About Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by certain types of mosquitoes, primarily found in tropical regions. It is both preventable and curable. The infection is caused by Plasmodium parasites and does not spread directly from person to person. Mild symptoms include fever, chills, and headache, while severe symptoms can lead to fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty breathing. In 2022, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases and 608,000 deaths across 85 countries globally. The African Region bears the highest burden, accounting for 94% of cases (233 million) and 95% of deaths (580,000). Children under five years old represent about 80% of all malaria fatalities in this region.

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the cornerstone of malaria treatment. However, artemisinin partial resistance has emerged that is characterized by slower parasite clearance times in patients following treatment with ACTs. Although the partner drugs in ACTs continue to be effective, this resistance threatens to undermine the gains made in malaria control. The emergence of drug-resistant malaria strains highlights the necessity for ongoing surveillance and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Resistance to ACTs can lead to increased malaria morbidity and mortality if not managed effectively.

Why Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (tNGS) is Crucial for Malaria Research

Traditional methods of malaria research, while valuable, often fall short in providing the detailed genetic information required to understand and combat this complex parasite effectively. Paragon Genomics’ CleanPlex Malaria Research NGS Panel transforms malaria research and epidemiology by:

  • Providing Deep Insights: Unlocking complex genomic data that reveals the intricate details of the malaria parasite’s biology.
  • Accelerating Discovery: Enabling rapid identification of genetic variations that contribute to drug resistance and virulence.
  • Enhancing Precision: Offering high-resolution data that improves the accuracy of epidemiological studies and intervention strategies.

By integrating NGS into your malaria research, you join a forefront of scientific exploration that paves the way for innovative treatments, better diagnostics, and more effective public health interventions.

Diverse Applications of NGS in Malaria Research

NGS technology opens a myriad of avenues for malaria research, facilitating breakthroughs that were previously unattainable. The CleanPlex Malaria Research NGS Panel can be applied across various critical areas of malaria research:

Monitoring Drug and Diagnostic Resistance

NGS enables comprehensive surveillance of genetic mutations associated with resistance to antimalarial drugs and diagnostic tools. This application is crucial for:

  • Early Detection: Identifying resistance markers before they become widespread, allowing for timely intervention.
  • Guiding Treatment Policies: Informing the development of effective treatment protocols based on current resistance patterns.
  • Developing New Therapies: Aiding in the discovery of novel drug targets and resistance mechanisms.

Transmission Dynamics and Population Genetics

Understanding the genetic diversity and transmission patterns of malaria parasites is essential for designing effective control strategies. NGS assists in:

  • Mapping Transmission Networks: Tracking the spread of malaria within and between populations to identify hotspots and direct control efforts.
  • Population Structure Analysis: Investigating the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of malaria parasites to understand their adaptation mechanisms.
  • Epidemiological Surveillance: Enhancing the accuracy of tracking malaria cases and predicting outbreaks.

The Advantages of Amplicon Sequencing

NGS encompasses various sequencing methods, but amplicon sequencing stands out for several reasons, making it particularly suited for malaria research:

  • Targeted Approach: Amplicon sequencing focuses on specific genomic regions of interest, making it ideal for detecting known mutations related to drug resistance and virulence.
  • High Sensitivity: This method can detect low-frequency variants in heterogeneous samples, which is crucial for identifying emerging resistance mutations in malaria populations.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: By targeting specific regions, amplicon sequencing reduces the volume of data generated, leading to lower costs in sequencing and data analysis compared to whole-genome sequencing.
  • Efficiency: Amplicon sequencing requires less DNA input and has faster turnaround times, enabling more rapid results compared to other methods like whole-genome or metagenomic sequencing.
  • Simplicity: The targeted nature simplifies data analysis, reducing the complexity and time required to interpret the results.

Revolutionize Malaria Research with Cutting-Edge NGS Technology

Discover the unparalleled power of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in malaria research with our state-of-the-art product designed to advance your scientific endeavors. Our CleanPlex Malaria NGS Research Panel offers comprehensive insights, high precision, and unprecedented data quality, empowering researchers to tackle malaria with new vigor and effectiveness.

Why CleanPlex Malaria Research NGS Panel?

Community-Driven

The CleanPlex Malaria Research NGS Panel is a community panel that was initiated and curated by Dr. Greenhouse from UCSF. Paragon Genomics collaborated with Dr. Greenhouse and the community to produce the panel to decode parasite genomes from blood drops on filter paper, facilitating large-scale epidemiological studies. 

Modular Assay Design

The CleanPlex Malaria Research Panel was specifically designed to provide researchers with flexibility in their lab without sacrificing sensitivity. The modular design of the panel allows the selection of either a single pool for a targeted and focused approach or multiple pools to investigate a larger number of targets.

Multiple Applications 

The multipurpose targeted NGS panel efficiently determines details about the epidemiology and drug resistance all at once. From resistance to transmission and population genetics, the modular design allows researchers to choose from a single primer pool or multiple pools, depending on the application.

Increased Sensitivity 

One of the most significant benefits provided by NGS technology is its increased sensitivity, which allows for detection of low frequency mutations. NGS sequencing allows higher sequencing depth for a lowered limit of detection, a crucial aspect to consider when working with limited sample quantities.

Dr. Bryan Greenhouse

Bryan Greenhouse, MD

Professor, Medicine

School of Medicine, UCSF

Dr. Greenhouse’s collaboration with Paragon Genomics promises to revolutionize malaria research and surveillance globally. Our tireless efforts to take this technology forward and help investigators build the genomic surveillance infrastructure in malaria-endemic countries for this disease have great potential for transforming the landscape of malaria research.

Blow are some quotes about the development efforts and the CleanPlex technology from Dr. Greenhouse during an interview.

To find out more, read the full customer spotlight interview here.

“We spent a couple of years researching and testing different technologies, but we couldn’t find one that worked for both sensitivity and throughput until we met Paragon Genomics. “

paragon genomics

Maria Florinda Victor Joao, a technical officer in the Angolan National Malaria Control Programme participates in a practical malaria genomics training at the National Institutes for Communicable Diseases in Johannesburg in March 2023.

paragon genomics

Dr. Jessica Briggs leads the Malaria Genomics and Data Analytics Workshop in Kampala, Uganda in September 2022.

“And because we had such a robust solution out-of-the-box with Paragon, it was much more efficient for us to continue with a proven strategy.”
Read the full malaria customer spotlight story

Transform Your Malaria Research Today

Empower your research with our CleanPlex Malaria NGS Panel, designed to deliver precise, reliable, and comprehensive genetic insights into the malaria parasite. Join the global effort to eradicate malaria by leveraging the full potential of NGS technology.

Inquire about how to order the CleanPlex Malaria NGS Panel

Custom Targeted NGS Panels for Malaria: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges in detecting and analyzing malaria parasites using genomic tools?

One of the main challenges in detecting and analyzing malaria parasites involves handling samples with low parasite densities and the presence of multiple parasite species. The modular NGS panel specifically addresses these challenges by enhancing the sensitivity and specificity required to accurately detect and analyze the parasite genome within a host’s blood sample.

What advances in malaria diagnosis have been made possible by NGS technology?

Advances in NGS technology have led to the improved detection of asymptomatic infections and the genetic profiling of human malaria parasites. This is crucial for malaria control programs supported by the World Health Organization and contributes to the global effort to reduce malaria morbidity.

How is genetic data used to track drug resistance in malaria?

The use of genetic data has revolutionized the tracking of drug resistance genes in malaria parasites, including the discovery of falciparum drug resistance markers and markers for artemisinin resistant malaria. This data helps in the formulation of new antimalarial drugs and adjusting treatment protocols to combat Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

What is the role of Paragon's NGS panel in malaria research?

Paragon Genomics’ NGS panel plays a crucial role in malaria research by providing precise and comprehensive genetic analysis of malaria-causing parasites, primarily various Plasmodium species. This technology enables the accurate detection and differentiation of these parasites, which is essential for appropriate treatment and disease management.

Additionally, the NGS panel facilitates the study of the genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of the parasite. This is vital for understanding how malaria adapts to different host environments and drug treatments, and for tracking the development and spread of drug resistance. The panel is instrumental in advancing malaria research, and aiding in the development of more effective treatment strategies and preventive measures.

How does the custom targeted NGS panel by Paragon Genomics enhance the study of malaria?

The custom targeted NGS panel developed with Paragon Genomics significantly enhances malaria research by allowing researchers to focus specifically on malaria parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum. This specificity enables the detailed study of the parasite genome, helping to understand its complexities and adaptability, which is crucial in developing effective malaria control strategies.

Can you explain how the modular approach of your NGS panel works and its benefits in malaria research?

The modular approach of our NGS panel allows for targeted genome sequencing by selecting specific primer pools that address distinct research needs, such as drug resistance or malaria transmission. This approach not only saves resources but also enhances the depth of analysis on parasite populations, aiding in the more precise formulation of malaria control and elimination strategies.

How has Paragon Genomics benefited research on malaria?

Paragon Genomics has been pivotal in advancing capabilities to decode complex parasite genomes and understand malaria transmission dynamics. By customizing the NGS panel, we’ve been able to focus on critical aspects of malaria research, such as drug resistance and parasite population structure, which are essential for devising new intervention strategies.

What significant discoveries has your team made using the targeted NGS panel in the context of malaria?

Our team has made groundbreaking discoveries concerning the genetic diversity and spread of malaria parasites using the targeted NGS panel. We’ve identified critical gene encoding variations that contribute to antimalarial drug resistance, and our findings play a key role in shaping the future of malaria elimination efforts globally.

How does the targeted NGS panel help in understanding the spread of malaria by different Plasmodium species?

The targeted NGS panel significantly enhances our understanding of how different Plasmodium species, including Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, contribute to malaria infections globally. This panel allows for precise mapping of the falciparum genome and genome sequences of other species, facilitating better strategies to control malaria in malaria endemic regions.

How does the genomic study of Plasmodium falciparum isolates contribute to malaria research?

Studying Plasmodium falciparum isolates with NGS technology enables researchers to identify specific genetic sequences associated with drug resistance and transmission efficiency. This knowledge is vital for developing strategies for malaria elimination and for the targeted design of new antimalarial drugs.

What role does the Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network play in global malaria research?

The Malaria Genomic Epidemiology Network plays a pivotal role in coordinating global research efforts, facilitating the sharing of genetic data and data analysis tools. This collaboration enhances the capacity of countries to respond to malaria incidents and supports the Global Health Initiative’s goals by improving our understanding of malaria dynamics and resistance patterns.

What impact has the use of the NGS panel had on global malaria research efforts?

The use of the NGS panel has significantly impacted global malaria research efforts by providing a robust method for detailed examination of the malaria parasite genome. This tool has enabled researchers in malaria endemic countries to track genetic variation and transmission patterns more effectively, leading to improved strategies for combating malaria worldwide.

What is the future of malaria NGS sequencing in public health?

The future of malaria NGS sequencing looks encouraging, with potential applications extending from academic research to field-based public health interventions. As the technology becomes more accessible, it could play an important role in the rapid identification of outbreaks and in the monitoring of malaria genomic epidemiology trends globally.