Professor Ric Price, affiliated with our OUCRU unit, tells us of his research on surveillance, diagnostics and treatments for Plasmodium vivax malaria Vivax malaria used to be considered benign but is now recognised as an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Resistance to chloroquine (given to treat the parasite blood stage) is growing and ACT (artemisinin-based combination therapy) is becoming common treatment for vivax malaria. New drugs and better public health strategies can help elimination targets, anticipated for 2030.

Professor Olivo Miotto from our MORU programme in Bangkok, Thailand, tells us how genomics can help us improve global health Genomics is the study of the complete DNA sequence, for example of a particular parasite, allowing us to analyse its evolution and the impact of human interventions. Alongside clinical date, we use genomics to identify mutations that are markers for drug resistance. Mapping out drug resistance then helps inform elimination programmes.

Dr Rob van der Pluijm from MORU (Mahidol Oxford Research Unit) in Bangkok, Thailand, tells us about his work as project coordinator in mapping resistance to antimalarials Anti-malaria drug resistance is spreading throughout Southeast Asia and we need to find new treatments. Our researchers at MORU use a combination of artemisinin and two partner drugs instead of one. If confirmed safe and tolerable, triple artemisinin combination therapies might be a good option to treat multi-drug resistant malaria, as well as slow down the emergence and spread of anti-malarial resistance.

Dr Andrea Ruecker from MORU (Mahidol Oxford Research Unit) in Bangkok, Thailand, talks about possible interventions to block the transmission of falciparum malaria In the falciparum malaria parasite cycle, the gametocyte stages are responsible for the transmission from person to mosquito, then to other persons. A better understanding of how gametocytes respond to malaria treatments would help us block transmission and ultimately eliminate malaria.

Professor Frank Smithuis from our MOCRU unit in Myanmar tells us about his research on malaria Although malaria is decreasing in Myanmar, resistance to anti-malarials is on the rise in the region and the focus is now to treat people early, particularly in remote communities. MOCRU has set up a network of community health workers, trained and supplied with diagnostics, bednets and treatments, to help improve access to healthcare as well as produce the evidence to encourage policy changes.

Dr James Watson from MORU in Bangkok, Thailand, tells us about his research in the biology of relapse in vivax malaria, as well as the development of statistical models to better understand the pharmacology of antimalarial drugs. Primaquine is a drug used to eliminate vivax malaria from the liver and prevent relapses. However, it causes anaemia in patients with G6PD deficiency. A new, slightly longer regimen with increasing doses of primaquine could allow to safely treat all patients with vivax malaria.

Dr Xin Hui Chan from MORU (Mahidol Oxford Research Unit) in Bangkok, Thailand, tells us about the use of big data in our efforts to eliminate malaria Malaria is the most important parasitic infection to still affect humans, and a safe use of antimalarial drugs is paramount. The current explosion of clinical data is causing a jungle of data; making sense of all this data will greatly help us in our fight to eliminate malaria.

Dr Tom Peto from MORU (Mahidol Oxford Research Unit) in Bangkok, Thailand, tells us how mass drug administration can help eliminate malaria Although malaria has greatly declined in Southeast Asia this century, treating clinical cases won’t be sufficient to eliminate it from the region. Mass drug administration allows to eliminate parasites from asymptomatic carriers, and careful engagement with whole communities is key.

Dr Bob Taylor from MORU (Mahidol Oxford Research Unit) in Bangkok, Thailand, tells us about his research on malaria, and how we can use primaquine to treat vivax malaria and prevent the transmission of falciparum malaria Primaquine can be used both to treat vivax malaria and to prevent the transmission of falciparum malaria from human to mosquito. A shorter and age-based primaquine regimen would reduce the burden of vivax malaria. It would also allow primaquine to be used more widely to block the transmission of falciparum malaria.