Individual variation in malaria risk: causes and consequences in Amazonian populations

• Grant number: 24/10682-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Urbano Ferreira
• Grantee: Carlos Augusto Prete Junior
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/11963-3 - Individual variation in malaria risk: causes and consequences in Amazonian populations, AP.TEM

Abstract

Numerous genetic and behavioral factors influence the risk of acquiring malaria. Evidence suggests that certain naturally acquired antibodies are linked to reduced clinical malaria risk in endemic areas. Conversely, specific work activities are known to increase the risk of malaria. In this context, we have demonstrated that components of vivax malaria transmission dynamics in the Amazon can be described by simple mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations that account for the risk heterogeneity in the local population. Our aim is to improve existing models by integrating new evidence generated from project collaborators (in the areas of molecular biology, genetics, and entomology) to better describe vivax malaria transmission dynamics. Ultimately, the models aim to support defining potential control measures to reduce malaria incidence in the Amazon Basin.