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		Meeting report Malaria Policy Advisory Committee to the WHO: conclusions and recommendations of September 2012 meeting WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Committee and Secretariat Malaria Journal 2012, 11:424 (19 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This article provides a summary of the discussions, conclusions and recommendations from the second meeting of the WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Committee
		Research The feasibility of malaria elimination in South Africa Rajendra Maharaj, Natashia Morris, Ishen Seocharan, Philip Kruger, Devanand Moonasar, Aaron Mabuza, Eric Raswiswi, Jaishree Raman Malaria Journal 2012, 11:423 (19 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This is a measured paper on the feasibility of malaria elimination in South Africa, which is a realistic possibility if certain criteria are met: continued support for the existing malaria control programmes; critical cross border malaria control initiatives with neighbouring countries; a need for operational research, particularly on vector distribution and insecticide resistance status; refining existing surveillance systems.
		Research Policy options for deploying anti-malarial drugs in endemic countries: a population genetics approach Tiago Antao, Ian Hastings Malaria Journal 2012, 11:422 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary In this modelling study, a policy of multiple first-line therapy (MFT) is compared with the conventional policy of sequential drug deployment. It shows that MFT outlasts sequential application providing drug usages are low to moderate, and appears not to drive widespread multi-drug resistance.
		Methodology A rapid and scalable density gradient purification method for Plasmodium sporozoites Mark Kennedy, Matthew E Fishbaugher, Ashley M Vaughan, Rapatbhorn Patrapuvich, Rachasak Boonhok, Narathatai Yimamnuaychok, Nastaran Rezakhani, Peter Metzger, Marisa Ponpuak, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Stefan H Kappe, Jen CC Hume, Scott E Lindner Malaria Journal 2012, 11:421 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Purification of Plasmodium sporozoites is an important need, for all of the reasons presented by the authors, in particular the need for clean sporozoites for human immunization trials. It seems likely that the method described will be useful for biochemical, molecular biological and in vitro studies, especially as it permits in vitro studies of P. vivax hypnozoites.
		Research Electrocardiographic study in Ghanaian children with uncomplicated malaria, treated with artesunate-amodiaquine or artemether-lumefantrine George O Adjei, Collins Oduro-Boatey, Onike P Rodrigues, Lotte C Hoegberg, Michael Alifrangis, Jorgen A Kurtzhals, Bamenla Q Goka Malaria Journal 2012, 11:420 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary An electrocardiographic study in Ghanaian children with uncomplicated malaria showed no significant changes in ECG except a bradycardia in the artesunate-amodiaquine group. It is difficult to attribute this change to anti-malarial treatment as patients had probably fever, intestinal disorders and/or ionic imbalance before treatment.
		Research Malaria parasite diversity and transmission intensity affect development of parasitological immunity in a mathematical model Philip A Eckhoff Malaria Journal 2012, 11:419 (15 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This paper aims to identify how parasite diversity, transmission intensity and naturally acquired immunity contribute to the age-specific parasite prevalence curves observed in malaria-endemic areas. The author finds that increasing parasite diversity delays the development of naturally acquired immunity.
		Review Rationale for recommending a lower dose of primaquine as a Plasmodium falciparum gametocytocide in populations where G6PD deficiency is common Nicholas J White, Li Qiao, Gao Qi, Lucio Luzzatto Malaria Journal 2012, 11:418 (14 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary An important and timely review recommending a change in policy of single dose primaquine 0.75mg/kg to 0.25mg/kg to prevent transmission of P. falciparum (in contrast to the conclusions of a recent Cochrane review).
		Research Malaria treatment-seeking behaviour and related factors of Wa ethnic minority in Myanmar: a cross-sectional study Jian-Wei Xu, Qi-Zhang Xu, Hui Liu, Yi-Rou Zeng Malaria Journal 2012, 11:417 (14 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A study of fever treatment-seeking behaviour in the Wa ethnic minority in Myanmar. The methods used are a household survey and in-depth interviews with key informants. Key findings include delayed treatment-seeking and high utilization of the informal drug sellers.
		Research Efficacy and tolerability of a new formulation of artesunate-mefloquine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in adult in Senegal: open randomized trial Roger CK Tine, Babacar Faye, Khadime Sylla, Jean L Ndiaye, Magatte Ndiaye, Doudou Sow, Aminata C Lo, Annie Abiola, Mamadou C Ba, Oumar Gaye Malaria Journal 2012, 11:416 (12 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A randomized, open, non-inferiority study of a new formulation of artesunate-mefloquine (25mg/kg) using artemether-lumefantrine as the reference comparator. Both regimens were very effective, >95% PCR-corrected, adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at 28 days. The artesunate-mefloquine regimen had a significantly higher incidence of dizziness, but was otherwise well-tolerated. The study is straightforward and the findings useful and reassuring, if unsurprising.
		Research Evaluation of the OnSite (Pf/Pan) rapid diagnostic test for diagnosis of clinical malaria Abu Naser Mohon, Rubayet Elahi, Milka Patracia Podder, Khaja Mohiuddin, Mohammad Sharif Hossain, Wasif A Khan, Rashidul Haque, Mohammad Shafiul Alam Malaria Journal 2012, 11:415 (12 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The authors present a clinical validation of a new RDT kit for malaria diagnosis called OnSite. The validation was performed in Bangladesh where both P. falciparum and P. vivax co-circulate. In this report, the authors compared the performance of the RDT with microscopy and nested PCR. They found high sensitivity and specificity for the kit in the detection of both species of Plasmodium.
		Research Scaling-up malaria treatment: a review of the performance of different providers Mohga M Kamal-Yanni, Julien Potet, Philippa M Saunders Malaria Journal 2012, 11:414 (12 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Access to life saving malaria treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset is still far below the RBM targets. Improved case management requires a strengthened health system including community health initiatives and working with non-public sector compartments of the health system. The paper reviews different aspects of provider performance in the different compartments: public sector, community health workers and the private sector.
		Research Open-label trial of three dosage regimens of fixed-dose combination of artemisinin and naphthoquine for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in calabar, Nigeria Martin M Meremikwu, Friday Odey, Chioma Oringanje, Angela Oyo-ita, Emmanuel Effa, Ekpereonne B Esu, Eyam Eyam, Olabisi Oduwole, Vivian Asiegbu, Ambrose Alaribe, Emmanuel N Ezedinachi Malaria Journal 2012, 11:413 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A randomized open label trial to test the efficacy of three dosage regimens of artemisinin and naphthoquine for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Concerns for an increased risk of emergence of parasite resistance when using artemisinin-naphthoquine as single dose regimen is likely to compromise the usefulness of this potentially important combination treatment.
		Research Local population structure of Plasmodium: impact on malaria control and elimination Stella M Chenet, Kristan A Schneider, Leopoldo Villegas, Ananias A Escalante Malaria Journal 2012, 11:412 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This investigation explores the problem of identifying genetic markers, in this case microsatellites, to unveil Plasmodium genetic structures that could affect decisions in the context of elimination. This may have a huge impact for designing malaria control programmes.
		Case report Plasmodium vivax congenital malaria in an area of very low endemicity in Guatemala: implications for clinical and epidemiological surveillance in a malaria elimination context María Eugenia Castellanos, Azucena Bardají, Michela Menegon, Alfredo Mayor, Meghna Desai, Carlo Severini, Clara Menéndez, Norma Padilla Malaria Journal 2012, 11:411 (8 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Case report of vertical transmission of vivax malaria, including molecular studies of paired samples with retrospective maternal samples at delivery. The authors call for increasing awareness of the problem especially in the context of elimination programmes.
		Research Reduction of multiplicity of infections but no change in msp2 genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Congolese children after introduction of artemisinin-combination therapy Rod Ibara-Okabande, Felix Koukouikila-Koussounda, Mathieu Ndounga, Jeannhey Vouvoungui, Vladimir Malonga, Prisca Casimiro, Jean Ibara, Anissa Sidibe, Francine Ntoumi Malaria Journal 2012, 11:410 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study shows that the introduction of ACT in the Republic of Congo has reduced the multiplicity of infection but not the genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates from children living in Southern districts of Brazzaville.
		Research IL1B, IL4R, IL12RB1 and TNF gene polymorphisms are associated with Plasmodium vivax malaria in Brazil Vinicius A Sortica, Maristela G Cunha, Maria Deise O Ohnishi, Jose M Souza, Ândrea KC Ribeiro-dos-Santos, Ney PC Santos, Sídia M Callegari-Jacques, Sidney EB Santos, Mara H Hutz Malaria Journal 2012, 11:409 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The pathophysiology of vivax malaria is still poorly understood. The present study, investigating the influence of polymorphisms in 18 genes related to the immune system in patients with vivax malaria, reinforces and increases our understanding of the role of the immune system in susceptibility to malaria.
		Research Application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for malaria diagnosis during a follow-up study in São Tomé Pei-Wen Lee, Dar-Der Ji, Chia-Tai Liu, Herodes S Rampao, Virgilio E do Rosario, I-Feng Lin, Men-Fang Shaio Malaria Journal 2012, 11:408 (6 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A reliable and simple test for the detection of malaria parasite is crucial in providing effective treatment and therapeutic follow-up: the authors use four methods, including nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the malaria diagnosis and treatment in Sao Tome and Principe, during a successful pre-elimination campaign. They concluded that LAMP is simpler and faster for the detection of low parasitaemia and can be a potential point-of-care test for treatment follow-up.
		Methodology Mosquito transmission of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi Philip J Spence, William Jarra, Prisca Lévy, Wiebke Nahrendorf, Jean Langhorne Malaria Journal 2012, 11:407 (6 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Plasmodium chabaudi has proved harder to work with across the full life cycle than other rodent parasite models and so by developing a protocol for repeatable and reliable transmission this paper provides a great service to the community. This now makes key research questions tractable and opens up new avenues.
		Research Malaria rapid diagnostic test transport and storage conditions in Burkina Faso, Senegal, Ethiopia and the Philippines Audrey Albertini, Evan Lee, Sheick Oumar Coulibaly, Markos Sleshi, Babacar Faye, Mary Lorraine Mationg, Kadi Ouedraogo, Abeba G Tsadik, Sendeaw Maksha Feleke, Ibrahima Diallo, Oumar Gaye, Jennifer Luchavez, Jessica Bennett, David Bell Malaria Journal 2012, 11:406 (6 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The transport and storage conditions of temperature-labile test kits are in important feature for tests to be used in tropical conditions. With millions of malaria rapid diagnostic tests deployed to the field in developing countries annually, such studies are essential for identifying factors that may threaten effective implementation of the tests in the field.
		Research Plasmodium vivax malaria in Mali: a study from three different regions Maria Bernabeu, Gloria P Gomez-Perez, Sibiri Sissoko, Mohamed B Niambélé, Allassane Ag Haibala, Ariadna Sanz, Mahamadou A Théra, Carmen Fernandez-Becerra, Klénon Traoré, Pedro L Alonso, Quique Bassat, Hernando A del Portillo, Ogobara Doumbo Malaria Journal 2012, 11:405 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Nested-PCR and DNA-sequence analyses of selected samples unequivocally confirmed the presence of Plasmodium vivax in Mali. The authors suggest that this feature should be taken into account in the context of malaria control and elimination efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.
		Research Efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine as a treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in eastern Sudan Tajeldin M Abdallah, Abdel Aziem A Ali, Mohammed Bakri, Gasim I Gasim, Imad R Musa, Ishag Adam Malaria Journal 2012, 11:404 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary A small clinical trialconducted at a health centre in Kassala, eastern Sudan showed that artemether-lumefantrine was fully effective for treatment of P. vivax malaria.
		Research The effects of urbanization on global Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission Qiuyin Qi, Carlos A Guerra, Catherine L Moyes, Iqbal R F Elyazar, Peter W Gething, Simon I Hay, Andrew J Tatem Malaria Journal 2012, 11:403 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The study shows a consistently lower P. vivax transmission with increasing urbanization, mirroring results found for P. falciparum, pointing towards global declines in P. vivax transmission as urbanization permanently alters the receptivity of many areas.
		Research Anti-malarial drug safety information obtained through routine monitoring in a rural district of South-Western Senegal Philippe Brasseur, Michel T Vaillant, Piero L Olliaro Malaria Journal 2012, 11:402 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Results of cohort event monitoring conducted in four health facilities in Senegal evaluating adverse events occurring in association with artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ). With the rapid scale-up of ACT use globally, particularly in Africa, pharmacovigilance of these drugs is essential, but adverse event monitoring of anti-malarial therapy is challenging even in controlled settings.
		Research Epidemiology of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in north-east Sabah, Malaysia: family clusters and wide age distribution Bridget E Barber, Timothy William, Prabakaran Dhararaj, Fread Anderios, Matthew J Grigg, Tsin W Yeo, Nicholas M Anstey Malaria Journal 2012, 11:401 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| F1000 Biology \| Editor’s summary Plasmodium knowlesi is the most common cause of malaria admissions to Kudat District Hospital, Sabah. The wide age distribution and presence of family clusters suggest that transmission may be occurring close to or inside people?s homes, in contrast to previous reports from densely forested areas of Sarawak. These findings have significant implications for malaria control.
		Opinion Malaria in infants aged less than six months - is it an area of unmet medical need? Umberto D’Alessandro, David Ubben, Kamal Hamed, Serign Jawo Ceesay, Joseph Okebe, Makie Taal, Eugene Kaman Lama, Moussa Keita, Lamine Koivogui, Alain Nahum, Kalifa Bojang, Aja Adam Jagne Sonko, Honorat Francis Lalya, Bernard Brabin Malaria Journal 2012, 11:400 (2 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Review covering several issue relating to malaria in young infants, including difficulties in diagnosing the infection in this age group, uncertainty as to the burden of disease in young infants, and optimal treatment and prevention (currently anti-malarial use in this age group is current ¿off-label¿).

	All
		Meeting report Malaria Policy Advisory Committee to the WHO: conclusions and recommendations of September 2012 meeting WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Committee and Secretariat Malaria Journal 2012, 11:424 (19 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This article provides a summary of the discussions, conclusions and recommendations from the second meeting of the WHO Malaria Policy Advisory Committee
		Research The feasibility of malaria elimination in South Africa Rajendra Maharaj, Natashia Morris, Ishen Seocharan, Philip Kruger, Devanand Moonasar, Aaron Mabuza, Eric Raswiswi, Jaishree Raman Malaria Journal 2012, 11:423 (19 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This is a measured paper on the feasibility of malaria elimination in South Africa, which is a realistic possibility if certain criteria are met: continued support for the existing malaria control programmes; critical cross border malaria control initiatives with neighbouring countries; a need for operational research, particularly on vector distribution and insecticide resistance status; refining existing surveillance systems.
		Research Policy options for deploying anti-malarial drugs in endemic countries: a population genetics approach Tiago Antao, Ian Hastings Malaria Journal 2012, 11:422 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary In this modelling study, a policy of multiple first-line therapy (MFT) is compared with the conventional policy of sequential drug deployment. It shows that MFT outlasts sequential application providing drug usages are low to moderate, and appears not to drive widespread multi-drug resistance.
		Methodology A rapid and scalable density gradient purification method for Plasmodium sporozoites Mark Kennedy, Matthew E Fishbaugher, Ashley M Vaughan, Rapatbhorn Patrapuvich, Rachasak Boonhok, Narathatai Yimamnuaychok, Nastaran Rezakhani, Peter Metzger, Marisa Ponpuak, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Stefan H Kappe, Jen CC Hume, Scott E Lindner Malaria Journal 2012, 11:421 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Purification of Plasmodium sporozoites is an important need, for all of the reasons presented by the authors, in particular the need for clean sporozoites for human immunization trials. It seems likely that the method described will be useful for biochemical, molecular biological and in vitro studies, especially as it permits in vitro studies of P. vivax hypnozoites.
		Research Electrocardiographic study in Ghanaian children with uncomplicated malaria, treated with artesunate-amodiaquine or artemether-lumefantrine George O Adjei, Collins Oduro-Boatey, Onike P Rodrigues, Lotte C Hoegberg, Michael Alifrangis, Jorgen A Kurtzhals, Bamenla Q Goka Malaria Journal 2012, 11:420 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary An electrocardiographic study in Ghanaian children with uncomplicated malaria showed no significant changes in ECG except a bradycardia in the artesunate-amodiaquine group. It is difficult to attribute this change to anti-malarial treatment as patients had probably fever, intestinal disorders and/or ionic imbalance before treatment.
		Research Malaria parasite diversity and transmission intensity affect development of parasitological immunity in a mathematical model Philip A Eckhoff Malaria Journal 2012, 11:419 (15 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This paper aims to identify how parasite diversity, transmission intensity and naturally acquired immunity contribute to the age-specific parasite prevalence curves observed in malaria-endemic areas. The author finds that increasing parasite diversity delays the development of naturally acquired immunity.
		Review Rationale for recommending a lower dose of primaquine as a Plasmodium falciparum gametocytocide in populations where G6PD deficiency is common Nicholas J White, Li Qiao, Gao Qi, Lucio Luzzatto Malaria Journal 2012, 11:418 (14 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary An important and timely review recommending a change in policy of single dose primaquine 0.75mg/kg to 0.25mg/kg to prevent transmission of P. falciparum (in contrast to the conclusions of a recent Cochrane review).
		Research Malaria treatment-seeking behaviour and related factors of Wa ethnic minority in Myanmar: a cross-sectional study Jian-Wei Xu, Qi-Zhang Xu, Hui Liu, Yi-Rou Zeng Malaria Journal 2012, 11:417 (14 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A study of fever treatment-seeking behaviour in the Wa ethnic minority in Myanmar. The methods used are a household survey and in-depth interviews with key informants. Key findings include delayed treatment-seeking and high utilization of the informal drug sellers.
		Research Efficacy and tolerability of a new formulation of artesunate-mefloquine for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in adult in Senegal: open randomized trial Roger CK Tine, Babacar Faye, Khadime Sylla, Jean L Ndiaye, Magatte Ndiaye, Doudou Sow, Aminata C Lo, Annie Abiola, Mamadou C Ba, Oumar Gaye Malaria Journal 2012, 11:416 (12 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A randomized, open, non-inferiority study of a new formulation of artesunate-mefloquine (25mg/kg) using artemether-lumefantrine as the reference comparator. Both regimens were very effective, >95% PCR-corrected, adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) at 28 days. The artesunate-mefloquine regimen had a significantly higher incidence of dizziness, but was otherwise well-tolerated. The study is straightforward and the findings useful and reassuring, if unsurprising.
		Research Evaluation of the OnSite (Pf/Pan) rapid diagnostic test for diagnosis of clinical malaria Abu Naser Mohon, Rubayet Elahi, Milka Patracia Podder, Khaja Mohiuddin, Mohammad Sharif Hossain, Wasif A Khan, Rashidul Haque, Mohammad Shafiul Alam Malaria Journal 2012, 11:415 (12 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The authors present a clinical validation of a new RDT kit for malaria diagnosis called OnSite. The validation was performed in Bangladesh where both P. falciparum and P. vivax co-circulate. In this report, the authors compared the performance of the RDT with microscopy and nested PCR. They found high sensitivity and specificity for the kit in the detection of both species of Plasmodium.
		Research Scaling-up malaria treatment: a review of the performance of different providers Mohga M Kamal-Yanni, Julien Potet, Philippa M Saunders Malaria Journal 2012, 11:414 (12 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Access to life saving malaria treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset is still far below the RBM targets. Improved case management requires a strengthened health system including community health initiatives and working with non-public sector compartments of the health system. The paper reviews different aspects of provider performance in the different compartments: public sector, community health workers and the private sector.
		Research Open-label trial of three dosage regimens of fixed-dose combination of artemisinin and naphthoquine for treating uncomplicated falciparum malaria in calabar, Nigeria Martin M Meremikwu, Friday Odey, Chioma Oringanje, Angela Oyo-ita, Emmanuel Effa, Ekpereonne B Esu, Eyam Eyam, Olabisi Oduwole, Vivian Asiegbu, Ambrose Alaribe, Emmanuel N Ezedinachi Malaria Journal 2012, 11:413 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A randomized open label trial to test the efficacy of three dosage regimens of artemisinin and naphthoquine for uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Concerns for an increased risk of emergence of parasite resistance when using artemisinin-naphthoquine as single dose regimen is likely to compromise the usefulness of this potentially important combination treatment.
		Research Local population structure of Plasmodium: impact on malaria control and elimination Stella M Chenet, Kristan A Schneider, Leopoldo Villegas, Ananias A Escalante Malaria Journal 2012, 11:412 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This investigation explores the problem of identifying genetic markers, in this case microsatellites, to unveil Plasmodium genetic structures that could affect decisions in the context of elimination. This may have a huge impact for designing malaria control programmes.
		Case report Plasmodium vivax congenital malaria in an area of very low endemicity in Guatemala: implications for clinical and epidemiological surveillance in a malaria elimination context María Eugenia Castellanos, Azucena Bardají, Michela Menegon, Alfredo Mayor, Meghna Desai, Carlo Severini, Clara Menéndez, Norma Padilla Malaria Journal 2012, 11:411 (8 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Case report of vertical transmission of vivax malaria, including molecular studies of paired samples with retrospective maternal samples at delivery. The authors call for increasing awareness of the problem especially in the context of elimination programmes.
		Research Reduction of multiplicity of infections but no change in msp2 genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Congolese children after introduction of artemisinin-combination therapy Rod Ibara-Okabande, Felix Koukouikila-Koussounda, Mathieu Ndounga, Jeannhey Vouvoungui, Vladimir Malonga, Prisca Casimiro, Jean Ibara, Anissa Sidibe, Francine Ntoumi Malaria Journal 2012, 11:410 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study shows that the introduction of ACT in the Republic of Congo has reduced the multiplicity of infection but not the genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates from children living in Southern districts of Brazzaville.
		Research IL1B, IL4R, IL12RB1 and TNF gene polymorphisms are associated with Plasmodium vivax malaria in Brazil Vinicius A Sortica, Maristela G Cunha, Maria Deise O Ohnishi, Jose M Souza, Ândrea KC Ribeiro-dos-Santos, Ney PC Santos, Sídia M Callegari-Jacques, Sidney EB Santos, Mara H Hutz Malaria Journal 2012, 11:409 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The pathophysiology of vivax malaria is still poorly understood. The present study, investigating the influence of polymorphisms in 18 genes related to the immune system in patients with vivax malaria, reinforces and increases our understanding of the role of the immune system in susceptibility to malaria.
		Research Application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification for malaria diagnosis during a follow-up study in São Tomé Pei-Wen Lee, Dar-Der Ji, Chia-Tai Liu, Herodes S Rampao, Virgilio E do Rosario, I-Feng Lin, Men-Fang Shaio Malaria Journal 2012, 11:408 (6 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A reliable and simple test for the detection of malaria parasite is crucial in providing effective treatment and therapeutic follow-up: the authors use four methods, including nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the malaria diagnosis and treatment in Sao Tome and Principe, during a successful pre-elimination campaign. They concluded that LAMP is simpler and faster for the detection of low parasitaemia and can be a potential point-of-care test for treatment follow-up.
		Methodology Mosquito transmission of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi Philip J Spence, William Jarra, Prisca Lévy, Wiebke Nahrendorf, Jean Langhorne Malaria Journal 2012, 11:407 (6 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Plasmodium chabaudi has proved harder to work with across the full life cycle than other rodent parasite models and so by developing a protocol for repeatable and reliable transmission this paper provides a great service to the community. This now makes key research questions tractable and opens up new avenues.
		Research Malaria rapid diagnostic test transport and storage conditions in Burkina Faso, Senegal, Ethiopia and the Philippines Audrey Albertini, Evan Lee, Sheick Oumar Coulibaly, Markos Sleshi, Babacar Faye, Mary Lorraine Mationg, Kadi Ouedraogo, Abeba G Tsadik, Sendeaw Maksha Feleke, Ibrahima Diallo, Oumar Gaye, Jennifer Luchavez, Jessica Bennett, David Bell Malaria Journal 2012, 11:406 (6 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The transport and storage conditions of temperature-labile test kits are in important feature for tests to be used in tropical conditions. With millions of malaria rapid diagnostic tests deployed to the field in developing countries annually, such studies are essential for identifying factors that may threaten effective implementation of the tests in the field.
		Research Plasmodium vivax malaria in Mali: a study from three different regions Maria Bernabeu, Gloria P Gomez-Perez, Sibiri Sissoko, Mohamed B Niambélé, Allassane Ag Haibala, Ariadna Sanz, Mahamadou A Théra, Carmen Fernandez-Becerra, Klénon Traoré, Pedro L Alonso, Quique Bassat, Hernando A del Portillo, Ogobara Doumbo Malaria Journal 2012, 11:405 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Nested-PCR and DNA-sequence analyses of selected samples unequivocally confirmed the presence of Plasmodium vivax in Mali. The authors suggest that this feature should be taken into account in the context of malaria control and elimination efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.
		Research Efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine as a treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in eastern Sudan Tajeldin M Abdallah, Abdel Aziem A Ali, Mohammed Bakri, Gasim I Gasim, Imad R Musa, Ishag Adam Malaria Journal 2012, 11:404 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary A small clinical trialconducted at a health centre in Kassala, eastern Sudan showed that artemether-lumefantrine was fully effective for treatment of P. vivax malaria.
		Research The effects of urbanization on global Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission Qiuyin Qi, Carlos A Guerra, Catherine L Moyes, Iqbal R F Elyazar, Peter W Gething, Simon I Hay, Andrew J Tatem Malaria Journal 2012, 11:403 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The study shows a consistently lower P. vivax transmission with increasing urbanization, mirroring results found for P. falciparum, pointing towards global declines in P. vivax transmission as urbanization permanently alters the receptivity of many areas.
		Research Anti-malarial drug safety information obtained through routine monitoring in a rural district of South-Western Senegal Philippe Brasseur, Michel T Vaillant, Piero L Olliaro Malaria Journal 2012, 11:402 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Results of cohort event monitoring conducted in four health facilities in Senegal evaluating adverse events occurring in association with artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ). With the rapid scale-up of ACT use globally, particularly in Africa, pharmacovigilance of these drugs is essential, but adverse event monitoring of anti-malarial therapy is challenging even in controlled settings.
		Research Epidemiology of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in north-east Sabah, Malaysia: family clusters and wide age distribution Bridget E Barber, Timothy William, Prabakaran Dhararaj, Fread Anderios, Matthew J Grigg, Tsin W Yeo, Nicholas M Anstey Malaria Journal 2012, 11:401 (5 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| F1000 Biology \| Editor’s summary Plasmodium knowlesi is the most common cause of malaria admissions to Kudat District Hospital, Sabah. The wide age distribution and presence of family clusters suggest that transmission may be occurring close to or inside people?s homes, in contrast to previous reports from densely forested areas of Sarawak. These findings have significant implications for malaria control.
		Opinion Malaria in infants aged less than six months - is it an area of unmet medical need? Umberto D’Alessandro, David Ubben, Kamal Hamed, Serign Jawo Ceesay, Joseph Okebe, Makie Taal, Eugene Kaman Lama, Moussa Keita, Lamine Koivogui, Alain Nahum, Kalifa Bojang, Aja Adam Jagne Sonko, Honorat Francis Lalya, Bernard Brabin Malaria Journal 2012, 11:400 (2 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Review covering several issue relating to malaria in young infants, including difficulties in diagnosing the infection in this age group, uncertainty as to the burden of disease in young infants, and optimal treatment and prevention (currently anti-malarial use in this age group is current ¿off-label¿).