Applying next-generation sequencing to track falciparum malaria in sub-Saharan Africa

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: Sofonias K. Tessema, Jaishree Raman, Craig W. Duffy, Deus S. Ishengoma, Alfred Amambua-Ngwa, Bryan Greenhouse
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2019
• Subjects: Next-generation sequencing; Malaria genomics; Molecular epidemiology; Tracking parasites; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-019-2880-1; https://doaj.org/article/f04c537edf9d4049b26dbc8c18325819

Abstract Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are increasingly being used to address a diverse range of biological and epidemiological questions. The current understanding of malaria transmission dynamics and parasite movement mainly relies on the analyses of epidemiologic data, e.g. case counts and self-reported travel history data. However, travel history data are often not routinely collected or are incomplete, lacking the necessary level of accuracy. Although genetic data from routinely collected field samples provides an unprecedented opportunity to track the spread of malaria parasites, it remains an underutilized resource for surveillance due to lack of local awareness and capacity, limited access to sensitive laboratory methods and associated computational tools and difficulty in interpreting genetic epidemiology data. In this review, the potential roles of NGS in better understanding of transmission patterns, accurately tracking parasite movement and addressing the emerging challenges of imported malaria in low transmission settings of sub-Saharan Africa are discussed. Furthermore, this review highlights the insights gained from malaria genomic research and challenges associated with integrating malaria genomics into existing surveillance tools to inform control and elimination strategies.