Objectives
The EMERGENTS ICEMR program consists of interwoven research programs, each with distinct though complementary aims and objectives
Program Project 1 [PP1]
Conduct Genomic Epidemiological Mapping (GEM) of both falciparum and non-falciparum malaria (NFM; Pv, Po, and Pm) to describe and quantify the parasite reservoir, measure parasite transmissibility to mosquitoes and evaluate the insecticide resistance status of mosquitoes with NFM parasite infections. This overarching aim will be pursued through the following three specific objectives:
PP1.1. Refine and implement targeted genomic tools and determine the distribution of clinical and subclinical Pf, Pv, Po, and Pm infections in Cameroon and Nigeria. This aims to refine and transfer NFM targeted genomics tools to program partners in CRID and IGH for use in analyzing samples from clinics in both countries to study parasite populations through Central Africa.
PP1.2. Determine transmissibility of NFM mixed infections to Anopheles funestus in Cameroon and Nigeria. Address the hypothesis that NFM infection and maturation kinetics differ across Plasmodium spp. by gametocytemia, the host Anopheles vector species and strain, and insecticide resistance status. We will measure species-specific gametocytemia levels of mono- and mixed NFM infections and feed the infected blood to two different strains of An. funestus.
PP1.3. Measure and map the prevalence of insecticide resistance (IR), and associated resistance mechanisms of outdoor biting Anopheles vectors in Cameroon and Nigeria. A large proportion of An. gambiae and other anopheline vectors in Cameroon have been observed to bite outdoors rather than indoors with a high IR rate. We will assess the IR status of outdoor biting vs. indoor biting mosquitoes between urban and rural settings in target areas in both countries to better characterize residual malaria (both Pf and mono/mixed NFM-Pf) transmission.
PROGRAM PROJECT 2 [PP2]
Overall Aim: Evaluate NFM and subclinical malaria infection and transmission by Advancing Clinical and Entomological Surveillance (ACES) using emergent diagnostic platforms. More specifically, this program project proposes dissecting the biology of asymptomatic Pf, NFM and mixed infections viz. malaria transmission. For this purpose, the program aims to gain insight into NFM transmission biology by using a lipidomics profiling approach to explore and subsequently validate host- and/or parasite-derived biomarkers that influence this process.