Lysyl-tRNA synthetase as a drug target in malaria and cryptosporidiosis (Publications)
Malaria and cryptosporidiosis, caused by apicomplexan parasites, remain major drivers of global child mortality. New drugs for the treatment of malaria and cryptosporidiosis, in particular, are of high [...] PfKRS1 and C. parvum KRS (CpKRS). In vivo proof of concept was established in an SCID mouse model of malaria, after oral administration (ED90 = 1.5 mg/kg, once a day for 4 d). Furthermore, we successfully [...] HsKRS. Our work validates apicomplexan KRSs as promising targets for the...
Highly heterogeneous residual malaria risk in western Thailand (Publications)
substantial and poses a challenge for the national malaria elimination program. To determine epidemiological parameters as well as risk factors for malaria infection in western Thailand, we carried out a [...] Over the past decades, the malaria burden in Thailand has substantially declined. Most infections now originate from the national border regions. In these areas, the prevalence of asymptomatic infections [...] provinces on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Blood samples from 999 local...
Dramatic decreases of malaria transmission intensities in Ifakara, south-eastern Tanzania since early 2000s (Publications)
000) historically experienced moderate to high malaria transmission, mediated mostly by Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus. In early 2000s, malaria transmission [Plasmodium falciparum entomological [...] outdoors in Katindiuka-ward by HLC), resulting in overall PfEIR of 0.102 ib/p/yr. Nearly 80% of malaria vectors were from Katindiuka and Mlabani wards. Anopheles gambiae densities were higher outdoors [...] Most houses had brick walls and/or iron roofs (> 90%), and 52% had screened...
Baseline exposure, antibody subclass, and hepatitis B response differentially affect malaria protective immunity following RTS,S/AS01E vaccination in... (Publications)
IgG4, subclass responses. Age, site, previous malaria episodes, and baseline characteristics including antibodies to CSP and other antigens reflecting malaria exposure and maternal IgGs, nutritional status [...] anti-HBsAg antibodies induced by RTS,S/AS01E vaccination were associated with malaria protection. In contrast, higher malaria exposure at baseline and non-cytophilic IgG responses to CSP were associated [...] BACKGROUND: The RTS,S/AS01E vaccine provides partial protection against malaria...
Malaria and the 'last' parasite: how can technology help? (Publications)
Malaria, together with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and hepatitis are the four most deadly infectious diseases globally. Progress in eliminating malaria has saved millions of lives, but also creates new challenges [...] accurate detection of malaria infections, both in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals are needed. In this review, the current progress in developing new diagnostic tools to fight malaria is presented. An [...] An ideal rapid test for malaria elimination is envisioned with examples...
Mathematical modelling of the impact of expanding levels of malaria control interventions on <em>Plasmodium vivax</em> (Publications)
Plasmodium vivax poses unique challenges for malaria control and elimination, notably the potential for relapses to maintain transmission in the face of drug-based treatment and vector control strategies
