Malaria Genetic Surveillance in Cambodia

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study is to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of antimalarial drug resistance-linked genetic mutations in clinical P. falciparum infections in Cambodia

Detailed Description
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This is a prospective observational study of patients with clinical Plasmodium falciparum infection using parasite DNA from point-of-care fingerprick dried blood spot samples as well as a short survey on patient demographics, employment, travel, and mobile phone use to study P. falciparum parasite genotypes, population characteristics, and gene flow patterns. On inclusion in the study and before standard treatment is administered, dried blood spots (DBS) will be obtained through fingerprick blood sampling from patients, with three blood spots on one piece of filter paper being obtained from each patient. Each blood spot will contain  20µl of blood, for a total of  60µl of blood being collected from each patient for the study. In order to have a greater understanding of the possible sites of malaria transmission and to relate genetic diversity to geographic location, patients or their parents/guardians will also be asked a short set of questions on demographics, their places of residence and work, recent mobile phone use, and their history of travel in the last 2 months. As some of this information can be sensitive, during the consent process the patient will be given the option of not providing some or all of this information without needing to provide a reason. This is explained on the patient information sheet. For those who do not want to provide information, this will be documented in the survey form. A duplicate of the sample barcode will be placed on this same form, so the information therein can be matched with the relevant blood spot and its related genetic data, while retaining sample anonymity.

Official Title
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Integrating Genetic Epidemiology as an Intensified Surveillance Tool Into the National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control of Cambodia

Conditions
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Parasitology, Entomology, Malaria

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Male or female >6 months of age P. falciparum malaria as confirmed by positive rapid diagnostic test or asexual forms of P. falciparum on blood smear microscopy (may be mixed with non-falciparum Plasmodium species) Written informed consent by patient, parent/guardian, or legally authorised representative to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: • None

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 6 Months

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual maps and reports on the prevalence of drug resistance-linked genetic mutations in P. falciparum parasites in Cambodia |  | up to 12 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Population structure of P.falciparum parasites | By using population genetics and clustering techniques, such as Principal Component Analysis and phylogeny | up to 12 months | 
| Gene flow patterns of P. falciparum malaria parasites in Cambodia |  | up to 12 months | 
| Likely geographic origin of P. falciparum malaria parasites in Cambodia |  | up to 12 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Malaria Genetic Surveillance, Cambodia