Nature Microbiology Plasmodium falciparum evolves in Africa to avoid rapid diagnosis of malaria

One of the main tools to combat malaria in Africa is the use of rapid diagnostic tests, which are part of the "test-treat-track" strategy of Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa

The study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology , shows that the parasite has two genetic mutations that allow it to escape detection

"This is a serious problem for malaria control.

The co-corresponding authors are Sindew M.

This research project was carried out in cooperation with the Ethiopian Institute of Public Health and the World Health Organization

In collaboration with Dr.

"Our work shows that phrrp3 deletion has appeared independently multiple times over the course of many years," said Parr, a member of the United Nations University Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases

In the " Nature Microbiology " paper, the author asked: "Compared with genetically complete parasites, what other advantages do pfhrp2/3 deletion parasites have? Our limited biological understanding of these deletions makes this problem.

Parr said: "We have found clear evidence that recently at the border between Ethiopia and Sudan and Eritrea, parasites have evolved to evade the rapid diagnostic test for malaria

Feleke said: "The results of this joint study prompted us to change the diagnostic testing policy in the most affected areas of Ethiopia, from detecting hrp2/3 RDTs to non-hrp2/3 targeted RDTs

In addition, along with several other unpublished reports, this research prompted the World Health Organization to issue a statement of concern

Cunningham said: “WHO recommends that all malaria-endemic countries start and maintain monitoring of the pfhrp2/3 deletion, and respond appropriately after confirming the deletion, to prevent unnecessary morbidity and death, and to ensure the achievement of malaria elimination.

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