patty chen

Abstract In malaria-endemic regions, asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections during periods of low transmission alternate with symptomatic infections during periods of high transmission. The mechanisms underlying P. falciparum persistence without causing symptoms during low-transmission periods remain unclear. Here we analysed the plasma metabolome (n = 199) of individuals in the Gambia, West Africa, during the high and low malaria transmission periods.

Abstract The prolonged dry season in malaria-endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa can be divided into periods of high and low transmission. The majority of symptomatic malaria cases are restricted to the short high transmission period that follows the rainy season. Shortly after, persistent asymptomatic malaria cases are more prevalent throughout the prolonged low transmission period.

Abstract Sudden environmental changes are a recurring challenge for unicellular organisms, but a necessity for many to progress through their lifecycle. To transmit from its human host to mosquito vector, malaria parasites differentiate into male and female, semi-quiescent stages that can re-initiate development within seconds after transmission.