Targeted Next Generation Sequencing for malaria research in Africa: current status and outlook

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: Anita Ghansah, Edwin Kamau, Alfred Amambua-Ngwa, Deus S. Ishengoma, Oumou Maiga-Ascofare, Lucas Amenga-Etego, Awa Deme, William Yavo, Milijaona Randrianarivelojosia, Plasmodium Diversity Network Africa, Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier, Gideon Kofi Helegbe, Jeffery Bailey, Michael Alifrangis, Abdoulaye Djimde
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2019
• Subjects: Targeted Next Generation Sequencing; Malaria; Africa; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-019-2944-2; https://doaj.org/article/07f6ee2e098d466c95dc6ebd6dc18eba

Abstract Targeted Next Generation Sequencing (TNGS) is an efficient and economical Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform and the preferred choice when specific genomic regions are of interest. So far, only institutions located in middle and high-income countries have developed and implemented the technology, however, the efficiency and cost savings, as opposed to more traditional sequencing methodologies (e.g. Sanger sequencing) make the approach potentially well suited for resource-constrained regions as well. In April 2018, scientists from the Plasmodium Diversity Network Africa (PDNA) and collaborators met during the 7th Pan African Multilateral Initiative of Malaria (MIM) conference held in Dakar, Senegal to explore the feasibility of applying TNGS to genetic studies and malaria surveillance in Africa. The group of scientists reviewed the current experience with TNGS platforms in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and identified potential roles the technology might play to accelerate malaria research, scientific discoveries and improved public health in SSA. Research funding, infrastructure and human resources were highlighted as challenges that will have to be mitigated to enable African scientists to drive the implementation of TNGS in SSA. Current roles of important stakeholders and strategies to strengthen existing networks to effectively harness this powerful technology for malaria research of public health importance were discussed.