Malaria Journal - Latest articlesThe latest articles from Malaria Journal (ISSN 1475-2875) published by BioMed CentralSpatially-explicit risk profiling of Plasmodium falciparum infections at a small scale: a geostatistical modelling approach- June 23, 2008 Background: There is a renewed political will and financial support to eradicate malaria. Spatially-explicit risk profiling will play an important role in this endeavour. Patterns of Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence were examined among schoolchildren in a highly malaria-endemic area. Methods: A questionnaire was administered and finger prick blood samples collected from 3,962 children, aged six to 16 years, attending 55 schools in a rural part of western Cote d'Ivoire. Information was.http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/111 One-year delayed effect of fog on malaria transmission: a time-series analysis in the rain forest area of Mengla County, south-west China- June 19, 2008 Background: Malaria is a major public health burden in the tropics with the potential to significantly increase in response to climate change. Analyses of data from the recent past can elucidate how short-term variations in weather factors affect malaria transmission. This study explored the impact of climate variability on the transmission of malaria in the tropical rain forest area of Mengla County, south-west China. Methods: Ecological time-series analysis was performed on data collected...http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/110 A semi-automated multiplex high-throughput assay for measuring IgG antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) do- June 12, 2008 Background: The level of antibodies against PfEMP1 is routinely quantified by the conventional microtitre enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, ELISA only measures one analyte at a time and requires a relatively large plasma volume if the complete antibody profile of the sample is to be obtained. Furthermore, assay-to-assay variation and the problem of storage of antigen can influence ELISA results. The bead-based assay described here uses the BioPlex100 (BioRad, Hercules, CA,...http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/108 Full blood count and haemozoin-containing leukocytes in children with malaria: diagnostic value and association with disease severity- June 12, 2008 Background: Diligent and correct laboratory diagnosis and up-front identification of risk factors for progression to severe disease are the basis for optimal management of malaria. Methods: Febrile children presenting to the Medical Research Unit at the Albert Schweitzer Hospital (HAS) in Lambarn, Gabon, were assessed for malaria. Giemsa-stained thick films for qualitative and quantitative diagnosis and enumeration of malaria pigment, or haemozoin (Hz)-containing leukocytes (PCL) were...http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/109 Monitoring antimalarial safety and tolerability in clinical trials: a case study from Uganda- June 11, 2008 Background: New antimalarial regimens, including artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), have been adopted widely as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. Although these drugs appear to be safe and well-tolerated, experience with their use in Africa is limited and continued assessment of safety is a priority. However, no standardized guidelines for evaluating drug safety and tolerability in malaria studies exist. A system for monitoring adverse events in antimalarial trials...http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/107 Safety and tolerability of combination antimalarial therapies for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Ugandan children- June 11, 2008 Background: Combination antimalarial therapy is recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Africa; however, some concerns about the safety and tolerability of new regimens remain. This study compared the safety and tolerability of three combination antimalarial regimens in a cohort of Ugandan children. Methods: A longitudinal, single-blind, randomized clinical trial of children was conducted between November 2004 and May 2007 in Kampala, Uganda. Upon diagnosis of the.http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/106 The resting sites and blood-meal sources of Anopheles minimus in Taiwan- June 9, 2008 Background: The WHO declared Taiwan free from malaria in 1965, but in 2003 the reporting of two introduced cases in a rural area suggested a possible local transmission of this disease. Therefore, understanding the resting sites and the blood sources of Anopheles minimus is crucial in order to provide information for implementing vector control strategies. Methods: During a two-year survey, mosquitoes were collected in houses and their surrounding areas and at the bank of larval habitats by...http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/105 Identification of glycosaminoglycan binding regions in the Plasmodium falciparum encoded placental sequestration ligand, VAR2CSA- June 6, 2008 Background: Pregnancy malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes binding the placental receptor chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). This results in accumulation of parasites in the placenta with severe clinical consequences for the mother and her unborn child. Women become resistant to placental malaria as antibodies are acquired which specifically target the surface of infected erythrocytes binding in the placenta. VAR2CSA is most likely the parasite-encoded protein which...http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/104 A method for visualizing surface-exposed and internal PfEMP1 adhesion antigens in Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes- June 5, 2008 Background: The insertion of parasite antigens into the host erythrocyte membrane and the structure and distribution of Plasmodium falciparum adhesion receptors on that membrane are poorly understood. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and a novel labelling and fixation method have been used to obtain high resolution immuno-fluorescent images of erythrocyte surface PfEMP1 and internal antigens which allow analysis of the accumulation of PfEMP1 on the erythrocyte membrane during asexual...http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/101 The insecticide resistance status of malaria vectors in the Mekong region- June 5, 2008 Background: Knowledge on insecticide resistance in target species is a basic requirement to guide insecticide use in malaria control programmes. Malaria transmission in the Mekong region is mainly concentrated in forested areas along the country borders, so that decisions on insecticide use should ideally be made at regional level. Consequently, cross-country monitoring of insecticide resistance is indispensable to acquire comparable baseline data on insecticide resistance. Methods: A network...http://www.malariajournal.com/content/7/1/102 |