Comparing Two Drugs to Treat P. Malariae in Mali

​Principal Investigator: Dr. Laurent Dembele

Disease: Malaria

Research Description: ​Malaria is an infectious disease spread by mosquitos and caused by parasites of the Plasmodium group. The disease has a global impact, with Mali in the top ten countries with the highest malaria burden according to the WHO. There are five species of Plasmodium that affects humans and the P. malariae species is the third most common species, accounting for 15% of malaria infections in Mali, but without an effective, readily available treatment. If left untreated, P. malariae infections may become chronic and can result in severe illness or death. Approved treatment for more common species of Plasmodium, P. falciparum and P. vivax, includes dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine and quinine. Early data shows that either piperaquine or quinine may also be effective against P. malariae. This open label, randomized trial is assessing dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine vs quinine to treat P. malariae in children and adults in Mali. If successful, this study could lead to an effective treatment option for P. malariae infections.

Funding Partners: Coefficient Giving

Initial CWR Funding Role: Primary