Estimation of heterogeneity in malaria transmission by stochastic modelling of apparent deviations from mass action kinetics (Publications)
BACKGROUND: Quantifying heterogeneity in malaria transmission is a prerequisite for accurate predictive mathematical models, but the variance in field measurements of exposure overestimates true micro [...] challenge by infectious vectors. This appears to violate the principle of mass action that is implied by malaria biology. Micro-heterogeneity may be the reason for this anomaly. It is proposed that the level of [...] exposure. METHODS: The relationship between the entomological inoculation...
Modeling the public health impact of malaria vaccines for developers and policymakers (Publications)
of malaria vaccines as complements to existing interventions. However, the complexity of such models may make their outputs inaccessible to non-modeling specialists. This paper describes a Malaria Vaccine [...] BACKGROUND: Efforts to develop malaria vaccines show promise. Mathematical model-based estimates of the potential demand, public health impact, and cost and financing requirements can be used to inform [...] functionality was demonstrated by estimating the public health impact of a...
Over-diagnosis of malaria by microscopy in the Kilombero Valley, Southern Tanzania: an evaluation of the utility and cost-effectiveness of rapid... (Publications)
is the most common form of malaria diagnosis, concerns over its accuracy have prompted the incorporation of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) into many national malaria control programmes. METHODS: [...] and accurate diagnosis of febrile patients is essential to treat uncomplicated malaria cases properly, prevent severe malaria, and avert unnecessary anti-malarial treatments. Improper use of anti-malarials [...] estimating the extent of malaria over-diagnosis and over-treatment with...
Population hemoglobin mean and anemia prevalence in Papua New Guinea: new metrics for defining malaria endemicity? (Publications)
estimating malaria endemicity and for monitoring malaria control strategies. The aim of this study is to compare population hemoglobin mean and anemia prevalence to established indicators of malaria endemicity [...] of enlarged spleens in children, and records of (presumptive) malaria diagnosis among populations living with different levels of malaria transmission. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Convenience sample
Bayesian geostatistical modelling of malaria and lymphatic filariasis infections in Uganda: predictors of risk and geographical patterns of... (Publications)
BACKGROUND: In Uganda, malaria and lymphatic filariasis (causative agent Wuchereria bancrofti) are transmitted by the same vector species of Anopheles mosquitoes, and thus are likely to share common e [...] children for circulating filarial antigens (CFA). Concurrently, blood smears were examined for malaria parasites. In this study, the resultant malariological data are analysed for the first time and the [...] different random effects to allow for spatial structuring and to capture potential...
Simulation of malaria epidemiology and control in the highlands of western Kenya (Publications)
METHODS: Individual-based stochastic simulation models of malaria in humans and a deterministic model of malaria in mosquitoes as part of the OpenMalaria platform were parameterized to create a scenario for [...] to assist in planning for the control and elimination of malaria. This work investigates the applicability of mathematical modelling of malaria transmission dynamics in Rachuonyo South, a district with [...] CONCLUSIONS: The OpenMalaria model of P. falciparum transmission can be used to...
A research agenda for malaria eradication: diagnoses and diagnostics (Publications)
or absent malaria transmission, sustaining interest in elimination and maintaining resources will become increasingly important. Thus, research is required into the context in which malaria diagnostic [...] Many of malaria's signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other febrile diseases. Detection of the presence of Plasmodium parasites is essential, therefore, to guide case management. Improved
A research agenda for malaria eradication: cross-cutting issues for eradication (Publications)
ic Malaria Eradication Research Agenda (malERA) Consultative Groups have recognized several cross-cutting issues that must be addressed to prevent repetition of some of the mistakes of past malaria elimination [...] levels. Because sustained malaria elimination is dependent on a functioning health system, a further key cross-cutting research question is to determine how inputs for malaria can strengthen health systems [...] programs. Integrated research is required to develop a decision-making...
Costs and consequences of large-scale vector control for malaria (Publications)
BACKGROUND: Five large insecticide-treated net (ITN) programmes and two indoor residual spraying (IRS) programmes were compared using a standardized costing methodology. METHODS: Costs were measured l
Investigation of heterochromatin protein 1 function in the malaria parasite <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> using a conditional domain deletion and... (Publications)
offers a tool for further studies on epigenetic regulation and life cycle decision in malaria parasites.IMPORTANCE Malaria is caused by unicellular Plasmodium species parasites that repeatedly invade and replicate [...] The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum encodes a single ortholog of heterochromatin protein 1 (PfHP1) that plays a crucial role in the epigenetic regulation of various survival-related processes [...] domain and CSD of HP1 are functionally conserved between P....
