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Malaria evolution in South Asia: knowledge for control and elimination.
- Source :
-
Acta tropica [Acta Trop] 2012 Mar; Vol. 121 (3), pp. 256-66. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Jan 14. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- The study of malaria parasites on the Indian subcontinent should help us understand unexpected disease outbreaks and unpredictable disease presentations from Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. The Malaria Evolution in South Asia (MESA) research program is one of ten International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health. In this second of two reviews, we describe why population structures of Plasmodia in India will be characterized and how we will determine their consequences on disease presentation, outcome and patterns. Specific projects will determine if genetic diversity, possibly driven by parasites with higher genetic plasticity, plays a role in changing epidemiology, pathogenesis, vector competence of parasite populations and whether innate human genetic traits protect Indians from malaria today. Deep local clinical knowledge of malaria in India will be supplemented by basic scientists who bring new research tools. Such tools will include whole genome sequencing and analysis methods; in vitro assays to measure genome plasticity, RBC cytoadhesion, invasion, and deformability; mosquito infectivity assays to evaluate changing parasite-vector compatibilities; and host genetics to understand protective traits in Indian populations. The MESA-ICEMR study sites span diagonally across India and include a mixture of very urban and rural hospitals, each with very different disease patterns and patient populations. Research partnerships include government-associated research institutes, private medical schools, city and state government hospitals, and hospitals with industry ties. Between 2012 and 2017, in addition to developing clinical research and basic science infrastructure at new clinical sites, our training workshops will engage new scientists and clinicians throughout South Asia in the malaria research field.<br /> (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Culicidae parasitology
Genetic Variation
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Host-Parasite Interactions
Humans
India
Insect Vectors physiology
International Cooperation
Malaria epidemiology
Mosquito Control methods
National Health Programs organization & administration
Plasmodium pathogenicity
Research education
Research organization & administration
Severity of Illness Index
Communicable Disease Control methods
Insect Vectors parasitology
Malaria prevention & control
Plasmodium genetics
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1873-6254
- Volume :
- 121
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Acta tropica
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 22266213
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.01.008