Pathogenesis and diagnosis (Southern Africa ICEMR)

Objectives

P. falciparum has evolved mechanisms to generate tremendous genetic diversity to evade drug-based control measures and host immune responses. Understanding the nature of parasite genetic diversity and how it changes over time will be key to devising the most efficient and effective control measures for malaria.

Specific objectives:

1. To establish regional profiles of the population genetics of P. falciparum in the ICEMR study sites.
2. To obtain a high-resolution profile of the genotypic differences between parasite isolates within and between ICEMR study sites.
3. To implement and refine a PCR-based barcode approach as a simple, cost-effective tool for routinely monitoring changes in the genetic structure of parasite populations in the ICEMR study sites.
4. To determine the level and dynamics of parasite clonal diversity within individuals residing in low- and high-transmission areas in the ICEMR study sites.