bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PO 8449 SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUMINFECTION INCREASES THE NUMBER OF MALARIA EPISODES IN CHILDREN LIVING IN RURAL AREAS AROUND LAMBARéNé, GABON
Authors: Dejon Agobé Jean Claude , R Edoa Jean , J Honkpehedji Yabo , Zinsou Jeannot Fréjus , R Adegbité Bayodé , Lell Bertrand , P Grobusch Martin , Mordmüller Benjamin , Akim Adegnika Ayola 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa,Plasmodiumspp. infection prevalence very often overlaps with helminth infections, particularly with schistosomiasis which is reported to be the second parasitic infection after malaria in terms of prevalence. Interaction between both infections has been reported earlier. Schistosomiasis is typically a chronic disease, whereas malaria occurs in episodes, particularly in children. In this study, we assessed the effect ofSchistosoma haematobiuminfection on clinical malaria among children.MethodsA longitudinal study was conducted from June 2016 to February 2018. Volunteers without any known chronic condition were included. Thick blood smear (TBS) was performed monthly at participants’ homes. For any medical concern including malaria-like symptoms and visible haematuria, participants were invited to come to CERMEL for diagnosis and treatment. Light microscopy was performed to detect malaria parasites andSchistosomaeggs, using TBS and urine filtration technique, respectively. Over the study course, participants found to be infected were treated accordingly. Schistosomiasis status was determined at the end of the follow-up.ResultsAmong the 351 volunteers included in the study, schistosomiasis status was available for 260. Mean age was 12.3 year (SD 4.6) with a 0.96 women-to-men sex ratio. Of those, 112/260 (43.1%) [37.0%–49.3%] participants were positive forS. haematobium, and a total of 132 (51%) children developed 230 malaria attacks. Those with schistosomiasis had a 1.5:1 [1.1–2.0] risk to develop malaria compared to their uninfected counterparts. The mean number of malaria episodes per child over the study course was higher among children with schistosomiasis compared to those without (2.03 vs 1.57, p-value=0.015).ConclusionS. haematobiuminfection was associated with increased susceptibility to develop malaria (by increasing the risk to develop a malaria episode) and, consequently, a higher malaria incidence.
PO 8458 POLYMORPHISM OF THEPLASMODIUM FALCIPARUMMSP-2 GENE ASSOCIATED WITH PLACENTAL MALARIA AT THE BORGOU-ALIBORI DEPARTMENTAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Akpéyédjé Dossou , Issifou Saadou 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundIn sub-Saharan Africa, malaria during pregnancy is a major health problem because it poses significant risks for the pregnant woman and the foetus. The sequestration ofPlasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in the placenta has consequences for the mother and the foetus. This study aimed to evaluate the allelic polymorphism of thePlasmodium falciparumMSP-2 gene related to the consequences of placental malaria.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study conducted over two periods lasting six months in 2016 and 2017. The maternity center of the Hospital of Borgou-Alibori in Benin served as a framework for the study. From the 98 parturients included, placental blood samples were taken and then genotyped.ResultsUsing the MSP-2 gene as marker, the prevalence was 17, 34%. The MSP-2 gene was polymorphic with 9 distinct allelic types for both 3D7 and FC27 families (150 bp; 200 bp; 250 bp; 275 bp; 300 bp; 350 bp; 400 bp; 450 bp and 500 bp). The FC27 allelic family was predominant over the 3D7 family with 56, 25% and 43, 75% respectively. The 300 bp allelic type (50%) was predominant in the FC27 family while the 400 bp type was predominant in 3D7 family (35, 71%). 9 women had polyclonality (52,94%). The multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 1, 88. The number of strains ranged 1 to 4 in infected women. In univariate analysis there was no significant relationship between MSP-2 gene polymorphism and maternofoetal consequences. The absence of prenatal consultation (p=0.0270), non-taking of IPTp/SP (p=0.0060), the occurrence of malaria in the third trimester (p=0,0364) and moderate maternal anaemia (p=0.0277) were associated with the polymorphism of MSP-2 gene. The MOI was significantly associated with parasite density of infected women.ConclusionPlasmodium falciparumMSP-2 gene was polymorphic in infected women at Parakou. Several factors related to pregnancy monitoring were associated with this genetic diversity. It is therefore essential to ensure correct follow-up of pregnancies.
OC 8415 A TRANSLATIONAL PRECLINICAL PLATFORM TO ASSESS THE CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS AND CHEMOPREVENTION DOSE-RELATIONSHIP OF MALARIA DRUGS: THE CASE STUDY OF M5717
Authors: Rebelo Sofia , Simão Daniel , Arez Franscisca , Fontinha Diana , Machado Marta , Martins Tatiana , Fischli Christoph , Oeuvray Claude , Carrondo Manuel , Rottman Matthias , Spangenberg Thomas , Brito Catarina , Greco Beatrice , Prudencio Miguel , Alves Paula M 
Published: April 2019

Major progress has been made in the control of malaria leading to significantly reduce the number of cases and deaths. However, to reach the elimination stage, new tools will be needed, including combination of drugs capable of blocking the spread of malaria through chemoprophylaxis.M5717 is a first-in-class compound that targets thePlasmodiumEukaryotic translation Elongation Factor 2, essential for protein synthesis. M5717 is highly potent against all developing stages ofPlasmodiumparasites and has a long half-life suggesting that a single dose development may be possible for cure, prophylaxis and transmission blocking activities.In vivopreclinical PK/PD data indicates an increased exposure in the portal vein compared to peripheral circulation translating into a prophylactic activity at a lower dose than the curative one. M5717 is currently completing first-in-man studies with the objective of initiating clinical prophylactic development in 2019. Additional data to model the human prophylactic dose will be needed prior to initiate the studies to demonstrate clinical efficacy (phase 2).We recently established a human cell-based platform for drug screening againstPlasmodiumliver-stage infection relying on human hepatic 3D cultures in bioreactors supporting rodentP. bergheiinfection with similar rates of infection and parasite development compared to existing models. The platform was validated by assessing the activity of currently used antimalarial drugs.Here we report the data of a dose response experiment to establish the liver stage efficacious concentration of M5717 compared to atovaquone inPlasmodium-infected hepatic 3D cultures. The data obtained with this new model were confirmed using thein vivomodel ofP. bergheisporozoite-induced infection in mice, demonstrating the validity of thePlasmodium-infected hepatic 3D cultures as an enabling technology for malaria drug development. These data are also providing additional evidence that M5717 should be developed as a chemoprophylactic agent for the prevention of malaria.
PO 8492 REPEATED ARTEMISININ-BASED TREATMENT ON MALARIA SEXUAL PARASITE DISTRIBUTION IN POPULATION LIVING IN A MALARIA-ENDEMIC AREA OF BURKINA FASO
Authors: Diarra Amidou , Soulama Issiaka , Nebie Issa , Ouattara Maurice , Kabore Moise , Sombie Benjain , Tiono Alfred B , Ouedraogo Alphonse , Sirima Sodiomon B 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMalaria elimination and its ultimate eradication will require drugs targeting all stages of the parasite’s life cycle. Yet, very few drugs are known to be effective on the sexual stages (gametocytes) ofPlasmodium falciparum. Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been shown to have some early-stage gametocytocidal effects onin vitroand in feeding experiments. However, field studies showed that artesunate reduces but does not prevent post-treatment transmission ofP. falciparumto mosquitos.Methods763 children and adult patients with acute uncomplicatedPlasmodiumsp. malaria were included in a phase IIIb/IV comparative, randomised, multi-centre, open label, parallel 3-arm clinical trial to assess safety and efficacy of repeated administration of pyronaridine-artesunate, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine or artemether-lumefantrine or artesunate-amodiaquine over a two-year period. Drugs were given based on the body weight and volunteers were followed up for 42 days. Clinical signs and symptoms were recorded and filter paper and blood smears collected during each visit. Malaria parasites were assessed and parasite density development stages determined by light microscopy.ResultsP. falciparumgametocyte was 1.9%, during the two years of follow-up. From the three treatment arms, artesunate-amodiaquine was the arm bearing moreP. falciparumgametocyte with 68.7%, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine accounted for 6.3% and pyronaridine-artesunate for 25%.P. falciparumgametocyte was more pronounced in populations having parasite density ≤1 00 000 parasites/µl compared to above parasitaemia.ConclusionRepeated ACTs treatment didn’t clearP. falciparumgametocyte in a population infected with uncomplicated malaria.
PO 8502 DETERMINANTS AND PREVALENCE OF PARASITE RESISTANCE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVING IPTP WITH SULPHADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE IN NIGERIA
Authors: Olaleye Atinuke , Uyaiabasi Noblefather , Elikwu Charles , Walker Oladapo 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMalaria in pregnancy carries a risk of significant adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) is advocated to reduce its occurrence, but resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is being reported. This study aims to describe the burden of SP resistance and determinants of its occurrence among pregnant women receiving IPTp in Nigeria.MethodsA prospective observational study is to be conducted in Ogun State over 24 months. Pregnant women 16–28 weeks gestation meeting the eligibility criteria are being enrolled; blood samples are taken for analysis pre- and post- IPTp-SP administration at scheduled intervals. Microscopy-confirmed parasitaemic samples will be analysed using PCR to detect drug resistance markers (pfdhfr and pfdhps). Participants will be followed up until 28 days post-delivery and assessed for maternal and foetal outcomes (anaemia, low birth weight, preterm delivery, placental parasitaemia, stillbirth, neonatal death). The primary endpoint is the prevalence of the SP resistance gene markers. Secondary endpoints include the prevalence of peripheral and placental parasitaemia at delivery; incidence of maternal and newborn morbidity; parasitaemia pre-IPTp and day 28 post-IPTp; risk factors for SP resistance and haemoglobin changes at delivery.ResultsFollowing statistical analysis with STATA 14, results will be displayed in appropriate formats. Geometric mean parasite densities with 95% confidence intervals will be calculated, and proportions compared using the t-test, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests as appropriate. Multivariate analysis including logistic regression models will be used to test for associations between maternal characteristics and SP resistance. Level of significance will be set at p<0.05.ConclusionIn a malaria-endemic country like Nigeria with a large at-risk population, information on the effectiveness of chemoprevention is essential. Determining the proportion and extent of relevant molecular markers within the population offers an invaluable tool for epidemiological surveillance of SP resistance within this endemic setting.
PO 8518 LATENT TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION DETECTION BY IGRA USINGMYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSISALTERNATIVE DESATURASE A1 IMMUNE-DOMINANT ANTIGEN
Authors: Rakotosamimanana Niaina , Doherty Mark , Raharimanga Vaomalala , Richard Vincent , Gicquel Brigitte , Zumla Alimuddin , Rasolofo Voahangy 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundDespite an efficient treatment and a widely-used vaccine, one third of the world’s population is estimated to be latently infected (LTBI) withMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) and are at risk of progressing to contagious active tuberculosis. New TB vaccines and improved detection of LTBI are therefore urgently required for global TB control. As a first step towards these goals, a better understanding of host recognition and response to immunogenic Mtb antigens is needed.MethodsIn this study, interferon-γ release in response to the immunodominant antigens ESAT-6, TB10.4, Ag85A, Rv2031 and DesA1 was assessed by ELISPOT on PBMC from 55 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB patients, 121 of their household contacts and 123 matched community controls, enrolled in a high-burden area.ResultsESAT-6 and PPD ELISPOT responses were higher in the TB patient group compared to both contacts and controls (p<0.05 repectively). These responses increased with time after recruitment in the contacts and fell after successful treatment in the patients consistent with the hypothesis that responses to these antigens reflect antigenic or bacterial load. However, the response to DesA1 was significantly lower in the controls compared to the contacts (p<0.05 respectively). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that PPD/ESAT-6 best segregated TB patients from the other groups, while DesA1 best segregated contacts from controls.ConclusionThe present study therefore identifies DesA1 as an immunodominant antigen with the potential to contribute to improved immunodiagnosis.
PO 8549 ACHIEVING THE THIRD ‘90’ AMONG KEY POPULATIONS THROUGH A DIFFERENTIATED CARE MODEL
Authors: Akolo Maureen , Kimani Joshua , Gelmon Larry 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundPartners in Health and Development in Africa (PHDA) is an HIV/STI research centre that serves both female and male sex workers in Nairobi. PHDA offers HIV/STI care and treatment, and prevention services to approximately 27,400 female sex workers and 1600 men who have sex with men. Currently, the organisation has 2384 HIV-positive female and male sex workers who access HIV care and treatment services within PHDA. We realised HIV viral suppression of our clients was at 78%, and therefore we came up with a strategy to reach at least 90% viral suppression.MethodsPatients who were virally suppressed, had their scheduled clinic visits reduced to twice annually, while viraemic clients visited the facility at least twice a month for directly observed therapy of ARVs. Clients who were non-viraemic (champions) and willing to participate in support groups were selected through simple random sampling to join the viraemic clients support groups. The champions encouraged the viraemic peers on the importance of adhering to treatment to gain viral suppression and reduce time spent at the facilities. Challenges and successes were also shared. This was done for a minimum of three consecutive months and graduation done upon viral suppression.ResultsEighty-eight per cent (88%; 2117/2384) of the total positives were bled for viral loads within the year; 78.3% (1658/2117) had viral suppression and 459/2117 had viral loads (VL) above 1000 copies per ml of blood. After attending the joint support groups with documented good adherence for at least three consecutive months, clients were bled for a repeat VL count, of which 84% (386/459) had suppressed. This increased the overall viral suppression from 78.3% to 93.8%( 2044/2177). There was 73% risk of being viraemic if not attending a support group.ConclusionDifferentiated care clients can work with viraemic clients to increase community viral load suppression.
PO 8562 SECRETED OOKINETE PROTEIN AS A MARKER OF INFECTIOUS BITES FOR ASSESSING TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS AT THE POPULATION LEVEL
Authors: Badu Kingsley 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundAs malaria transmission intensity declines, the heterogeneity in infectious burden becomes pronounced. There is thus the need for more sensitive tools to identify micro-geographic areas of higher risk for targeted interventions. We sought to evaluate several immunogenic peptides ofP. falciparum,secreted ookinete and sporozoite proteins (PSOP24) and possibly validate specific short sequence immunogenic peptides as an infectious bite marker for assessing malaria transmission intensity and dynamics.MethodsWe conducted four cross-sectional serological and parasitological surveys within one peri-urban and one rural community about 3 km apart, in South-western Ghana. The field surveys were conducted from November 2012 to July 2014 across dry and rainy seasons. Several bioinformatics models were used to predict the immunogenic epitopes of PSOP24 peptides. Total IgG antibody response were determined for three most promising peptides (PSOP24–374, PSOP24–375 and PSOP24–377), together with MSP119, CSP and salivary gland antigen. Alongside we determined parasite prevalence and density as well as the entomological inoculation rates.ResultsPeptide PSOP24-377 showed seasonal variation with a twofold increase in IgG response in the high-transmission rainy season. This collaborates with the twofold increase in IgG response to the mosquito salivary antigen gSG6-P1. Also, PSOP24-377 was able to show a subtle difference from Ayeigbekorpe to Odumase during the dry season and a high sero-prevalence between the two communities during the rainy season. This was in contrast with gSG6-P1 because, while PSOP24-377 measures sero-response to infectious bites, gSG6-P1 measure responses to only vector exposure. The immune response variation determined by PSOP24-377 correlated with parasite prevalence and the entomological inoculation rates.ConclusionThe preliminary data points to the potential of PSOP24-377 as an infectious bite marker. This may be exploited as a routine surveillance tool for monitoring malaria transmission at the community level.
PO 8563 UNCOMMONLY HIGH AND SYMPTOMATICPLASMODIUM FALCIPARUMINFECTIONS IN GABONESE ADULTS
Authors: Manego Rella Zoleko , Koehne Eric , Mombo-Ngoma Ghyslain 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMalaria remains a public health issue particularly in sub-Saharan Africa with special features of seriousness in young children and pregnant women. Older children and adults reported to have acquired a semi-immune status and therefore show low parasitaemia and less pronounced symptoms if any. We aim to explore parasitaemia and symptoms in adolescents and adults with malaria compared to younger children in the Lambaréné area.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in CERMEL for a month in 2018. Adults and children were screened for malaria at health facilities in Lambaréné and Fougamou and their respective surrounding villages in the central region of Gabon. Malaria infection was determined either by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) or by thick blood smear (TBS). Body temperature, history of fever, age, sex, haemoglobin level, and location were collected.ResultsFrom 09 January to 09 February 2018, a total of 596 patients were screened and 280 (47%) belonged to the adult population.Plasmodium falciparuminfection in adults was diagnosed based on the detection ofP. falciparumin thick blood films. Prevalence among the adults was 56% (n=141); 34% of adult patients had a parasite count between 1015–116,079 pf/µl. Fever was found in 31% of adults and several symptoms were reported by the same patient. Vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue were significantly more present in the adult population than in children.ConclusionThis study shows a high rate ofPlasmodium falciparuminfection in adults associated to clinical symptoms and high level of parasitaemia. Adults seem to become an at-risk population, suggesting that malaria programmes should consider including adults in the implementation of a malaria prevention programme.
PO 8573 RESEARCH, MENTORSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: IS RETIREMENT AGE A HURDLE TO RESEARCH SUSTAINABILITY IN AFRICA?
Authors: Ngadaya Esther , Kitua Andrew , Castelnuovo Barbara , Mmbaga Blandina T , Mboera Leonard , Kirenga Bruce , Yimer Getnet , Mukhtar Maowia , Wandiga Steve , Kwassi Addo , Kazwala Rudovick , Bonfoh Bassirou , Kaleebu Pontiano , Mgaya Yunus , Mfinanga Godfrey S 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundRetirement age in most of sub-Saharan Africa is between 55 and 60 years, even in academic and research institutions. There is no mechanism to retain even the few most experienced and outstanding among them. There is evidence that institutions retaining experienced researchers access better large research grants.MethodsWe conducted literature review and shared views and experiences among peer research scientistsResultsMost African scientists obtain their first degrees aged 25–30 years. Economic needs compounded with work experience requirements for PhD studies delay their research career development such that most PhD graduates are 40–50 years of age. However, unlike in the developed world where the majority acquire their PhDs in their late 20’s or early 30’s, there is no mechanism to retain them longer at work to maximise their contributions to scientific developments. Instead, African scientists are forced to retire young at 60 years of age. On the contrary, developed countries scientists graduate earlier, work longer and have retention mechanisms even after retirement. African countries do not consider retaining even the few who have demonstrated outstanding performance. Consequently, outstanding research scientists retire at the time when they are needed most. They seek and get jobs abroad or in externally owned projects (brain drain). Their decade or so of work, generates more resources abroad, depriving Africa of resource generating capacity. Secondly, retiring at the height of their performance is economically counterproductive. Thirdly, this affects negatively the career development of young scientists for lack of experienced supervisors and mentors.ConclusionAfrica must rethink the retirement age of its research scientists and create incentives to retain outstanding research scientists who reach retirement age. This is urgently needed to stop brain drain, contribute to economic development, and accelerate ongoing efforts to build sustainable research capacity and mentorship programmes in Africa.