Assistant Professor (Stage-III),
Maharaja Sriram Chandra
Bhanja Deo University,
Odisha
Title of the project (Young Malaria Researcher): Population structure of neglected malaria parasites ( Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale) in Odisha and their impact on drug resistance-associated mutation in cocirculating P. falciparum/P.vivax.
Summary:
Although there is worldwide decline in falciparum malaria following changes in treatment policies (which incorporate ACT as first line antimalarial drug for falciparum infection), continuous and steady rise in the cases of neglected malaria species (such as P. malariae and P.ovale) in several of these malaria endemic regions including Odisha, India is of concern. Further, occurrence of P. malariae and P.ovale mostly in mixed infection with P.falciparum and/or P.vivax in the elimination phase is suspected to modulate the susceptibility of later to current antimalarial treatment. While there is limited study on P. malariae available, considerable number of infection due to P.ovale in Odisha/India is described only recently. However, information on their molecular epidemiology and impact on co-circulating P. falciparum/P.vivax infection is unknown. Before the hidden reservoir of rarer malaria parasites caste any significant burden to persistent transmission of malaria, it is essential to characterize their population structure and assess their impact on drug resistance-associated mutations in co-circulating P. falciparum/P.vivax. Blood samples infected with all four human malaria species (mono or mixed) will be used in this study. Population structure of P. malariae and P.ovale will be assessed by species-specific microsatellite markers and surface antigen genes (such as csp and msp-1). Drug resistance-associated mutations will be monitored in crt, mdr1 and k-13 genes of falciparum and their ortholog genes in other Plasmodium species. The study will provide valuable information on neglected malaria parasites and guide national policy makers to implement effective treatment modalities for comprehensive malaria elimination in the country.
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