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Vera IM, Kessler A, Harawa V, Ahmadu A, Keller TE, Ray ST, Taylor TE, Rogerson SJ, Mandala WL, Reyes Gil M, Seydel KB, Kim K. Pro-thrombotic autoantibodies targeting Platelet Factor 4/polyanion are associated with pediatric cerebral malaria. J Clin Invest 2024:e176466. [PMID: 38652559 DOI: 10.1172/jci176466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Features of consumptive coagulopathy and thromboinflammation are prominent in cerebral malaria (CM). We hypothesized that thrombogenic autoantibodies contribute to a procoagulant state in CM. METHODS Plasma from children with uncomplicated malaria (UM, n = 124) and CM (n = 136) was analyzed by ELISA for a panel of 8 autoantibodies including anti-Platelet Factor 4/polyanion (anti-PF4/P), anti-Phospholipid, anti-Phosphatidylserine, anti-Myeloperoxidase, anti-Proteinase 3, anti-dsDNA, anti-Beta-2-Glycoprotein I (β2GPI), and anti-Cardiolipin. Non-malaria coma (NMC, n = 49) and healthy controls (HC, n = 56) were assayed for comparison. Associations with clinical and immune biomarkers were determined using univariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Median anti-PF4/P and anti-PS IgG levels were elevated with malaria infection relative to HC (P < 0.001) and NMC (PF4/P: P < 0.001). Anti-PF4/P IgG levels were elevated in CM (median = 0.27, IQR: 0.19-0.41) compared to UM (median = 0.19, IQR: 0.14-0.22, P ≤ 0.0001). Anti-PS IgG levels did not differ between UM and CM (P = 0.39). When CM cases were stratified by malaria retinopathy (Ret) status, levels of anti-PF4/P IgG correlated negatively with peripheral platelet count in Ret+ CM cases (Rs = 0.201, P = 0.04) and associated positively with mortality (OR = 15.2, 95% CI: 1.02-275, P = 0.048). Plasma from CM patients induced a greater platelet activation capacity in an ex-vivo assay relative to plasma from UM patients (P = 0.02). Platelet activation was associated with anti-PF4/P IgG levels (Rs = 0.293, P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS Thrombosis mediated by elevated anti-PF4/P autoantibodies may be one mechanism contributing to the clinical complications of CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iset M Vera
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of In, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, United States of America
| | - Anne Kessler
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York, United States of America
| | - Visopo Harawa
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ajisa Ahmadu
- Clinical Programme, Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Thomas E Keller
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of In, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, United States of America
| | - Stephen Tj Ray
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States of America
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wilson L Mandala
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
| | - Morayma Reyes Gil
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, United States of America
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medicial Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States of America
| | - Kami Kim
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of In, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, United States of America
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Raees MQ, Gushu MB, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Wynkoop HJ, O’Brien NF. Optic nerve sheath diameter and its association with brain swelling in pediatric cerebral malaria: a retrospective study. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1295254. [PMID: 38425660 PMCID: PMC10902095 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1295254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mortality in pediatric cerebral malaria (CM) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is associated with brain swelling on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, MRI is unavailable in most LMICs. Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement is an inexpensive method of detecting increased intracranial pressure compared with the invasive opening pressure (OP). Our primary objective was to determine if increased ONSD correlated with brain swelling on MRI in pediatric CM. Our secondary objective was to determine if increased ONSD correlated with increased OP and/or poor neurological outcome in pediatric CM. We hypothesized that increased ONSD would correlate with brain swelling on MRI and increased OP and that ONSD would be higher in survivors with sequelae and non-survivors. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of children aged 0-12 years in Blantyre, Malawi, from 2013 to 2022 with CM as defined by the World Health Organization. Brain swelling on admission MRI was characterized by brain volume scores (BVS); severe swelling was scored as 7-8, mild-to-moderate as 4-6, normal as 3. The admission ONSD was measured via ultrasound; it was defined as abnormal if it was >4.5 mm in children >1 year and >4 mm in children <1 year. Favorable outcome was defined as a normal neurological exam on discharge in survivors. The primary and secondary objectives were evaluated using Spearman's correlation; and the demographics were compared using chi-square and the Kruskal-Wallis test (Stata, College Station, TX, USA). Results Median age of the 207-patients cohort was 50 months [interquartile range (IQR) 35-75]; 49% (n = 102) were female. Of those, 73% (n = 152) had a favorable outcome, and 14% (n = 30) died. Twenty-nine (14%) had a normal BVS, 134 (65%) had mild-to-moderate swelling, and 44 (21%) had severe swelling. ONSD was elevated in 86% (n = 178) of patients, while 12% of patients had increased OP. There was a weakly positive correlation between BVS and ONSD (r = 0.14, p = 0.05). The median ONSD was not significantly different compared by discharge outcome (p = 0.11) or by BVS (p = 0.18). Conclusion ONSD was not a reliable tool to correlate with BVS, neurological outcome, or OP in children with CM. Future studies to identify alternative methods of early identification of CM patients at highest risk for morbidity and mortality are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Q. Raees
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Terrie E. Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Karl B. Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Hunter J. Wynkoop
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Nicole F. O’Brien
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Goyal MS, Vidal L, Chetcuti K, Chilingulo C, Ibrahim K, Zhang J, Small DS, Seydel KB, O'Brien N, Taylor TE, Postels DG. MRI-Based Brain Volume Scoring in Cerebral Malaria Is Externally Valid and Applicable to Lower-Resolution Images. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2024; 45:205-210. [PMID: 38216302 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a8098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Children with cerebral malaria have an elevated risk of mortality and neurologic morbidity. Both mortality and morbidity are associated with initially increased brain volume on MR imaging, as graded by the Brain Volume Score, a subjective ordinal rating scale created specifically for brain MRIs in children with cerebral malaria. For the Brain Volume Score to be more widely clinically useful, we aimed to determine its independent reproducibility and whether it can be applicable to lower-resolution MRIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS To assess the independent reproducibility of the Brain Volume Score, radiologists not associated with the initial study were trained to score MRIs from a new cohort of patients with cerebral malaria. These scores were then compared with survival and neurologic outcomes. To assess the applicability to lower-resolution MRI, we assigned Brain Volume Scores to brain MRIs degraded to simulate a very-low-field (64 mT) portable scanner and compared these with the original scores assigned to the original nondegraded MRIs. RESULTS Brain Volume Scores on the new cohort of patients with cerebral malaria were highly associated with outcomes (OR for mortality = 16, P < .001). Scoring of the simulated degraded images remained consistent with the Brain Volume Scores assigned to the original higher-quality (0.35 T) images (intraclass coefficients > 0.86). CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the Brain Volume Score is externally valid in reproducibly predicting outcomes and can be reliably assigned to lower-resolution images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu S Goyal
- From the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (M.S.G.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lorenna Vidal
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (L.V.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen Chetcuti
- Department of Radiology (K.C.), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Radiology (K.C., C.C.), Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Cowles Chilingulo
- Department of Radiology (K.C., C.C.), Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Khalid Ibrahim
- College of Osteopathic Medicine (K.B.S., T.E.T., K.I.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Jeffrey Zhang
- Department of Statistics and Data Science (J.Z., D.S.S.), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dylan S Small
- Department of Statistics and Data Science (J.Z., D.S.S.), The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Karl B Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine (K.B.S., T.E.T., K.I.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
- Blantyre Malaria Project, (K.B.S., N.O., T.E.T., D.G.P.) Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nicole O'Brien
- Blantyre Malaria Project, (K.B.S., N.O., T.E.T., D.G.P.) Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Nationwide Children's Hospital (N.O.), Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine (K.B.S., T.E.T., K.I.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
- Blantyre Malaria Project, (K.B.S., N.O., T.E.T., D.G.P.) Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Douglas G Postels
- Blantyre Malaria Project, (K.B.S., N.O., T.E.T., D.G.P.) Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Division of Neurology (D.G.P.), The George Washington University, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
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Batte A, Luyckx VA, Taylor TE, Conroy AL. Malaria guidelines fall short in diagnosing acute kidney injury. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e194-e196. [PMID: 38245108 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00546-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Batte
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda; Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Valerie A Luyckx
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda; Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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5
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Taylor TE, Osier F. Integrating vaccines and monoclonal antibodies into malaria prevention. Nat Med 2024; 30:37-38. [PMID: 38200257 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02745-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Terrie E Taylor
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Faith Osier
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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O'Brien NF, Chetcuti K, Fonseca Y, Vidal L, Raghavan P, Postels DG, Chimalizeni Y, Ray S, Seydel KB, Taylor TE. Cerebral Metabolic Crisis in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria. J Pediatr Intensive Care 2023; 12:278-288. [PMID: 37970136 PMCID: PMC10631841 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1732444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral metabolic energy crisis (CMEC), often defined as a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate: pyruvate ratio (LPR) >40, occurs in various diseases and is associated with poor neurologic outcomes. Cerebral malaria (CM) causes significant mortality and neurodisability in children worldwide. Multiple factors that could lead to CMEC are plausible in these patients, but its frequency has not been explored. Fifty-three children with CM were enrolled and underwent analysis of CSF lactate and pyruvate levels. All 53 patients met criteria for a CMEC (median CSF LPR of 72.9 [interquartile range [IQR]: 58.5-93.3]). Half of children met criteria for an ischemic CMEC (median LPR of 85 [IQR: 73-184]) and half met criteria for a nonischemic CMEC (median LPR of 60 [IQR: 54-79]. Children also underwent transcranial doppler ultrasound investigation. Cerebral blood flow velocities were more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for low flow (<2 standard deviation from normal) or vasospasm in children with an ischemic CMEC (73%) than in children with a nonischemic CMEC (20%, p = 0.04). Children with an ischemic CMEC had poorer outcomes (pediatric cerebral performance category of 3-6) than those with a nonischemic CMEC (46 vs. 22%, p = 0.03). CMEC was ubiquitous in this patient population and the processes underlying the two subtypes (ischemic and nonischemic) may represent targets for future adjunctive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F. O'Brien
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States
| | - Karen Chetcuti
- Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Yudy Fonseca
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland Medical Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lorenna Vidal
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Clinical Instructor at Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Prashant Raghavan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Douglas G. Postels
- Department of Neurology, George Washington University/Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Yamikani Chimalizeni
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Malawi, Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Stephen Ray
- Department of Paediatric, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Karl B. Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E. Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
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Smith RL, Ikeda AK, Rowley CA, Khandhadia A, Gorbach AM, Chimalizeni Y, Taylor TE, Seydel K, Ackerman HC. Increased brain microvascular hemoglobin concentrations in children with cerebral malaria. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadh4293. [PMID: 37703350 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh4293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Brain swelling is associated with death from cerebral malaria, but it is unclear whether brain swelling is caused by cerebral edema or vascular congestion-two pathological conditions with distinct effects on tissue hemoglobin concentrations. We used near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to noninvasively study cerebral microvascular hemoglobin concentrations in 46 Malawian children with cerebral malaria. Cerebral malaria was defined by the presence of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum on a blood smear, a Blantyre coma score of 2 or less, and retinopathy. Children with uncomplicated malaria (n = 33) and healthy children (n = 29) were enrolled as comparators. Cerebral microvascular hemoglobin concentrations were higher among children with cerebral malaria compared with those with uncomplicated malaria [median (25th, 75th): 145.2 (95.2, 190.0) μM versus 82.9 (65.7, 105.4) μM, P = 0.008]. Cerebral microvascular hemoglobin concentrations correlated with brain swelling score determined by MRI (r = 0.37, P = 0.03). Fluctuations in cerebral microvascular hemoglobin concentrations over a 30-min time period were characterized using detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). DFA determined self-similarity of the cerebral microvascular hemoglobin concentration signal to be lower among children with cerebral malaria compared with those with uncomplicated malaria [0.63 (0.54, 0.70) versus 0.91 (0.82, 0.94), P < 0.0001]. The lower self-similarity of the hemoglobin concentration signal in children with cerebral malaria suggested impaired regulation of cerebral blood flow. The elevated cerebral tissue hemoglobin concentration and its correlation with brain swelling suggested that excess blood volume, potentially due to vascular congestion, may contribute to brain swelling in cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Smith
- Physiology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Allison K Ikeda
- Physiology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Carol A Rowley
- Physiology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Amit Khandhadia
- Infrared Imaging and Thermometry Unit, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Alexander M Gorbach
- Infrared Imaging and Thermometry Unit, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yamikani Chimalizeni
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Karl Seydel
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hans C Ackerman
- Physiology Unit, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, MD, USA
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Mhango P, Malata MP, Chipeta E, Sixpence A, Taylor TE, Wilson ML, Cohee LM, Mangani C, Mathanga DP. Barriers to accessing malaria treatment amongst school-age children in rural Malawi. Malar J 2023; 22:258. [PMID: 37674177 PMCID: PMC10481490 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04695-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, many countries have moved from malaria control toward malaria elimination. However, some sub-Saharan African countries, like Malawi, have recently seen a reversal in malaria control progress with reported increases in confirmed malaria cases. This may be the result of inadequate access to effective malaria control interventions by key population groups that perpetuate transmission. This study aimed to assess the barriers to accessing malaria treatment among school-aged children (SAC) in Malawi. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted between September and October 2020, where data were gathered in rural Malawi using free-listing interviews, key-informant interviews, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Purposively sampled participants included SAC, parents of SAC, health workers and key stakeholders at community and district levels. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were organized using NVivo 12 software and analysed using the thematic method. RESULTS The study recruited 252 participants, with 156 being SAC, equally divided between boys and girls. Health system barriers to malaria treatment included long waiting hours and queues at clinics, frequent stock-outs of medical supplies, and travel time to the facility. Provider barriers included negative attitude and limited service hours. Individual and cultural barriers included fear of malaria tests and beliefs associating witchcraft as the best treatment for malaria. In addition, COVID-19-related barriers included the inability to follow preventive measures, a shift in focus from malaria to COVID-19, and fear of contracting COVID-19 and/or being tested for COVID-19 at the facility. CONCLUSIONS This study shows most of the barriers to accessing malaria treatment among SAC are similar to those experienced by other population groups. Furthermore, COVID-19 adversely affected SAC's access to treatment. Interventions that support SAC access to prompt diagnosis and treatment are urgently needed to improve the effective control of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patani Mhango
- Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
| | - Monica Patricia Malata
- Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Effie Chipeta
- Centre for Reproductive Health (CRH), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Alick Sixpence
- Malaria Alert Centre (MAC), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Charles Mangani
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Don P Mathanga
- School of Global and Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
- Malaria Alert Centre (MAC), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
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Tu D, Goyal MS, Dworkin JD, Kampondeni S, Vidal L, Biondo-Savin E, Juvvadi S, Raghavan P, Nicholas J, Chetcuti K, Clark K, Robert-Fitzgerald T, Satterthwaite TD, Yushkevich P, Davatzikos C, Erus G, Tustison NJ, Postels DG, Taylor TE, Small DS, Shinohara RT. Automated analysis of low-field brain MRI in cerebral malaria. Biometrics 2023; 79:2417-2429. [PMID: 35731973 PMCID: PMC10267853 DOI: 10.1111/biom.13708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A central challenge of medical imaging studies is to extract biomarkers that characterize disease pathology or outcomes. Modern automated approaches have found tremendous success in high-resolution, high-quality magnetic resonance images. These methods, however, may not translate to low-resolution images acquired on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners with lower magnetic field strength. In low-resource settings where low-field scanners are more common and there is a shortage of radiologists to manually interpret MRI scans, it is critical to develop automated methods that can augment or replace manual interpretation, while accommodating reduced image quality. We present a fully automated framework for translating radiological diagnostic criteria into image-based biomarkers, inspired by a project in which children with cerebral malaria (CM) were imaged using low-field 0.35 Tesla MRI. We integrate multiatlas label fusion, which leverages high-resolution images from another sample as prior spatial information, with parametric Gaussian hidden Markov models based on image intensities, to create a robust method for determining ventricular cerebrospinal fluid volume. We also propose normalized image intensity and texture measurements to determine the loss of gray-to-white matter tissue differentiation and sulcal effacement. These integrated biomarkers have excellent classification performance for determining severe brain swelling due to CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Tu
- The Penn Statistics in Imaging and Visualization Endeavor (PennSIVE), Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Manu S. Goyal
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis
| | | | | | - Lorenna Vidal
- Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
| | | | | | - Prashant Raghavan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | - Jennifer Nicholas
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University
| | - Karen Chetcuti
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
| | - Kelly Clark
- The Penn Statistics in Imaging and Visualization Endeavor (PennSIVE), Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Timothy Robert-Fitzgerald
- The Penn Statistics in Imaging and Visualization Endeavor (PennSIVE), Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Guray Erus
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analysis (CBICA), Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Douglas G. Postels
- Division of Neurology, George Washington University/Children’s National Medical Center
| | - Terrie E. Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University
| | | | - Russell T. Shinohara
- The Penn Statistics in Imaging and Visualization Endeavor (PennSIVE), Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania
- Center for Biomedical Image Computing and Analysis (CBICA), Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania
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10
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Raees MQ, Chimalizeni Y, Liomba AWM, Pensulo P, Gushu MB, Tebulo A, Malenga A, Sikorski MJ, Holloway AJ, Bhutta AT, Doctor A, Remy KE, O’Brien NF, Postels DG, Taylor TE. Capacity Building in Pediatric Critical Care-Global Health Research and Education: The Blantyre Experience. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:225-227. [PMID: 37308102 PMCID: PMC10397452 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM), as it is practiced in high-income countries, is focused on specialized medical care for the most vulnerable pediatric patient populations. However, best practices for provision of that care globally are lacking. Thus, PCCM research and education programming can potentially fill significant knowledge gaps by facilitating the development of evidence-based clinical guidelines that reduce child mortality on a global scale. Malaria remains a leading cause of pediatric mortality worldwide. The Blantyre Malaria Project (BMP) is a research and clinical care collaborative that has focused on reducing the public health burden of pediatric cerebral malaria in Malawi since 1986. In 2017, the requirements of a new research study led to the creation of PCCM services in Blantyre, creating the opportunity to establish a PCCM-Global Health Research Fellowship by BMP in collaboration with the University of Maryland School of Medicine. In this perspective piece, we reflect on the evolution of the PCCM-Global Health research fellowship. Although the specifics of this fellowship are out of the scope of this perspective, we discuss the context allowing for the development of this program and explore some early lessons learned to consider for future capacity-building efforts in the future of PCCM-Global Health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Q. Raees
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Critical Care and Anesthesia, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yamikani Chimalizeni
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alice W. Muiruri Liomba
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Paul Pensulo
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Montfort Benard Gushu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrew Tebulo
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Albert Malenga
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michael J. Sikorski
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Adrian J. Holloway
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Adnan T. Bhutta
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Allan Doctor
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Center for Blood Oxygen Transport and Hemostasis, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kenneth E. Remy
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Nicole F. O’Brien
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Douglas G. Postels
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Division of Neurology, Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Terrie E. Taylor
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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11
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Tembo D, Harawa V, Tran TC, Afran L, Molyneux ME, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Nyirenda T, Russell DG, Mandala W. Correction: The ability of Interleukin-10 to negate haemozoin-related pro-inflammatory effects has the potential to restore impaired macrophage function associated with malaria infection. Malar J 2023; 22:212. [PMID: 37474956 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04643-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dumizulu Tembo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Visopo Harawa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Tam C Tran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Louise Afran
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Malcolm E Molyneux
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
- Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
- Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
| | | | - David G Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Wilson Mandala
- Acadamey of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Blantyre, Malawi.
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12
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Wilson KJ, Tu Z, Mbale E, Mhango PP, Kayange P, Gladstone MJ, Harding S, Gottlob I, Garcia-Finana M, Shen Y, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Zheng Y, Beare NAV. Predicting Acute and Post-Recovery Outcomes in Cerebral Malaria and Other Comas by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT in CM) - A protocol for an observational cohort study of Malawian children. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:172. [PMID: 37663790 PMCID: PMC10468659 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19166.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) remains a significant global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality. Malarial retinopathy has been shown to be diagnostically and prognostically significant in the assessment of CM. The major mechanism of death in paediatric CM is brain swelling. Long term morbidity is typically characterised by neurological and neurodevelopmental sequelae. Optical coherence tomography can be used to quantify papilloedema and macular ischaemia, identified as hyperreflectivity. Here we describe a protocol to test the hypotheses that quantification of optic nerve head swelling using optical coherence tomography can identify severe brain swelling in CM, and that quantification of hyperreflectivity in the macula predicts neurodevelopmental outcomes post-recovery. Additionally, our protocol includes the development of a novel, low-cost, handheld optical coherence tomography machine and artificial intelligence tools to assist in image analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Wilson
- Eye & Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, L69 7TX, UK
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Southern Region, PO Box 30096, Malawi
| | - Zhanhan Tu
- Ulverscroft Eye Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, England, LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Emmie Mbale
- Department of Paediatrics, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Southern Region, P/Bag 360, Malawi
| | - Priscilla P Mhango
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Southern Region, P/Bag 360, Malawi
| | - Petros Kayange
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Southern Region, P/Bag 360, Malawi
| | - Melissa J. Gladstone
- Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, L69 7TX, UK
| | - Simon Harding
- Eye & Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, L69 7TX, UK
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, L7 8YA, UK
| | - Irene Gottlob
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 08002, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Finana
- Department of Health Data Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, L69 3GF, UK
| | - Yaochun Shen
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, L69 3GJ, UK
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 4882, USA
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Southern Region, P/Bag 360, Malawi
| | - Karl B Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 4882, USA
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Southern Region, P/Bag 360, Malawi
| | - Yalin Zheng
- Eye & Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, L69 7TX, UK
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, L69 7TX, UK
| | - Nicholas AV Beare
- Eye & Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, England, L69 7TX, UK
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, L7 8YA, UK
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13
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Tembo D, Harawa V, Tran TC, Afran L, Molyneux ME, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Nyirenda T, Russell DG, Mandala W. The ability of Interleukin-10 to negate haemozoin-related pro-inflammatory effects has the potential to restore impaired macrophage function associated with malaria infection. Malar J 2023; 22:125. [PMID: 37060041 PMCID: PMC10103463 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04539-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in the clearance of Plasmodium falciparum during the early stages of the infection, increased levels of these cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of severe malaria. Amongst various parasite-derived inducers of inflammation, the malarial pigment haemozoin (Hz), which accumulates in monocytes, macrophages and other immune cells during infection, has been shown to significantly contribute to dysregulation of the normal inflammatory cascades. METHODS The direct effect of Hz-loading on cytokine production by monocytes and the indirect effect of Hz on cytokine production by myeloid cells was investigated during acute malaria and convalescence using archived plasma samples from studies investigating P. falciparum malaria pathogenesis in Malawian subjects. Further, the possible inhibitory effect of IL-10 on Hz-loaded cells was examined, and the proportion of cytokine-producing T-cells and monocytes during acute malaria and in convalescence was characterized. RESULTS Hz contributed towards an increase in the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Interleukin 2 (IL-2) by various cells. In contrast, the cytokine IL-10 was observed to have a dose-dependent suppressive effect on the production of TNF among other cytokines. Cerebral malaria (CM) was characterized by impaired monocyte functions, which normalized in convalescence. CM was also characterized by reduced levels of IFN-γ-producing T cell subsets, and reduced expression of immune recognition receptors HLA-DR and CD 86, which also normalized in convalescence. However, CM and other clinical malaria groups were characterized by significantly higher plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines than healthy controls, implicating anti-inflammatory cytokines in balancing the immune response. CONCLUSIONS Acute CM was characterized by elevated plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines but lower proportions of cytokine-producing T-cells and monocytes that normalize during convalescence. IL-10 is also shown to have the potential to indirectly prevent excessive inflammation. Cytokine production dysregulated by the accumulation of Hz appears to impair the balance of the immune response to malaria and exacerbates pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumizulu Tembo
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Visopo Harawa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Tam C Tran
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Louise Afran
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Malcolm E Molyneux
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
- Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
- Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
| | | | - David G Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Wilson Mandala
- Acadamey of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Blantyre, Malawi.
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14
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Nyangulu W, Mungwira RG, Divala TH, Nampota-Nkomba N, Nyirenda OM, Buchwald AG, Miller J, Earland DE, Adams M, Plowe CV, Taylor TE, Mallewa JE, van Oosterhout JJ, Parikh S, Laurens MB, Laufer MK. Artemether-lumefantrine efficacy among adults on antiretroviral therapy in Malawi. Malar J 2023; 22:32. [PMID: 36707795 PMCID: PMC9881508 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04466-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (PWH) develop malaria, they are at risk of poor anti-malarial treatment efficacy resulting from impairment in the immune response and/or drug-drug interactions that alter anti-malarial metabolism. The therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine was evaluated in a cohort of PWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and included measurement of day 7 lumefantrine levels in a subset to evaluate for associations between lumefantrine exposure and treatment response. METHODS Adults living with HIV (≥ 18 years), on ART for ≥ 6 months with undetectable HIV RNA viral load and CD4 count ≥ 250/mm3 were randomized to daily trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS), weekly chloroquine (CQ) or no prophylaxis. After diagnosis of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, a therapeutic efficacy monitoring was conducted with PCR-correction according to WHO guidelines. The plasma lumefantrine levels on day 7 in 100 episodes of uncomplicated malaria was measured. A frailty proportional hazards model with random effects models to account for clustering examined the relationship between participant characteristics and malaria treatment failure within 28 days. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to compare lumefantrine concentrations among patients with treatment failure and adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR). RESULTS 411 malaria episodes were observed among 186 participants over 5 years. The unadjusted ACPR rate was 81% (95% CI 77-86). However, after PCR correction to exclude new infections, ACPR rate was 94% (95% CI 92-97). Increasing age and living in Ndirande were associated with decreased hazard of treatment failure. In this population of adults with HIV on ART, 54% (51/94) had levels below a previously defined optimal day 7 lumefantrine level of 200 ng/ml. This occurred more commonly among participants who were receiving an efavirenz-based ART compared to other ART regimens (OR 5.09 [95% CI 1.52-7.9]). Participants who experienced treatment failure had lower day 7 median lumefantrine levels (91 ng/ml [95% CI 48-231]) than participants who experienced ACPR (190 ng/ml [95% CI 101-378], p-value < 0.008). CONCLUSION Recurrent malaria infections are frequent in this population of PWH on ART. The PCR-adjusted efficacy of AL meets the WHO criteria for acceptable treatment efficacy. Nevertheless, lumefantrine levels tend to be low in this population, particularly in those on efavirenz-based regimens, with lower concentrations associated with more frequent malaria infections following treatment. These results highlight the importance of understanding drug-drug interactions when diseases commonly co-occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wongani Nyangulu
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
- Public Health and Nutrition Research Group, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Mangochi, Malawi
| | - Randy G Mungwira
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Osward M Nyirenda
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrea G Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jernelle Miller
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Dominique E Earland
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Matthew Adams
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Christopher V Plowe
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Jane E Mallewa
- Department of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Joep J van Oosterhout
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
- Partners in Hope, Lilongwe Malawi and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Matthew B Laurens
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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15
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Cohee LM, Goupeyou-Youmsi J, Seydel KB, Mangani C, Ntenda P, Sixpence A, Mbewe RB, Matengeni A, Takala-Harrison S, Walker ED, Wilson ML, Mzilahowa T, Laufer MK, Valim C, Taylor TE, Mathanga DP. Understanding the Intransigence of Malaria in Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:40-48. [PMID: 36228915 PMCID: PMC9662216 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the scale-up of interventions against malaria over the past decade, this disease remains a leading threat to health in Malawi. To evaluate the epidemiology of both Plasmodium falciparum infection and malaria disease, the Malawi International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) has developed and implemented diverse and robust surveillance and research projects. Descriptive studies in ICEMR Phase 1 increased our understanding of the declining effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), the role of school-age children in malaria parasite transmission, and the complexity of host-parasite interactions leading to disease. These findings informed the design of ICEMR Phase 2 to test hypotheses about LLIN use and effectiveness, vector resistance to insecticides, demographic targets of malaria control, patterns and causes of asymptomatic to life-threatening disease, and the impacts of RTS,S vaccination plus piperonyl butoxide-treated LLINs on infection and disease in young children. These investigations are helping us to understand mosquito-to-human and human-to-mosquito transmission in the context of Malawi's intransigent malaria problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Karl B. Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Charles Mangani
- School of Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Peter Ntenda
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alick Sixpence
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rex B. Mbewe
- Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Alfred Matengeni
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Shannon Takala-Harrison
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Edward D. Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Mark L. Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Themba Mzilahowa
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K. Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Clarissa Valim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Terrie E. Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Don P. Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- School of Public Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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16
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Mungwira RG, Laurens MB, Nyangulu W, Divala TH, Nampota-Nkomba N, Buchwald AG, Nyirenda OM, Mwinjiwa E, Kanjala M, Galileya LT, Earland DE, Adams M, Plowe CV, Taylor TE, Mallewa J, van Oosterhout JJ, Laufer MK. High burden of malaria among Malawian adults on antiretroviral therapy after discontinuing prophylaxis. AIDS 2022; 36:1675-1682. [PMID: 35848575 PMCID: PMC9444947 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many individuals living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) reside in areas at high risk for malaria but how malaria affects clinical outcomes is not well described in this population. We evaluated the burden of malaria infection and clinical malaria, and impact on HIV viral load and CD4 + cell count among adults on ART. DESIGN We recruited Malawian adults on ART who had an undetectable viral load and ≥250 CD4 + cells/μl to participate in this randomized trial to continue daily trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS), discontinue daily co-trimoxazole, or switch to weekly chloroquine (CQ). METHODS We defined clinical malaria as symptoms consistent with malaria and positive blood smear, and malaria infection as Plasmodium falciparum DNA detected from dried blood spots (collected every 4-12 weeks). CD4 + cell count and viral load were measured every 24 weeks. We used Poisson regression and survival analysis to compare the incidence of malaria infection and clinical malaria. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01650558. RESULTS Among 1499 participants enrolled, clinical malaria incidence was 21.4/100 person-years of observation (PYO), 2.4/100 PYO and 1.9/100 PYO in the no prophylaxis, TS, and CQ arms, respectively. We identified twelve cases of malaria that led to hospitalization and all individuals recovered. The preventive effect of staying on prophylaxis was approximately 90% compared to no prophylaxis (TS: incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08, 0.15 and CQ: IRR 0.09, 95% CI 0.06, 0.13). P. falciparum infection prevalence among all visits was 187/1475 (12.7%), 48/1563 (3.1%), and 29/1561 (1.9%) in the no prophylaxis, TS, and CQ arms, respectively. Malaria infection and clinical malaria were not associated with changes in CD4 + cell count or viral load. CONCLUSION In clinically stable adults living with HIV on ART, clinical malaria was common after chemoprophylaxis stopped. However, neither malaria infection nor clinical illness appeared to affect HIV disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy G Mungwira
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Matthew B Laurens
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Mrayland, USA
| | | | - Titus H Divala
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Andrea G Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Mrayland, USA
| | - Osward M Nyirenda
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Maxwell Kanjala
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Dominique E Earland
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Mrayland, USA
| | - Matthew Adams
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Mrayland, USA
| | - Christopher V Plowe
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Mrayland, USA
| | | | - Jane Mallewa
- Department of Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Mrayland, USA
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17
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Cohee LM, Peterson I, Buchwald AG, Coalson JE, Valim C, Chilombe M, Ngwira A, Bauleni A, Schaffer-DeRoo S, Seydel KB, Wilson ML, Taylor TE, Mathanga DP, Laufer MK. School-Based Malaria Screening and Treatment Reduces Plasmodium falciparum Infection and Anemia Prevalence in Two Transmission Settings in Malawi. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:138-146. [PMID: 35290461 PMCID: PMC9373151 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In areas highly endemic for malaria, Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence peaks in school-age children, adversely affecting health and education. School-based intermittent preventive treatment reduces this burden but concerns about cost and widespread use of antimalarial drugs limit enthusiasm for this approach. School-based screening and treatment is an attractive alternative. In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated the impact of school-based screening and treatment on the prevalence of P. falciparum infection and anemia in 2 transmission settings. METHODS We screened 704 students in 4 Malawian primary schools for P. falciparum infection using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and treated students who tested positive with artemether-lumefantrine. We determined P. falciparum infection by microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and hemoglobin concentrations over 6 weeks in all students. RESULTS Prevalence of infection by RDT screening was 37% (9%-64% among schools). An additional 9% of students had infections detected by qPCR. Following the intervention, significant reductions in infections were detected by microscopy (adjusted relative reduction [aRR], 48.8%; P < .0001) and qPCR (aRR, 24.5%; P < .0001), and in anemia prevalence (aRR, 30.8%; P = .003). Intervention impact was reduced by infections not detected by RDT and new infections following treatment. CONCLUSIONS School-based screening and treatment reduced P. falciparum infection and anemia. This approach could be enhanced by repeating screening, using more-sensitive screening tests, and providing longer-acting drugs. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04858087.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ingrid Peterson
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea G Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jenna E Coalson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Clarissa Valim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Moses Chilombe
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrew Ngwira
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andy Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Karl B Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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18
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O'Brien NF, Fonseca Y, Johnson HC, Postels D, Birbeck GL, Chimalizeni Y, Seydel KB, Bernard Gushu M, Phiri T, June S, Chetcuti K, Vidal L, Goyal MS, Taylor TE. Mechanisms of Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound phenotypes in paediatric cerebral malaria remain elusive. Malar J 2022; 21:196. [PMID: 35729574 PMCID: PMC9210743 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04163-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral malaria (CM) results in significant paediatric death and neurodisability in sub-Saharan Africa. Several different alterations to typical Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (TCD) flow velocities and waveforms in CM have been described, but mechanistic contributors to these abnormalities are unknown. If identified, targeted, TCD-guided adjunctive therapy in CM may improve outcomes. Methods This was a prospective, observational study of children 6 months to 12 years with CM in Blantyre, Malawi recruited between January 2018 and June 2021. Medical history, physical examination, laboratory analysis, electroencephalogram, and magnetic resonance imaging were undertaken on presentation. Admission TCD results determined phenotypic grouping following a priori definitions. Evaluation of the relationship between haemodynamic, metabolic, or intracranial perturbations that lead to these observed phenotypes in other diseases was undertaken. Neurological outcomes at hospital discharge were evaluated using the Paediatric Cerebral Performance Categorization (PCPC) score. Results One hundred seventy-four patients were enrolled. Seven (4%) had a normal TCD examination, 57 (33%) met criteria for hyperaemia, 50 (29%) for low flow, 14 (8%) for microvascular obstruction, 11 (6%) for vasospasm, and 35 (20%) for isolated posterior circulation high flow. A lower cardiac index (CI) and higher systemic vascular resistive index (SVRI) were present in those with low flow than other groups (p < 0.003), though these values are normal for age (CI 4.4 [3.7,5] l/min/m2, SVRI 1552 [1197,1961] dscm-5m2). Other parameters were largely not significantly different between phenotypes. Overall, 118 children (68%) had a good neurological outcome. Twenty-three (13%) died, and 33 (19%) had neurological deficits. Outcomes were best for participants with hyperaemia and isolated posterior high flow (PCPC 1–2 in 77 and 89% respectively). Participants with low flow had the least likelihood of a good outcome (PCPC 1–2 in 42%) (p < 0.001). Cerebral autoregulation was significantly better in children with good outcome (transient hyperemic response ratio (THRR) 1.12 [1.04,1.2]) compared to a poor outcome (THRR 1.05 [0.98,1.02], p = 0.05). Conclusions Common pathophysiological mechanisms leading to TCD phenotypes in non-malarial illness are not causative in children with CM. Alternative mechanistic contributors, including mechanical factors of the cerebrovasculature and biologically active regulators of vascular tone should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F O'Brien
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43502, USA.
| | - Yudy Fonseca
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43502, USA
| | - Hunter C Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, 43502, USA
| | - Douglas Postels
- Department of Neurology, George Washington University/Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gretchen L Birbeck
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.,University Teaching Hospitals Children's Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Yamikani Chimalizeni
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Dept of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Montfort Bernard Gushu
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, The Blantyre Malaria Project, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Tusekile Phiri
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, The Blantyre Malaria Project, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Sylvester June
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, The Blantyre Malaria Project, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Karen Chetcuti
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
| | - Lorenna Vidal
- Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Manu S Goyal
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Dept of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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19
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Chetcuti K, Chilingulo C, Goyal MS, Vidal L, O'Brien NF, Postels DG, Seydel KB, Taylor TE. Implementation of a Low-Field Portable MRI Scanner in a Resource-Constrained Environment: Our Experience in Malawi. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2022; 43:670-674. [PMID: 35450856 PMCID: PMC9089250 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Low-field, portable MR imaging may expedite patient management in the setting of critical illness. We successfully implemented low-field MR imaging at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi; a low-resource setting. We present our experience of low-field, portable MR imaging start-up and use in Malawi; the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, together with complementary troubleshooting mechanisms that may be used especially in similar resource-constrained contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Chetcuti
- From the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health (K.C.)
| | - C Chilingulo
- Blantyre Malaria Project (C.C., N.F.O., D.G.P., K.B.S., T.E.T.), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Radiology (C.C.), Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - M S Goyal
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (M.S.G.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - L Vidal
- Division of Neuroradiology (L.V.), Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - N F O'Brien
- Blantyre Malaria Project (C.C., N.F.O., D.G.P., K.B.S., T.E.T.), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Division of Critical Care Medicine (N.F.O.), Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - D G Postels
- Blantyre Malaria Project (C.C., N.F.O., D.G.P., K.B.S., T.E.T.), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Neurology (D.G.P.), George Washington University/Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - K B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project (C.C., N.F.O., D.G.P., K.B.S., T.E.T.), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties (K.B.S., T.E.T.), College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - T E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project (C.C., N.F.O., D.G.P., K.B.S., T.E.T.), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties (K.B.S., T.E.T.), College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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20
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Karmen-Tuohy S, Mboma SM, Langfitt JT, Brim R, Gladstone M, Taylor TE. "I do lack peace, and I've run out of answers": primary caregivers' perspectives on social and behaviour problems in cerebral malaria survivors in Blantyre, Malawi. Malar J 2022; 21:123. [PMID: 35418071 PMCID: PMC9009021 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04142-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite recent advances in treatment and prevention, the prevalence of cerebral malaria (CM) remains high globally, especially in children under 5 years old. As treatment improves, more children will survive episodes of CM with lasting neurodisabilities, such as social and behavioural issues. Behaviour problems in children who survive CM are poorly characterized, and the impact of caring for a child with post-CM behaviour issues has not been well-explored. Caregivers’ perceptions of and experiences with their child’s post-CM behaviour problems are reported here. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 primary caregivers of children who survived CM with reported behaviour issues in Blantyre, Malawi. Interviews were conducted in Chicheŵa, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data were coded manually, utilizing inductive and deductive approaches. Identified codes were thematically analysed. Results Post-CM behaviours reported include externalizing, aggressive behaviours and learning difficulties. Variable timescales for behaviour change onset were noted, and most caregivers reported some evolution of their child’s behaviour over time. Caregivers experienced a variety of emotions connected to their child’s behaviour and to reactions of family and community members. Caregivers who experienced discrimination were more likely to describe negative emotions tied to their child’s behaviour changes, compared to caregivers who experienced support. Conclusions Caregiver perceptions of behaviour changes in post-CM survivors are variable, and caregiver experience is strongly impacted by family and community member responses. Future educational, rehabilitation, and support-based programmes should focus on the specific types of behaviour problems identified and the difficulties faced by caregivers and their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastian M Mboma
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - John T Langfitt
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Brim
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, West Fee Hall, 909 Wilson Road, Room B305, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Melissa Gladstone
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi. .,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, West Fee Hall, 909 Wilson Road, Room B305, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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21
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Sahu PK, Duffy FJ, Dankwa S, Vishnyakova M, Majhi M, Pirpamer L, Vigdorovich V, Bage J, Maharana S, Mandala W, Rogerson SJ, Seydel KB, Taylor TE, Kim K, Sather DN, Mohanty A, Mohanty RR, Mohanty A, Pattnaik R, Aitchison JD, Hoffman A, Mohanty S, Smith JD, Bernabeu M, Wassmer SC. Determinants of brain swelling in pediatric and adult cerebral malaria. JCI Insight 2021; 6:145823. [PMID: 34549725 PMCID: PMC8492338 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.145823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) affects children and adults, but brain swelling is more severe in children. To investigate features associated with brain swelling in malaria, we performed blood profiling and brain MRI in a cohort of pediatric and adult patients with CM in Rourkela, India, and compared them with an African pediatric CM cohort in Malawi. We determined that higher plasma Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) levels and elevated var transcripts that encode for binding to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) were linked to CM at both sites. Machine learning models trained on the African pediatric cohort could classify brain swelling in Indian children CM cases but had weaker performance for adult classification, due to overall lower parasite var transcript levels in this age group and more severe thrombocytopenia in Rourkela adults. Subgrouping of patients with CM revealed higher parasite biomass linked to severe thrombocytopenia and higher Group A–EPCR var transcripts in mild thrombocytopenia. Overall, these findings provide evidence that higher parasite biomass and a subset of Group A–EPCR binding variants are common features in children and adult CM cases, despite age differences in brain swelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen K Sahu
- Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India, Ispat General Hospital (IGH), Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Fergal J Duffy
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Selasi Dankwa
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | | | - Lukas Pirpamer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jabamani Bage
- Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India, Ispat General Hospital (IGH), Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Sameer Maharana
- Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India, Ispat General Hospital (IGH), Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Wilson Mandala
- Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe, Malawi
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, The Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Blantyre Malaria Project, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kami Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - D Noah Sather
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Akshaya Mohanty
- Infectious Diseases Biology Unit, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | - Anita Mohanty
- Department of Intensive Care, IGH, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | | | - John D Aitchison
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Angelika Hoffman
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sanjib Mohanty
- Center for the Study of Complex Malaria in India, Ispat General Hospital (IGH), Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Joseph D Smith
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Maria Bernabeu
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Samuel C Wassmer
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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22
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Laurens MB, Mungwira RG, Nampota N, Nyirenda OM, Divala TH, Kanjala M, Mkandawire FA, Galileya LT, Nyangulu W, Mwinjiwa E, Downs M, Tillman A, Taylor TE, Mallewa J, Plowe CV, van Oosterhout JJ, Laufer MK. Revisiting Co-trimoxazole Prophylaxis for African Adults in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:1058-1065. [PMID: 33744963 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Daily co-trimoxazole is recommended for African adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) irrespective of antiretroviral treatment, immune status, or disease stage. Benefits of continued prophylaxis and whether co-trimoxazole can be stopped following immune reconstitution are unknown. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial at 2 sites in Malawi that enrolled adults with HIV with undetectable viral load and CD4 count of >250/mm3 and randomized them to continue daily co-trimoxazole, discontinue daily co-trimoxazole and begin weekly chloroquine, or discontinue daily co-trimoxazole. The primary endpoint was the preventive effect of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis against death or World Health Organization (WHO) HIV/AIDS stage 3-4 events, using Cox proportional hazards modeling, in an intention-to-treat population. RESULTS 1499 adults were enrolled. The preventive effect of co-trimoxazole on the primary endpoint was 22% (95% CI: -14%-47%; P = .20) versus no prophylaxis and 25% (-10%-48%; P = .14) versus chloroquine. When WHO HIV/AIDS stage 2 events were added to the primary endpoint, preventive effect increased to 31% (3-51%; P = .032) and 32% (4-51%; P = .026), respectively. Co-trimoxazole and chloroquine prophylaxis effectively prevented clinical malaria episodes (3.8 and 3.0, respectively, vs 28/100 person-years; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Malawian adults with HIV who immune reconstituted on ART and continued co-trimoxazole prophylaxis experienced fewer deaths and WHO HIV/AIDS stage 3-4 events compared with prophylaxis discontinuation, although statistical significance was not achieved. Co-trimoxazole prevented a composite of death plus WHO HIV/AIDS stage 2-4 events. Given poor healthcare access and lack of routine viral load monitoring, co-trimoxazole prophylaxis should continue in adults on ART after immune reconstitution in sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT01650558.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Laurens
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Randy G Mungwira
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Nginache Nampota
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Osward M Nyirenda
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Titus H Divala
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Maxwell Kanjala
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Felix A Mkandawire
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Amy Tillman
- Statistics Collaborative, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Jane Mallewa
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Christopher V Plowe
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joep J van Oosterhout
- Dignitas International and University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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23
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Cohee LM, Valim C, Coalson JE, Nyambalo A, Chilombe M, Ngwira A, Bauleni A, Seydel KB, Wilson ML, Taylor TE, Mathanga DP, Laufer MK. School-based screening and treatment may reduce P. falciparum transmission. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6905. [PMID: 33767384 PMCID: PMC7994823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In areas where malaria remains entrenched, novel transmission-reducing interventions are essential for malaria elimination. We report the impact screening-and-treatment of asymptomatic Malawian schoolchildren (n = 364 in the rainy season and 341 in the dry season) had on gametocyte-the parasite stage responsible for human-to-mosquito transmission-carriage. We used concomitant household-based surveys to predict the potential reduction in transmission in the surrounding community. Among 253 students with P. falciparum infections at screening, 179 (71%) had infections containing gametocytes detected by Pfs25 qRT-PCR. 84% of gametocyte-containing infections were detected by malaria rapid diagnostic test. While the gametocyte prevalence remained constant in untreated children, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine reduced the gametocyte prevalence (p < 0.0001) from 51.8 to 9.7% and geometric mean gametocyte density (p = 0.008) from 0.52 to 0.05 gametocytes/microliter. In community surveys, 46% of all gametocyte-containing infections were in school-age children, who comprised only 35% of the population. Based on these estimates six weeks after the intervention, the gametocyte burden in the community could be reduced by 25-55% depending on the season and the measure used to characterize gametocyte carriage. Thus, school-based interventions to treat asymptomatic infections may be a high-yield approach to not only improve the health of schoolchildren, but also decrease malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Clarissa Valim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenna E Coalson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Andrew Nyambalo
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Moses Chilombe
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrew Ngwira
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andy Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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24
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Mejia P, Treviño-Villarreal JH, De Niz M, Meibalan E, Longchamp A, Reynolds JS, Turnbull LB, Opoka RO, Roussilhon C, Spielmann T, Ozaki CK, Heussler VT, Seydel KB, Taylor TE, John CC, Milner DA, Marti M, Mitchell JR. Adipose tissue parasite sequestration drives leptin production in mice and correlates with human cerebral malaria. Sci Adv 2021; 7:7/13/eabe2484. [PMID: 33762334 PMCID: PMC7990332 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe2484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Circulating levels of the adipokine leptin are linked to neuropathology in experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), but its source and regulation mechanism remain unknown. Here, we show that sequestration of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) in white adipose tissue (WAT) microvasculature increased local vascular permeability and leptin production. Mice infected with parasite strains that fail to sequester in WAT displayed reduced leptin production and protection from ECM. WAT sequestration and leptin induction were lost in CD36KO mice; however, ECM susceptibility revealed sexual dimorphism. Adipocyte leptin was regulated by the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and blocked by rapamycin. In humans, although Plasmodium falciparum infection did not increase circulating leptin levels, iRBC sequestration, tissue leptin production, and mTORC1 activity were positively correlated with CM in pediatric postmortem WAT. These data identify WAT sequestration as a trigger for leptin production with potential implications for pathogenesis of malaria infection, prognosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Mejia
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Mariana De Niz
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elamaran Meibalan
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alban Longchamp
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery and the Heart and Vascular Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Justin S Reynolds
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lindsey B Turnbull
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Tobias Spielmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Keith Ozaki
- Department of Surgery and the Heart and Vascular Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Karl B Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Chandy C John
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Danny A Milner
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- American Society for Clinical Pathology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthias Marti
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James R Mitchell
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Yimgang DP, Buchwald AG, Coalson JE, Walldorf JA, Bauleni A, Kapito-Tembo A, Mathanga DP, Taylor TE, Laufer MK, Cohee LM. Population Attributable Fraction of Anemia Associated with P. falciparum Infection in Children in Southern Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1013-1017. [PMID: 33399043 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia is a leading cause of morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. The etiologies of anemia are multifactorial, and it is unclear what proportion of anemia is attributable to malaria in children of different ages in Malawi. We evaluated the population attributable fraction (PAF) of anemia due to malaria using multiple cross-sectional surveys in southern Malawi. We found a high prevalence of anemia, with the greatest proportion attributable to malaria among school-age children (5-15 years) in the rainy season (PAF = 18.8% [95% CI: 16.3, 21.0], compared with PAF = 5.2% [95% CI: 4.0, 6.2] among young children pooled across season [< 5 years] and PAF = 9.7% [95% CI: 6.5, 12.4] among school-age children in the dry season). Malaria control interventions will likely lead to decreases in anemia, especially among school-age children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris P Yimgang
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrea G Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jenna E Coalson
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jenny A Walldorf
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andy Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Atupele Kapito-Tembo
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Riggle BA, Manglani M, Maric D, Johnson KR, Lee MH, Neto OLA, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Nath A, Miller LH, McGavern DB, Pierce SK. CD8+ T cells target cerebrovasculature in children with cerebral malaria. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1128-1138. [PMID: 31821175 DOI: 10.1172/jci133474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDCerebral malaria (CM) accounts for nearly 400,000 deaths annually in African children. Current dogma suggests that CM results from infected RBC (iRBC) sequestration in the brain microvasculature and resulting sequelae. Therapies targeting these events have been unsuccessful; findings in experimental models suggest that CD8+ T cells drive disease pathogenesis. However, these data have largely been ignored because corroborating evidence in humans is lacking. This work fills a critical gap in our understanding of CM pathogenesis that is impeding development of therapeutics.METHODSUsing multiplex immunohistochemistry, we characterized cerebrovascular immune cells in brain sections from 34 children who died from CM or other causes. Children were grouped by clinical diagnosis (CM+ or CM-), iRBC sequestration (Seqhi, Seqlo, Seq0) and HIV status (HIV+ or HIV-).RESULTSWe identified effector CD3+CD8+ T cells engaged on the cerebrovasculature in 69% of CM+ HIV- children. The number of intravascular CD3+CD8+ T cells was influenced by CM status (CM+ > CM-, P = 0.004) and sequestration level (Seqhi > Seqlo, P = 0.010). HIV coinfection significantly increased T cell numbers (P = 0.017) and shifted cells from an intravascular (P = 0.004) to perivascular (P < 0.0001) distribution.CONCLUSIONWithin the studied cohort, CM is associated with cerebrovascular engagement of CD3+CD8+ T cells, which is exacerbated by HIV coinfection. Thus, CD3+CD8+ T cells are highly promising targets for CM adjunctive therapy, opening new avenues for the treatment of this deadly disease.FUNDINGThis research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Riggle
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Monica Manglani
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Kory R Johnson
- Information Technology Program, Division of Intramural Research, and
| | - Myoung-Hwa Lee
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and
| | | | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi, Africa
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi, Africa
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and
| | - Louis H Miller
- Laboratory of Malaria Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Dorian B McGavern
- Viral Immunology and Intravital Imaging Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan K Pierce
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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MacCormick IJC, Barrera V, Beare NAV, Czanner G, Potchen M, Kampondeni S, Heyderman RS, Craig AG, Molyneux ME, Mallewa M, White VA, Milner D, Hiscott P, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Harding SP. How Does Blood-Retinal Barrier Breakdown Relate to Death and Disability in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria? J Infect Dis 2020; 225:1070-1080. [PMID: 32845969 PMCID: PMC8922008 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In cerebral malaria, the retina can be used to understand disease pathogenesis. The mechanisms linking sequestration, brain swelling, and death remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that retinal vascular leakage would be associated with brain swelling. Methods We used retinal angiography to study blood-retinal barrier integrity. We analyzed retinal leakage, histopathology, brain magnatic resonance imaging (MRI), and associations with death and neurological disability in prospective cohorts of Malawian children with cerebral malaria. Results Three types of retinal leakage were seen: large focal leak (LFL), punctate leak (PL), and vessel leak. The LFL and PL were associated with death (odds ratio [OR] = 13.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.21–33.78 and OR = 8.58, 95% CI = 2.56–29.08, respectively) and brain swelling (P < .05). Vessel leak and macular nonperfusion were associated with neurological disability (OR = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.26–11.02 and OR = 9.06, 95% CI = 1.79–45.90). Large focal leak was observed as an evolving retinal hemorrhage. A core of fibrinogen and monocytes was found in 39 (93%) white-centered hemorrhages. Conclusions Blood-retina barrier breakdown occurs in 3 patterns in cerebral malaria. Associations between LFL, brain swelling, and death suggest that the rapid accumulation of cerebral hemorrhages, with accompanying fluid egress, may cause fatal brain swelling. Vessel leak, from barrier dysfunction, and nonperfusion were not associated with severe brain swelling but with neurological deficits, suggesting hypoxic injury in survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J C MacCormick
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, a member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.,Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Valentina Barrera
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, a member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,NHS Blood and Transplant, Tissue and Eye Services R&D, Liverpool UK
| | - Nicholas A V Beare
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, a member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,St. Paul's Eye Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gabriela Czanner
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, a member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Applied Mathematics, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael Potchen
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Samuel Kampondeni
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Robert S Heyderman
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.,Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alister G Craig
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
| | - Malcolm E Molyneux
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.,Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
| | - Macpherson Mallewa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Valerie A White
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dan Milner
- American Society for Clinical Pathology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Paul Hiscott
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, a member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Simon P Harding
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, a member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, UK.,St. Paul's Eye Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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28
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Postels DG, Osei-Tutu L, Seydel KB, Xu Q, Li C, Taylor TE, John CC, Mallewa M, Solomon T, Agbenyega T, Ansong D, Opoka RO, Khan LM, Ramachandran PS, Leon KE, DeRisi JL, Langelier C, Wilson MR. Central Nervous System Virus Infection in African Children with Cerebral Malaria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:200-205. [PMID: 32342847 PMCID: PMC7356427 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify the contribution of central nervous system (CNS) viral coinfection to illness in African children with retinopathy-negative or retinopathy-positive cerebral malaria (CM). We collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 272 children with retinopathy-negative or retinopathy-positive CM and selected CSF from 111 of these children (38 retinopathy positive, 71 retinopathy negative, 2 retinopathy unknown) for analysis by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. We found CSF viral coinfections in 7/38 (18.4%) retinopathy-positive children and in 18/71 (25.4%) retinopathy-negative children. Excluding HIV-1, human herpesviruses (HHV) represented 61% of viruses identified. Excluding HIV-1, CNS viral coinfection was equally likely in children who were retinopathy positive and retinopathy negative (P = 0.1431). Neither mortality nor neurological morbidity was associated with the presence of virus (odds ratio [OR] = 0.276, 95% CI: 0.056-1.363). Retinopathy-negative children with a higher temperature, lower white blood cell count, or being dehydrated were more likely to have viral coinfection. Level of consciousness at admission was not associated with CNS viral coinfection in retinopathy-negative children. Viral CNS coinfection is unlikely to contribute to coma in children with CM. The herpesviruses other than herpes simplex virus may represent incidental bystanders in CM, reactivating during acute malaria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G. Postels
- Address correspondence to Douglas G. Postels, Department of Neurology, Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20010. E-mail:
| | | | | | - Qian Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Chenxi Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | | | - Chandy C. John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Tom Solomon
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tsiri Agbenyega
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Daniel Ansong
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lillian M. Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Prashanth S. Ramachandran
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Kristoffer E. Leon
- UCSF School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Charles Langelier
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael R. Wilson
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Manda-Taylor L, Liomba A, Taylor TE, Elwell K. Barriers and Facilitators to Obtaining Informed Consent in a Critical Care Pediatric Research Ward in Southern Malawi. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2020; 14:152-168. [PMID: 30866724 DOI: 10.1177/1556264619830859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Informed consent is an ethical requirement in clinical research. Obtaining informed consent is challenging in resource-constrained settings. We report results of a formative qualitative study that examined factors that facilitate and hinder informed consent for clinical research among critically ill children in Malawi. We argue that truly informed consent in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is challenged by parental distress, time constraints when balancing care for critically ill patients with research-related tasks, and social hierarchies and community mistrust toward certain research procedures. We interviewed health care providers and parents of children attending a critical care unit to identify potential challenges and solicit strategies for addressing them. Providers and caregivers suggested practical solutions to enhance research participant understanding of clinical trial research, including the use of visual materials, community engagement strategies, and using patients as advocates in promoting understanding of research procedures.
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30
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Vera IM, Kessler A, Ting LM, Harawa V, Keller T, Allen D, Njie M, Moss M, Soko M, Ahmadu A, Kadwala I, Ray S, Nyirenda TS, Mandala WL, Taylor TE, Rogerson SJ, Seydel KB, Kim K. Plasma cell-free DNA predicts pediatric cerebral malaria severity. JCI Insight 2020; 5:136279. [PMID: 32554925 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.136279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDPrediction of adverse outcomes in cerebral malaria (CM) is difficult. We hypothesized that cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels would facilitate identification of severe and potentially fatal CM cases.METHODSIn this retrospective study, plasma from Malawian children with CM (n = 134), uncomplicated malaria (UM, n = 77), and healthy controls (HC, n = 60) was assayed for cfDNA using a fluorescence assay. Host and parasite cfDNA was measured by quantitative PCR. Immune markers were determined by ELISA, Luminex, or cytometric bead array.RESULTSTotal cfDNA increased with malaria severity (HC versus UM, P < 0.001; HC versus CM, P < 0.0001; UM versus CM, P < 0.0001), was elevated in retinopathy-positive (Ret+) CM relative to Ret- CM (7.66 versus 5.47 ng/μL, P = 0.027), and differentiated Ret+ fatal cases from survivors (AUC 0.779; P < 0.001). cfDNA levels in patients with non-malarial febrile illness (NMF, P = 0.25) and non-malarial coma (NMC, P = 0.99) were comparable with UM. Host DNA, rather than parasite DNA, was the major cfDNA contributor (UM, 268 versus 67 pg/μL; CM, 2824 versus 463 pg/μL). Host and parasite cfDNA distinguished CM by retinopathy (host, AUC 0.715, P = 0.0001; parasite, AUC 0.745, P = 0.0001), but only host cfDNA distinguished fatal cases (AUC 0.715, P = 0.0001). Total cfDNA correlated with neutrophil markers IL-8 (rs = 0.433, P < 0.0001) and myeloperoxidase (rs = 0.683, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONQuantifying plasma cfDNA is a simple assay useful in identifying children at risk for fatal outcome and has promise as a point-of-care assay. Elevated cfDNA suggests a link with host inflammatory pathways in fatal CM.FUNDINGNIH NCATS (AK), Burroughs-Wellcome (AK), and National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (SJR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iset Medina Vera
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Anne Kessler
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Li-Min Ting
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Visopo Harawa
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Thomas Keller
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Dylan Allen
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Madi Njie
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - McKenze Moss
- Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Monica Soko
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ajisa Ahmadu
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Stephen Ray
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Tonney S Nyirenda
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Wilson L Mandala
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Kami Kim
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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31
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Kapito-Tembo A, Mathanga D, Bauleni A, Nyirenda O, Pensulo P, Ali D, Valim C, Taylor TE, Laufer MK. Prevalence and Clinical Management of Non-malarial Febrile Illnesses among Outpatients in the Era of Universal Malaria Testing in Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:887-893. [PMID: 32588795 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing access to rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (mRDTs) has raised awareness of the challenges healthcare workers face in managing non-malarial febrile illnesses (NMFIs). We examined NMFI prevalence, clinical diagnoses, and prescribing practices in outpatient clinics across different malaria transmission settings in Malawi. Standardized facility-based malaria surveillance was conducted at three facilities one of every 4 weeks over 2 years. Information on demographics, presenting symptoms, temperature, clinical diagnosis, and treatment were collected from outpatients presenting with malaria-like symptoms. Of the 25,486 patients with fever, 69% had NMFI. Non-malarial febrile illness prevalence was lower in 5- to 15-year-old patients (55%) than in children < 5 years (72%) and adults > 15 years of age (77%). The most common clinical diagnoses among febrile patients with negative mRDTs in all age-groups and settings were respiratory infections (46%), sepsis (29%), gastroenteritis (13%), musculoskeletal pain (9%), and malaria (5%). Antibiotic prescribing was high in all age-groups and settings. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (40%) and amoxicillin (29%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics and were used for nearly all clinical diagnoses. In these settings with minimal access to diagnostic tools, patients with fever and a negative mRDT received a limited number of clinical diagnoses. Many were likely to be inaccurate and were associated with the inappropriate use of the limited range of available antibiotics. Prescription and diagnostic practices for NMFIs in the facilities require research and policy input. Resource-limited malaria-endemic countries urgently need more point-of-care diagnostic tools and evidence-based diagnosis and treatment algorithms to provide effective and cost-efficient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atupele Kapito-Tembo
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Don Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrew Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Osward Nyirenda
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Paul Pensulo
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Doreen Ali
- Malawi National Malaria Control Program, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Clarissa Valim
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Buchwald AG, Sixpence A, Chimenya M, Damson M, Sorkin JD, Wilson ML, Seydel K, Hochman S, Mathanga DP, Taylor TE, Laufer MK. Clinical Implications of Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Malawi. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 68:106-112. [PMID: 29788054 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections are common in Malawi; however, the implications of these infections for the burden of malaria illness are unknown. Whether asymptomatic infections eventually progress to malaria illness, persist without causing symptoms, or clear spontaneously remains undetermined. We identified asymptomatic infections and evaluated the associations between persistent asymptomatic infections and malaria illness. Methods Children and adults (N = 120) who presented at a health facility with uncomplicated malaria were followed monthly for 2 years. During follow-up visits, participants with malaria symptoms were tested and, if positive, treated. Samples from all visits were tested for parasites using both microscopy and polymerase chain reaction, and all malaria infections underwent genotyping. Cox frailty models were used to estimate the temporal association between asymptomatic infections and malaria illness episodes. Mixed models were used to estimate the odds of clinical symptoms associated with new versus persistent infections. Results Participants had a median follow-up time of 720 days. Asymptomatic infections were detected during 23% of visits. Persistent asymptomatic infections were associated with decreased risk of malaria illness in all ages (hazard ratio 0.50, P < .001). When asymptomatic infections preceded malaria illness, newly-acquired infections were detected at 92% of subsequent clinical episodes, independent of presence of persistent infections. Malaria illness among children was more likely due to newly-acquired infections (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.5) than to persistent infections. Conclusions Asymptomatic P. falciparum infections are associated with decreased incidence of malaria illness, but do not protect against disease when new infection occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Alick Sixpence
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre
| | - Mabvuto Chimenya
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre
| | - Milius Damson
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre
| | - John D Sorkin
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | - Karl Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Sarah Hochman
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
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Coalson JE, Cohee LM, Walldorf JA, Bauleni A, Mathanga DP, Taylor TE, Wilson ML, Laufer MK. Challenges in Treatment for Fever among School-Age Children and Adults in Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 100:287-295. [PMID: 30526747 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Prompt and effective treatment is key to malaria control and prevention, as it reduces disease morbidity and mortality and minimizes the number of transmission reservoirs. Transmission reduction may be particularly important among school-age children (SAC, 5-15 years old), who have the highest prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in southern Malawi. We hypothesized that one factor contributing to this difference in prevalence is that SAC are less likely to seek appropriate treatment for fever than children younger than 5 years. In this study, we assessed treatment-seeking behaviors of people of all ages between 2012 and 2014 in Malawi. During each of the five cross-sectional surveys, all members of ∼900 households reported on fever and treatment-seeking in the previous 2 weeks. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of whether febrile people sought treatment and whether they did so at formal (government/private clinics) or informal sources (primarily shops). Twenty-two percent of participants (3,579/16,621) reported fever, and 2,715 of those (75.9%) sought treatment. Seeking treatment exclusively from local shops remains a common practice, although use of recommended diagnostic testing and antimalarial drugs was infrequently reported there. Although SAC were not significantly less likely than children aged < 5 years to seek treatment, SAC and adults (age ≥ 16 years) were significantly less likely to use formal sources. Our results indicate that encouraging treatment at government/private clinics and increasing retail access to appropriate antimalarial testing and treatment, especially among SAC, could help remedy inadequate treatment of symptomatic disease and potentially reduce Plasmodium transmission in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna E Coalson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jenny A Walldorf
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrew Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Andronescu LR, Buchwald AG, Coalson JE, Cohee L, Bauleni A, Walldorf JA, Kandangwe C, Mzilahowa T, Taylor TE, Mathanga DP, Laufer MK. Net age, but not integrity, may be associated with decreased protection against Plasmodium falciparum infection in southern Malawi. Malar J 2019; 18:329. [PMID: 31551076 PMCID: PMC6760057 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2930-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distribution campaigns for insecticide-treated nets (ITN) have increased the use of ITNs in Malawi, but malaria prevalence remains high even among those using the nets. Previous studies have addressed ITN ownership, insecticide resistance, and frequency of ITN use as possible contributing factors to the high prevalence of malaria infection despite high ITN coverage, but have rarely considered whether the condition of the ITN, or how many people use it, impacts efficacy. This study assessed how ITN integrity, ITN age, and the number of persons sharing a net might mitigate or reduce protective efficacy among self-identified ITN users in Malawi. METHODS From 2012 to 2014, six cross-sectional surveys were conducted in both the rainy and dry seasons in southern Malawi. Data were collected on ITN use, integrity (number and size of holes), and age. Blood samples for detecting Plasmodium falciparum infection were obtained from reported ITN users over 6 months of age. Generalized linear mixed models were used to account for clustering at the household and community level. The final model controlled for gender, household eaves, and community-level infection prevalence during the rainy season. RESULTS There were 9646 ITN users with blood samples across six surveys, 15% of whom tested positive for P. falciparum infection. Among children under 5 years old, there was a 50% increased odds of P. falciparum infection among those sleeping under an ITN older than two years, compared to those using an ITN less than 2 years old (OR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.07-2.08). ITN integrity and number of individuals sharing an ITN were not associated with P. falciparum infection. CONCLUSIONS Older ITNs were associated with higher rates of P. falciparum in young children, which may indicate that insecticide concentrations play a larger role in infection prevention than the physical barrier of an ITN. ITN use was self-reported and the integrity measures lacked the precision of newer methods, suggesting a need for objective measures of ITN use and more precise assessment of ITN integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana R. Andronescu
- 0000 0001 2175 4264grid.411024.2Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W, Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Andrea G. Buchwald
- 0000 0001 2175 4264grid.411024.2Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W, Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA ,0000 0001 0703 675Xgrid.430503.1Present Address: University of Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, 13001 E, 17th Place, Mail Stop B119, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Jenna E. Coalson
- 0000 0001 2168 186Xgrid.134563.6Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, 1295N Martin Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724 USA
| | - Lauren Cohee
- 0000 0001 2175 4264grid.411024.2Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W, Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Andy Bauleni
- 0000 0001 2113 2211grid.10595.38Malaria Alert Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jenny A. Walldorf
- 0000 0001 2175 4264grid.411024.2Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W, Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA ,0000 0001 2163 0069grid.416738.fPresent Address: Global Immunization Division, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Chifundo Kandangwe
- 0000 0001 2113 2211grid.10595.38Malaria Alert Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Themba Mzilahowa
- 0000 0001 2113 2211grid.10595.38Malaria Alert Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E. Taylor
- 0000 0001 2150 1785grid.17088.36Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, 909 Fee Road, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Don P. Mathanga
- 0000 0001 2113 2211grid.10595.38Malaria Alert Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K. Laufer
- 0000 0001 2175 4264grid.411024.2Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W, Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
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35
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Moghaddam SM, Birbeck GL, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Kampondeni SD, Potchen MJ. Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging in a Prospective Cohort of Children with Cerebral Malaria Offers Insights into Pathophysiology and Prognosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2019; 40:1575-1580. [PMID: 31439630 PMCID: PMC7048462 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a6159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Validation of diffusion-weighted images obtained on 0.35T MR imaging in Malawi has facilitated meaningful review of previously unreported findings in cerebral malaria. Malawian children with acute cerebral malaria demonstrated restricted diffusion on brain MR imaging, including an unusual pattern of restriction isolated to the subcortical white matter. We describe the patterns of diffusion restriction in cerebral malaria and further evaluate risk factors for and outcomes associated with an isolated subcortical white matter diffusion restriction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2009 and 2014, comatose Malawian children admitted to the hospital with cerebral malaria underwent admission brain MR imaging. Imaging data were compiled via NeuroInterp, a RedCap data base. Clinical information obtained included coma score, serum studies, and coma duration. Electroencephalograms were obtained between 2009 and 2011. Outcomes captured included death, neurologic sequelae, or full recovery. RESULTS One hundred ninety-four/269 (72.1%) children with cerebral malaria demonstrated at least 1 area of diffusion restriction. The most common pattern was bilateral subcortical white matter involvement (41.6%), followed by corpus callosum (37.5%), deep gray matter (36.8%), cortical gray matter (17.8%), and posterior fossa (8.9%) involvement. Sixty-one (22.7%) demonstrated isolated subcortical white matter diffusion restriction. These children had lower whole-blood lactate levels (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.85-0.98), were less likely to require anticonvulsants (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.30-0.98), had higher average electroencephalogram voltage (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02), were less likely to die (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.67), and were more likely to recover without neurologic sequelae (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.5-9.1). CONCLUSIONS Restricted diffusion is common in pediatric cerebral malaria. Isolated subcortical white matter diffusion restriction is a unique imaging pattern associated with less severe disease and a good prognosis for full recovery. The underlying pathophysiology may be related to selective white matter vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Moghaddam
- From the Department of Imaging Sciences (S.M.M., M.J.P.)
| | - G L Birbeck
- Department of Neurology, Department of Public Health, Center for Experimental Therapeutics (G.L.B.), University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - T E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties (T.E.T., K.B.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - K B Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties (T.E.T., K.B.S.), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - S D Kampondeni
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (S.D.K.), University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - M J Potchen
- From the Department of Imaging Sciences (S.M.M., M.J.P.)
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36
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Storm J, Jespersen JS, Seydel KB, Szestak T, Mbewe M, Chisala NV, Phula P, Wang CW, Taylor TE, Moxon CA, Lavstsen T, Craig AG. Cerebral malaria is associated with differential cytoadherence to brain endothelial cells. EMBO Mol Med 2019; 11:emmm.201809164. [PMID: 30610112 PMCID: PMC6365927 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201809164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum‐infected erythrocytes (IE) within the brain microvasculature is a hallmark of cerebral malaria (CM). Using a microchannel flow adhesion assay with TNF‐activated primary human microvascular endothelial cells, we demonstrate that IE isolated from Malawian paediatric CM cases showed increased binding to brain microvascular endothelial cells compared to IE from uncomplicated malaria (UM) cases. Further, UM isolates showed significantly greater adhesion to dermal than to brain microvascular endothelial cells. The major mediator of parasite adhesion is P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1, encoded by var genes. Higher levels of var gene transcripts predicted to bind host endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and ICAM‐1 were detected in CM isolates. These data provide further evidence for differential tissue binding in severe and uncomplicated malaria syndromes, and give additional support to the hypothesis that CM pathology is based on increased cytoadherence of IE in the brain microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Storm
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK .,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi.,College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Jakob S Jespersen
- Department of International Health, Immunology & Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karl B Seydel
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Tadge Szestak
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Maurice Mbewe
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ngawina V Chisala
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Patricia Phula
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Christian W Wang
- Department of International Health, Immunology & Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Christopher A Moxon
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thomas Lavstsen
- Department of International Health, Immunology & Microbiology, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alister G Craig
- Department of Parasitology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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37
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Earland D, Buchwald AG, Sixpence A, Chimenya M, Damson M, Seydel KB, Mathanga DP, Taylor TE, Laufer MK. Impact of Multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum Infection on Clinical Disease in Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 101:412-415. [PMID: 31219007 PMCID: PMC6685583 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiplicity of infection (MOI), the number of unique Plasmodium falciparum parasite genotypes found in one infected individual, may contribute to the development of clinical malaria disease. However, the independent contribution of MOI and parasite density to clinical disease has not been well characterized. We conducted a two-year longitudinal cohort study of adults and children in a high-transmission setting in Malawi to test the hypothesis that increased MOI was independently associated with clinical disease, after accounting for parasite density. Of 1,062 episodes of infection, 477 (44.9%) were associated with symptoms. After controlling for repeated measures within an individual, key demographic factors, and parasite density, there was no association between MOI and clinical disease (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.70-1.51). Although the limited ability to discern MOI in low-density asymptomatic infections may have impacted our results, we conclude that MOI is not an independent risk factor for clinical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Earland
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrea G. Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alick Sixpence
- Malaria Alert Centre, Communicable Disease Action Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mabvuto Chimenya
- Malaria Alert Centre, Communicable Disease Action Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Milius Damson
- Malaria Alert Centre, Communicable Disease Action Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Karl B. Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Don P. Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Centre, Communicable Disease Action Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E. Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Miriam K. Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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38
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Barrera V, Haley MJ, Strangward P, Attree E, Kamiza S, Seydel KB, Taylor TE, Milner DA, Craig AG, Couper KN. Comparison of CD8 + T Cell Accumulation in the Brain During Human and Murine Cerebral Malaria. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1747. [PMID: 31396236 PMCID: PMC6668485 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells have been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) in mice, but their role in development of human cerebral malaria (HCM) remains unclear. Thus, in this study we have provided the first direct contrast of the accumulation of CD8+ T cells in the brain during HCM and ECM. HCM cases were from children who died of Plasmodium falciparum cerebral malaria at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Malawi) between 2003 and 2010. ECM was induced by infecting C57BL/6J mice with P. berghei ANKA. We demonstrate similarities in the intracerebral CD8+ T cell responses in ECM and HCM, in particular an apparent shared choroid plexus-meningeal route of CD8+ T cell accumulation in the brain. Nevertheless, we also reveal some potentially important differences in compartmentalization of CD8+ T cells within the cerebrovascular bed in HCM and ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Barrera
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Haley
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Strangward
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Attree
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Kamiza
- Department of Histopathology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Danny A Milner
- Center for Global Health, American Society for Clinical Pathology, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alister G Craig
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin N Couper
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Langfitt JT, McDermott MP, Brim R, Mboma S, Potchen MJ, Kampondeni SD, Seydel KB, Semrud-Clikeman M, Taylor TE. Neurodevelopmental Impairments 1 Year After Cerebral Malaria. Pediatrics 2019; 143:peds.2018-1026. [PMID: 30696757 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-1026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : media-1vid110.1542/5972295739001PEDS-VA_2018-1026Video Abstract BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cerebral malaria (CM) causes significant mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan African children. Reliable morbidity estimates are scarce because of methodological variability across studies. We describe the incidence, course, and severity of neurodevelopmental impairments in survivors of CM and the associated patient characteristics to inform epidemiologic estimates of malaria morbidity rates and prevention and treatment efforts. METHODS We conducted an exposure-control study of 85 survivors of CM and 100 age-matched patients in a control group who were enrolled at hospital discharge and assessed after 1, 6, and 12 months using caregiver interviews and standardized developmental, cognitive, and behavioral measures. RESULTS Developmental or cognitive impairment (<10th percentile of the control distribution) and/or new onset of caregiver-reported behavior problems occurred in 53% of case patients compared with 20% of the patients in the control group (odds ratio 4.5; 95% CI: 2.4 to 8.6; P < .001). In case patients, developmental or cognitive impairment at the 12-month assessment was associated with HIV-positive status and short stature at presentation, more prolonged fever and coma during admission, and severe atrophy or multifocal abnormalities being found on MRI at the 1-month assessment. CONCLUSIONS One-half of survivors of CM were neurodevelopmentally impaired at the 1-year assessment. With these results, we support prevention trials of acute, neuroprotective interventions and the allocation of resources to evaluation, education, and rehabilitation efforts to reduce the significant long-term burden of CM-associated impairments on families and their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rachel Brim
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; and
| | - Sebastian Mboma
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; and
| | - Michael J Potchen
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; and.,Neuroradiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Sam D Kampondeni
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; and.,Neuroradiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; and
| | | | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan.,Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; and
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40
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Buchwald AG, Sorkin JD, Sixpence A, Chimenya M, Damson M, Wilson ML, Seydel K, Hochman S, Mathanga D, Taylor TE, Laufer MK. Association Between Age and Plasmodium falciparum Infection Dynamics. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:169-176. [PMID: 30252032 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Few data exist on the incidence or duration of natural Plasmodium falciparum infections in high-transmission settings. School-aged children (SAC) carry a disproportionate burden of infections, suggesting either increased incidence or increased duration. We estimated the incidence and duration of unique infections according to age groups. The Mfera Cohort Study (2014-2017) in Malawi had 2 years of follow-up, with 120 participants tested monthly and during sick visits. Blood samples were collected to detect P. falciparum by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. Positive samples underwent genotyping. Simulation was used to account for high rates of nondetection of infection among low-parasitemia infections, which increase in frequency with age. Adults had significantly fewer unique infections per person per year (median, 2.5) compared with SAC and children younger than 5 years of age (6.3 and 6.6, respectively). Over half of all genotypes were persistent. Infections lasted significantly longer in adults (median, 180 days) and SAC (median, 163 days) compared with children younger than 5 years of age (median, 97 days), after accounting for age-dependent nondetection of infection. SAC acquired new infections at the same rate as children younger than 5 years, but they maintained these infections for longer periods of time, similar to adults. This study provides new insights into P. falciparum infection dynamics that should be considered when designing malaria control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John D Sorkin
- Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alick Sixpence
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mabvuto Chimenya
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Milius Damson
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Karl Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Sarah Hochman
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Don Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Postels DG, Wu X, Li C, Kaplan PW, Seydel KB, Taylor TE, Kousa YA, Idro R, Opoka R, John CC, Birbeck GL. Admission EEG findings in diverse paediatric cerebral malaria populations predict outcomes. Malar J 2018; 17:208. [PMID: 29783991 PMCID: PMC5963073 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroencephalography at hospital presentation may offer important insights regarding prognosis that can inform understanding of cerebral malaria (CM) pathophysiology and potentially guide patient selection and risk stratification for future clinical trials. Electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in children with CM in Uganda and Malawi were compared and associations between admission EEG findings and outcome across this diverse population were assessed. Demographic, clinical and admission EEG data from Ugandan and Malawian children admitted from 2009 to 2012 with CM were gathered, and survivors assessed for neurological abnormalities at discharge. RESULTS 281 children were enrolled (Uganda n = 122, Malawi n = 159). The Malawian population was comprised only of retinopathy positive children (versus 72.5% retinopathy positive in Uganda) and were older (4.2 versus 3.7 years; p = 0.046), had a higher HIV prevalence (9.0 versus 2.8%; p = 0.042), and worse hyperlactataemia (7.4 versus 5.2 mmol/L; p < 0.001) on admission compared to the Ugandan children. EEG findings differed between the two groups in terms of average voltage and frequencies, reactivity, asymmetry, and the presence/absence of sleep architecture. In univariate analyses pooling EEG and outcomes data for both sites, higher average and maximum voltages, faster dominant frequencies, and retained reactivity were associated with survival (all p < 0.05). Focal slowing was associated with death (OR 2.93; 95% CI 1.77-7.30) and a lower average voltage was associated with neurological morbidity in survivors (p = 0.0032). CONCLUSIONS Despite substantial demographic and clinical heterogeneity between subjects in Malawi and Uganda as well as different EEG readers at each site, EEG findings on admission predicted mortality and morbidity. For CM clinical trials aimed at decreasing mortality or morbidity, EEG may be valuable for risk stratification and/or subject selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G Postels
- International Neurologic and Psychiatric Epidemiology Program, Michigan State University, 909 Fee Road, 324 West Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA. .,Department of Neurology, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
| | - Xiaoting Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, 909 Fee Road, Room B601, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Chenxi Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, 909 Fee Road, Room B601, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Peter W Kaplan
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, 4940 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Youssef A Kousa
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut Street, Rm 402-D, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Gretchen L Birbeck
- Epilepsy Division, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, 265 Crittenden Blvd, CU 420694, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.,UTH Neurology Research Office, Nationalist Rd, PO Box UTH 11, Lusaka, Zambia
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42
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Coalson JE, Cohee LM, Buchwald AG, Nyambalo A, Kubale J, Seydel KB, Mathanga D, Taylor TE, Laufer MK, Wilson ML. Simulation models predict that school-age children are responsible for most human-to-mosquito Plasmodium falciparum transmission in southern Malawi. Malar J 2018; 17:147. [PMID: 29615044 PMCID: PMC5883608 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2295-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria persists in some high-transmission areas despite extensive control efforts. Progress toward elimination may require effective targeting of specific human populations that act as key transmission reservoirs. METHODS Parameterized using molecular-based Plasmodium falciparum infection data from cross-sectional community studies in southern Malawi, a simulation model was developed to predict the proportions of human-to-mosquito transmission arising from (a) children under 5 years old (U5s), (b) school-age children (SAC, 5-15 years), (c) young adults (16-30 years), and (d) adults > 30 years. The model incorporates mosquito biting heterogeneity and differential infectivity (i.e. probability that a blood-fed mosquito develops oocysts) by age and gametocyte density. RESULTS The model predicted that SAC were responsible for more than 60% of new mosquito infections in both dry and rainy seasons, even though they comprise only 30% of this southern Malawi population. Young adults were the second largest contributors, while U5s and adults over 30 were each responsible for < 10% of transmission. While the specific predicted values are sensitive to the relative infectiousness of SAC, this group remained the most important contributor to mosquito infections under all realistic estimates. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that U5 children play a small role compared to SAC in maintaining P. falciparum transmission in southern Malawi. Models that assume biting homogeneity overestimate the importance of U5s. To reduce transmission, interventions will need to reach more SAC and young adults. This publicly available model can be used by others to estimate age-specific transmission contributions in epidemiologically similar sites with local parameter estimates of P. falciparum prevalence and bed net use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna E Coalson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5507 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. .,Center for Insect Science and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea G Buchwald
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Nyambalo
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - John Kubale
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5507 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Karl B Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Don Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5507 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Mungwira RG, Divala TH, Nyirenda OM, Kanjala M, Muwalo F, Mkandawire FA, Choko A, Taylor TE, Mallewa J, van Oosterhout JJ, Laufer MK, Laurens MB. A targeted approach for routine viral load monitoring in Malawian adults on antiretroviral therapy. Trop Med Int Health 2018; 23:526-532. [PMID: 29505108 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES WHO recommends HIV viral load (VL) testing 6 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and every 12 months thereafter, but cost prohibits routine, universal VL testing in many developing countries. We sought to devise a targeted approach to routine VL monitoring that could reduce cost and identify those at low risk for virologic failure (VF). METHODS We analysed screening data from a clinical trial enrolling adults on ART in Malawi. We identified risk factors associated with VF and employed the Knill-Jones method to assign summary score identifying persons at lower risk for VF. RESULTS Among 957 adults, prevalence of VF was 9.4%. Factors independently associated with VF included age <38 years (OR 3.44, 95% CI 2.01-5.89), ART duration >2.5 years (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.79-4.96), ART adherence <95% (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.06-2.94), CD4 count <200 cells/μl (OR 5.94, 95% CI 3.27-10.78), haemoglobin <13 g/dl (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.70-4.50) and CD8 count >885 cells/μl (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.28-3.44). Our VF prediction summary score included all factors above except CD8 count and was fairly accurate with validated area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.76. Implementation could reduce VL testing by 65%. CONCLUSION A simple score incorporating age, ART duration and adherence, and CD4 count can accurately identify adults at low risk for VF in a sub-Saharan African setting. In areas with high ART utilisation and limited VL testing capacity, a targeted approach could optimise routine VL monitoring while identifying adults in need of alternate ART regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy G Mungwira
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Titus H Divala
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Osward M Nyirenda
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Maxwell Kanjala
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Francis Muwalo
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Felix A Mkandawire
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Augustine Choko
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jane Mallewa
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Joep J van Oosterhout
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi.,Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew B Laurens
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Kampondeni SD, Birbeck GL, Seydel KB, Beare NA, Glover SJ, Hammond CA, Chilingulo CA, Taylor TE, Potchen MJ. Noninvasive measures of brain edema predict outcome in pediatric cerebral malaria. Surg Neurol Int 2018; 9:53. [PMID: 29576904 PMCID: PMC5858047 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_297_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Increased brain volume (BV) and subsequent herniation are strongly associated with death in pediatric cerebral malaria (PCM), a leading killer of children in developing countries. Accurate noninvasive measures of BV are needed for optimal clinical trial design. Our objectives were to examine the performance of six different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) BV quantification measures for predicting mortality in PCM and to review the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Methods: Receiver operator characteristics were generated from BV measures of MRIs of children admitted to an ongoing research project with PCM between 2009 and 2014. Fatal cases were matched to the next available survivor. A total of 78 MRIs of children aged 5 months to 13 years (mean 4.0 years), of which 45% were males, were included. Results: Areas under the curve (AUC) with 95% confidence interval on measures from the initial MRIs were: Radiologist-derived score = 0.69 (0.58–0.79; P = 0.0037); prepontine cistern anteroposterior (AP) dimension = 0.70 (0.56–0.78; P = 0.0133); SamKam ratio [Rt. parietal lobe height/(prepontine AP dimension + fourth ventricle AP dimension)] = 0.74 (0.63–0.83; P = 0.0002); and global cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space ascertained by ClearCanvas = 0.67 (0.55–0.77; P = 0.0137). For patients with serial MRIs (n = 37), the day 2 global CSF space AUC was 0.87 (0.71–0.96; P < 0.001) and the recovery factor (CSF volume day 2/CSF volume day 1) was 0.91 (0.76–0.98; P < 0.0001). Poor prognosis is associated with radiologist score of ≥7; prepontine cistern dimension ≤3 mm; cisternal CSF volume ≤7.5 ml; SamKam ratio ≥6.5; and recovery factor ≤0.75. Conclusion: All noninvasive measures of BV performed well in predicting death and providing a proxy measure for brain volume. Initial MRI assessment may inform future clinical trials for subject selection, risk adjustment, or stratification. Measures of temporal change may be used to stage PCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Kampondeni
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Imaging Sciences, Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Gretchen L Birbeck
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi.,Strong Epilepsy Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas A Beare
- St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Simon J Glover
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, North Haugh, St. Andrews, UK
| | | | - Cowles A Chilingulo
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael J Potchen
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Chichiri, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Imaging Sciences, Division of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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45
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Lemos MP, Taylor TE, McGoldrick SM, Molyneux ME, Menon M, Kussick S, Mkhize NN, Martinson NA, Stritmatter A, Randolph-Habecker J. Pathology-Based Research in Africa. Clin Lab Med 2018; 38:67-90. [PMID: 29412886 PMCID: PMC5894888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The process of conducting pathology research in Africa can be challenging. But the rewards in terms of knowledge gained, quality of collaborations, and impact on communities affected by infectious disease and cancer are great. This report reviews 3 different research efforts: fatal malaria in Malawi, mucosal immunity to HIV in South Africa, and cancer research in Uganda. What unifies them is the use of pathology-based approaches to answer vital questions, such as physiology, pathogenesis, predictors of clinical course, and diagnostic testing schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Lemos
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, E4-203, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Suzanne M McGoldrick
- Seattle Genetics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 21823 30th Dr SE, Bothell, WA 98021, USA
| | - Malcolm E Molyneux
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L35QA, UK
| | - Manoj Menon
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue, M1-B140, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue, M1-B140, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1100 Fairview Avenue, M1-B140, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Steve Kussick
- PhenoPath Laboratories, 551 North 34th Street #100, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
| | - Nonhlanhla N Mkhize
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neil A Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), MRC Soweto Matlosana Collaborating Centre for HIV/AIDS and TB, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Johns Hopkins University, Center for Tuberculosis Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea Stritmatter
- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, 200 University Parkway, Room BHH 423, Yakima, WA 98901, USA
| | - Julie Randolph-Habecker
- Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, 200 University Parkway, Room BHH 423, Yakima, WA 98901, USA.
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Tucker JD, Hughes MA, Durvasula RV, Vinetz JM, McGovern VP, Schultz R, Dunavan CP, Wilson ME, Milner DA, LaRocque RC, Calderwood SB, Guerrant RL, Weller PF, Taylor TE. Measuring Success in Global Health Training: Data From 14 Years of a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 64:1768-1772. [PMID: 28369324 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. In modern academic medicine, especially in the fields of infectious diseases and global health, aspiring physician-scientists often wait years before achieving independence as basic, translational, and clinical investigators. This study employed mixed methods to evaluate the success of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund/American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (BWF/ASTMH) global health postdoctoral fellowship in promoting scientific independence. Methods. We examined quantitative data obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and qualitative data provided by the ASTMH and program participants to assess BWF/ASTMH trainees' success in earning NIH grants, publishing manuscripts, and gaining faculty positions. We also calculated the return on investment (ROI) associated with the training program by dividing direct costs of NIH research grants awarded to trainees by the direct costs invested by the BWF/ASTMH fellowship. Results. Forty-one trainees received fellowships between 2001 and 2015. Within 3 years of completing their fellowships, 21 of 35 (60%) had received career development awards, and within 5 years, 12 of 26 (46%) had received independent research awards. Overall, 22 of 35 (63%) received 1 or more research awards. BWF/ASTMH recipients with at least 3 years of follow-up data had coauthored a mean of 36 publications (range, 2-151) and 29 of 35 (82%) held academic positions. The return on investment was 11.9 overall and 31.8 for fellowships awarded between 2001 and 2004. Conclusions. Between 2001 and 2015, the BWF/ASTMH postdoctoral training program successfully facilitated progress to scientific independence. This program model underscores the importance of custom-designed postdoctoral training as a bridge to NIH awards and professional autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Tucker
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.,UNC Project-China, Guangdong Provincial STD Control Center, and.,SESH Global, Guangzhou, China
| | - Molly A Hughes
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville
| | - Ravi V Durvasula
- Center for Global Health and Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and.,Department of Medicine, New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque
| | - Joseph M Vinetz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego
| | | | - Rhonda Schultz
- American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
| | - Claire Panosian Dunavan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Mary E Wilson
- Internal Medicine and Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City
| | - Danny A Milner
- American Society of Clinical Pathology, Chicago, Illinois.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
| | - Regina C LaRocque
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Departments of.,Medicine, and
| | - Stephen B Calderwood
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Departments of.,Medicine, and.,Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, and
| | - Richard L Guerrant
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville
| | - Peter F Weller
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.,Medicine, and.,Infectious Diseases Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing ; and.,Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre
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47
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Potchen MJ, Kampondeni SD, Seydel KB, Haacke EM, Sinyangwe SS, Mwenechanya M, Glover SJ, Milner DA, Zeli E, Hammond CA, Utriainen D, Lishimpi K, Taylor TE, Birbeck GL. 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Investigate Potential Etiologies of Brain Swelling in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:497-504. [PMID: 29313473 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The hallmark of pediatric cerebral malaria (CM) is sequestration of parasitized red blood cells in the cerebral microvasculature. Malawi-based research using 0.35 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) established that severe brain swelling is associated with fatal CM, but swelling etiology remains unclear. Autopsy and clinical studies suggest several potential etiologies, but limitations of 0.35 T MRI precluded optimal investigations into swelling pathophysiology. A 1.5 T MRI in Zambia allowed for further investigations including susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). SWI is an ideal sequence for identifying regions of sequestration and microhemorrhages given the ferromagnetic properties of hemozoin and blood. Using 1.5 T MRI, Zambian children with retinopathy-confirmed CM underwent imaging with SWI, T2, T1 pre- and post-gadolinium, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with apparent diffusion coefficients and T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequences. Sixteen children including two with moderate/severe edema were imaged; all survived. Gadolinium extravasation was not seen. DWI abnormalities spared the gray matter suggesting vasogenic edema with viable tissue rather than cytotoxic edema. SWI findings consistent with microhemorrhages and parasite sequestration co-occurred in white matter regions where DWI changes consistent with vascular congestion were seen. Imaging findings consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome were seen in children who subsequently had a rapid clinical recovery. High field MRI indicates that vascular congestion associated with parasite sequestration, local inflammation from microhemorrhages and autoregulatory dysfunction likely contribute to brain swelling in CM. No gross radiological blood brain barrier breakdown or focal cortical DWI abnormalities were evident in these children with nonfatal CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Potchen
- Faculty of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia.,Department of Imaging Sciences, Neuroradiology Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Samuel D Kampondeni
- Malawi MRI Center, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Imaging Sciences, Neuroradiology Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - E Mark Haacke
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sylvester S Sinyangwe
- Department of Paediatric and Child Health, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Musaku Mwenechanya
- Department of Paediatric and Child Health, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Simon J Glover
- Medical and Biological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
| | - Danny A Milner
- American Society for Clinical Pathologists, Washington, DC
| | - Eric Zeli
- Radiology Division, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Colleen A Hammond
- Radiology Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | | | - Kennedy Lishimpi
- Radiology Division, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.,Faculty of Medical Radiation Sciences, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Gretchen L Birbeck
- Epilepsy Care Team, Chikankata Hospital, Mazabuka, Zambia.,Department of Neurology, Strong Epilepsy Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
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48
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Kessler A, Dankwa S, Bernabeu M, Harawa V, Danziger SA, Duffy F, Kampondeni SD, Potchen MJ, Dambrauskas N, Vigdorovich V, Oliver BG, Hochman SE, Mowrey WB, MacCormick IJC, Mandala WL, Rogerson SJ, Sather DN, Aitchison JD, Taylor TE, Seydel KB, Smith JD, Kim K. Linking EPCR-Binding PfEMP1 to Brain Swelling in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria. Cell Host Microbe 2017; 22:601-614.e5. [PMID: 29107642 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain swelling is a major predictor of mortality in pediatric cerebral malaria (CM). However, the mechanisms leading to swelling remain poorly defined. Here, we combined neuroimaging, parasite transcript profiling, and laboratory blood profiles to develop machine-learning models of malarial retinopathy and brain swelling. We found that parasite var transcripts encoding endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR)-binding domains, in combination with high parasite biomass and low platelet levels, are strong indicators of CM cases with malarial retinopathy. Swelling cases presented low platelet levels and increased transcript abundance of parasite PfEMP1 DC8 and group A EPCR-binding domains. Remarkably, the dominant transcript in 50% of swelling cases encoded PfEMP1 group A CIDRα1.7 domains. Furthermore, a recombinant CIDRα1.7 domain from a pediatric CM brain autopsy inhibited the barrier-protective properties of EPCR in human brain endothelial cells in vitro. Together, these findings suggest a detrimental role for EPCR-binding CIDRα1 domains in brain swelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Kessler
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Selasi Dankwa
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Maria Bernabeu
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Visopo Harawa
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre BT3, Malawi; University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Biomedical Department, Blantyre BT3, Malawi
| | | | - Fergal Duffy
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Michael J Potchen
- Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | | | | | - Brian G Oliver
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sarah E Hochman
- Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Wenzhu B Mowrey
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ian J C MacCormick
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre BT3, Malawi; Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK; Department of Eye and Vision Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Wilson L Mandala
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre BT3, Malawi; University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Biomedical Department, Blantyre BT3, Malawi; Academy of Medical Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo BT3, Malawi
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - D Noah Sather
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre BT3, Malawi; Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialities, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre BT3, Malawi; Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialities, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Joseph D Smith
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Kami Kim
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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49
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Nyangulu WJ, Mwinjiwa E, Divala TH, Mungwira RG, Nyirenda O, Kanjala M, Mbambo G, Mallewa J, Taylor TE, Laurens MB, Laufer MK, van Oosterhout JJ. Frequent malaria illness episodes in two Malawian patients on antiretroviral therapy soon after stopping cotrimoxazole preventive therapy. Malawi Med J 2017; 29:57-60. [PMID: 28567199 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v29i1.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe two Malawian adults on successful antiretroviral therapy who experienced frequent malaria episodes after stopping cotrimoxazole prophylaxis. We argue that, in addition to stopping cotrimoxazole, diminished malaria immunity and drug interactions between efavirenz and artemether-lumefantrine may have played a causative role in the recurrent malaria our patients experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Titus H Divala
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Randy G Mungwira
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Osward Nyirenda
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Maxwell Kanjala
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Gillian Mbambo
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jane Mallewa
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Matthew B Laurens
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joep J van Oosterhout
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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50
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Small DS, Taylor TE, Postels DG, Beare NA, Cheng J, MacCormick IJ, Seydel KB. Evidence from a natural experiment that malaria parasitemia is pathogenic in retinopathy-negative cerebral malaria. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28590246 PMCID: PMC5462542 DOI: 10.7554/elife.23699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) can be classified as retinopathy-positive or retinopathy-negative, based on the presence or absence of characteristic retinal features. While malaria parasites are considered central to the pathogenesis of retinopathy-positive CM, their contribution to retinopathy-negative CM is largely unknown. One theory is that malaria parasites are innocent bystanders in retinopathy-negative CM and the etiology of the coma is entirely non-malarial. Because hospitals in malaria-endemic areas often lack diagnostic facilities to identify non-malarial causes of coma, it has not been possible to evaluate the contribution of malaria infection to retinopathy-negative CM. To overcome this barrier, we studied a natural experiment involving genetically inherited traits, and find evidence that malaria parasitemia does contribute to the pathogenesis of retinopathy-negative CM. A lower bound for the fraction of retinopathy-negative CM that would be prevented if malaria parasitemia were to be eliminated is estimated to be 0.93 (95% confidence interval: 0.68, 1). DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.23699.001 Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite that is transferred between people by infected mosquitoes. Most infected individuals suffer flu-like symptoms, but in rare cases malaria can affect the brain, resulting in brain damage, coma or death. The World Health Organization defines a person as suffering from cerebral malaria if the person is in a coma, has malaria parasites in his or her blood, and has no known alternative cause of the coma. Patients suffering from cerebral malaria are categorized based on whether they have damage to the back of the eyes known as retinopathy. It had previously been found that children who died of “retinopathy-positive” cerebral malaria (i.e. those who had retinopathy) had malaria parasites stuck in small vessels in their brains, which likely caused the coma. By contrast, children who died of “retinopathy-negative” cerebral malaria lacked this parasitic condition, and often also had other infections that can cause a coma, such as meningitis or sepsis. Because hospitals in many of the areas most affected by malaria often lack the ability to identify what – other than malaria – caused a coma, it was not clear whether malaria parasites influence how retinopathy-negative cerebral malaria develops. People with certain genetic variants – such as those that underlie sickle cell disease – are protected against the symptoms of malaria infections, and so these variants should also protect against cerebral malaria cases caused by the parasites. Small et al. therefore looked through data that had been collected over several years from people who had been admitted to a hospital in Malawi for cerebral malaria. This revealed that the genetically inherited sickle cell trait is highly protective against retinopathy-negative (as well as retinopathy-positive) cerebral malaria. Therefore, malaria parasites do play a role in a substantial proportion of cases of retinopathy-negative cerebral malaria. Although Small et al. provide evidence that malaria parasites play a role in retinopathy-negative cerebral malaria, they may not be the only cause of the coma. In the future, the absence of retinopathy could be used as a sign to look for additional factors that contribute to the coma. Currently, all cerebral malaria patients are treated in the same way. Understanding how malaria parasites interact with other illnesses to produce a coma could lead to the development of targeted treatment plans for retinopathy-negative patients. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.23699.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan S Small
- Department of Statistics, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States.,Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Douglas G Postels
- Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States
| | - Nicholas Av Beare
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Ian Jc MacCormick
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, United States.,Blantyre Malaria Project, Blantyre, Malawi
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