ASTMH 2017, Jonathan B. Parr: “New techniques for identifying pfhrp2/3 deletions and understanding their evolution”

In collaboration with ASTMH, Image Audiovisuals, and session presenters, MESA brings you this webcast from the 66th ASTMH annual meeting in Baltimore, November 2017

Title: “New techniques for identifying pfhrp2/3 deletions and understanding their evolution”

Speaker: Jonathan B. Parr, University of North Carolina, United States

Session information: 

Symposium 0062: “Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Testing: Understanding and Managing the Threat of PfHRP2/3-Negative Plasmodium falciparum“

Tuesday, 7 November, 8:00 – 9:45 AM, Convention Center – Ballroom III (Level 400)

Abstract:

This symposium tackles an emerging threat to malaria diagnostic testing in some parts of the world, P. falciparum parasites with deletions of the pfhrp2/3 genes that render them undetectable by commonly used rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). As a result of increasing reports of parasites lacking the pfhrp2/3 genes in parts of the Americas, Africa and Asia, the World Health Organization has prioritized the development of policies to confirm detection of these parasites and deploy alternative diagnostic tests in affected regions. This symposium will address the current scope of the problem, disseminate methodological advances important to surveillance efforts and explore the pipeline of discovery and commercialization of biomarkers for use in RDTs. Most importantly, the session will foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including scientists, malaria control programs, policymakers and malaria diagnostic test developers.