MRC FAPESP: Defining the role of the hematopoietic parasite reservoir in Plasmodium vivax infection and pathology

Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed malaria parasite and a major public health burden. Recent studies suggest that the majority of parasites is present outside of circulation, making it difficult to track and target them. It has been demonstrated that bone marrow in particular represents an under-appreciated reservoir which supports P. vivax growth and differentiation to transmission stages. Parallel studies have also reported major parasite accumulation in the spleen. Based on these findings it is hypothesized that the haematopoietic niche of bone marrow and spleen represents the main parasite reservoir during infection and drives disease severity. Histological, molecular and phenotypic characterization of sequestered and circulating parasite and host cell populations will be performed to systematically investigate and quantify the role of bone marrow and spleen for parasite infection, transmission, diagnosis and pathology. This work will thus contribute much needed insights and critical tools for the ongoing global malaria elimination campaign.

Project details

Basic Science
P. vivax

May 2022 — May 2026

$1.17M

Brazil