Malaria evolution in South Asia: knowledge for control and elimination

Area of Science:

• * Malariology
• * Genetics
• * Epidemiology

Background:

• * The Indian subcontinent experiences unpredictable malaria outbreaks and disease presentations.
• * The Malaria Evolution in South Asia (MESA) program, an International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) initiative, focuses on understanding malaria.
• * Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are key malaria parasites in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To characterize Plasmodium population structures in India.
• * To determine the consequences of population structures on disease presentation, outcomes, and patterns.
• * To investigate the role of genetic diversity and host genetics in malaria epidemiology and pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• * Whole genome sequencing and analysis.
• * In vitro assays for parasite plasticity, red blood cell (RBC) cytoadhesion, invasion, and deformability.
• * Mosquito infectivity assays and host genetics studies.

Main Results:

• * (Study ongoing; specific results not yet available in the abstract.)
• * The study aims to identify genetic factors contributing to changing malaria epidemiology.
• * Research will explore innate human genetic traits offering protection against malaria in Indian populations.

Conclusions:

• * Characterizing Plasmodium populations is crucial for understanding malaria in India.
• * Integrating clinical and basic science approaches will enhance malaria research.
• * The MESA-ICEMR program fosters research capacity and collaboration across South Asia.