Determinant of Malaria Transmission by submicroscopic Malaria gametocytemia

Objectives

This study investigates the contribution of submicroscopic parasitemia to malaria transmission, defining the role of gametocytes and gametocyte strain diversity in determining transmissibility as well as the propensity for non-gametocytemic infections to persist and develop gametocytes in an area of declining transmission.

This study will directly address this critical knowledge gap by:

1.  Characterizing the infectivity and persistence of the asymptomatic reservoir,
2.  Determining parasite and host factors that influence transmission of low-density infections, and
3.  Piloting a novel point of care test to identify asymptomatic transmitters.

If successful in identifying the infectious carrier, this prototype gametocyte RDT can be implemented in the context of screen and treat campaigns aimed at achieving malaria elimination.