Last Updated: 19/06/2024

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

Objectives

This research program will analyze infected bone marrow and spleen tissue from a series of cohorts of naturally exposed patients in endemic areas in Brazil.

Principal Investigators / Focal Persons

Matthias Marti

Rationale and Abstract

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.

Thematic Categories

Basic Science
P. vivax

Date

May 2022 — May 2026

Total Project Funding

$1.17M

Funding Details
Medical Research Council (MRC), United Kingdom

Grant ID: MR/W018802/1
GBP 881,679
Project Site

Brazil

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