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Toward genomic epidemiology of malaria: progress challenges and potential

Source: TropIKA

Title of the session: Toward genomic epidemiology of malaria: progress challenges and potential

Date: 2nd November 2009

Agenda item: Symposium 4

Session theme: Genomics

Meeting room: Tsavo Ballroom

Chair(s):

• Ogobara Boumbo/MRTC, Bamako Mali
• Eric Achidi/University of Buea

Presenters:

• Dominic Kwiatkowski
• Abdoulaye Djimde
• Lucas Amenga Etego
• Deus Ishengoma

TropIKA rapporteur: Francis Anto

Major topics:

• Overview of genomic epidemiology of malaria and its application within the malariagen programme
• Genomic epidemiology and Plasmodium genome
• Using genome epidemiology to assess factors associated with protection from severe malaria
• Human genetic factors associated with antibody levels and malaria parasite infections

Keywords:

• Plasmodium falciparum
• anti-malaria antibodies
• antigen presenting cells
• Fulani
• Dogon

Scope: There could be difference in susceptibility to malaria among the Fulani and Dogon Ethnic groups of Mali

REPORT ON ORIGINAL SESSION

Overview

Earlier studies have suggested that the Fulani ethnic group of Mali are more resistant to malaria than the other ethnic groups with which they live in terms of the severity of the attacks as well as the number of malaria parasites that they habour in their blood. The current study looked at the differences in monocytes and dentritic cells among the Fulani and Dogon ethnic groups of Mali. Children 2 to 10 years of age from the Fulani and Dogon ethnic groups with or without malaria infection (Plasmodium falciparum) were enrolled during the high malaria transmission season of October and November 2008. Blood samples were collected and analysed. The results of the laboratory analysis revealed that, the Fulani ethnic group has higher blood levels of anti-malaria antibodies as well as IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha compared to the Dogon. Such studies can give a better understanding of malaria epidemiology and possibly provide clues as to how to combat the problem.

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