Molecular surveillance of P. falciparum histidine rich protein 2/3 (pfhrp2/3) deletions in the context of transmission intensity

A multiplex PCR assay will be integrated into an existing malaria molecular surveillance program to detect a specific variant in the causative malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which is undetectable by most rapid diagnostic tests and is threatening successful disease control. The specific haplotype of concern has a deletion of the genes encoding for histidine-rich proteins 2 and 3 (hrp2/3). Individuals infected with this haplotype produce a false negative result on most diagnostic tests.

The project will integrate the PCR assay into an ongoing cohort study, and develop statistical analyses to genotype the samples and decision support tools for guiding future intervention strategies. They will also evaluate the emergence and spread of these new haplotypes by genotyping existing samples to determine the effect of previously deployed diagnostic policies on disease control. If successful, they will scale their approach up nationwide.

Project details - BMGFProject details - GGC

Enabling Technologies & Assays
Genetics and Genomics
Surveillance

Jun 2021 — Jul 2023

$100,000

Kenya

Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS)