Identification of the mechanism of pathogenicity induced during co-infection with Mayaro virus and Plasmodium berghei ANKA

The recent increase in epidemic outbreaks of arboviruses in Brazil, such as the Mayaro virus (MAYV), in regions where malaria is endemic, significantly increases the risk of co-infection. Both MAYV and Plasmodium (the causative agent of malaria) induce a pro-inflammatory response in the host that results in complications such as arthralgia in MAYV infections and cerebral malaria and acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with malaria. However, the initial similarity of MAYV signs and symptoms to other arboviruses often results in a “false-negative” diagnosis for MAYV. Consequently, the impact of co-infection with Plasmodium and MAYV on host susceptibility still remains unknown. The immunological and pathological indicators detected in these coinfection models will allow the identification of possible biomarkers of the disease, as well as host factors that can be used as a target for the use of therapeutic drugs.

Project details

Basic Science

Nov 2022 — Aug 2023

Brazil