Non-invasive detection of circulating hemozoin during malaria (MALA-EYES)

Malaria elimination and eradication will be difficult to reach since evidence exits that asymptomatic carriers are an important reservoir of circulating malaria parasites in the population. Malaria elimination, once obtained in a country, will require a surveillance system and continued measures that can prevent re-establishment of transmission in new malaria-free areas. The detection of circulating parasites in the whole population will thus be a cornerstone of the malaria elimination certification. Detecting these asymptomatic carriers cannot be based on blood sampling. This should be made in a disruptive non-invasive way with a highly sensitive and specific tool. 

Hemozoin (Hz) produced by malaria parasites offer a great opportunity to address this need. The project focus is on the new properties, that were recently depicted, of real native HZ packed inside the parasite and circulating in whole blood. An innovative technical approach will be the basis for a low cost, portable, real-time, noninvasive medical device urgently required for malaria surveillance.

Project details

Diagnostics
Surveillance

Jan 2023 — Jan 2026

$288,427

France