Virus Slayer Awarded ‘Genius Grant’ by MacArthur Foundation The award recognizes Jason McLellan’s work to investigate how viruses infect our cells and to develop new treatments for infectious disease.

UT Austin has a new “genius grant” recipient!

Texas Science professor Jason McLellan has been awarded a MacArthur Fellowship — aka the “genius grant” — by The MacArthur Foundation.

#TexasScience @mclellanlab.bsky.social #MacArthurGenius @utaustin.bsky.social
cns.utexas.edu/news/accolad...

When I first saw it in my micrographs, I thought it looked like a Philadelphia pretzel. After years of explaining a Philly pretzel and receiving endless pretzel pictures (s/o Jamie) and pretzel swag (s/o @sofie-dot-rec.bsky.social)….

🤯🥨 congratulations Caitie and team! Fantastic achievement

Digital PCR reveals high PvDBP1 but not PvEBP/DBP2 and PvRBP2b copies in Plasmodium vivax from Duffy-negative Individuals in Central Africa Vivax malaria, once thought rare in Duffy-negative Africans, is now reported in various parts of Africa, suggesting alternate invasion mechanisms and parasite adaptability to Duffy-null cells.

Digital PCR reveals high PvDBP1 but not PvEBP/DBP2 and PvRBP2b copies in Plasmodium vivax from Duffy-negative Individuals in Central Africa

✅ Just Accepted
#IDSky

Comparative clinical transcriptome of pir genes in severe Plasmodium vivax malaria Vir genes, a multigene family in Plasmodium vivax that are a part of a larger superfamily of genes called the pir (Plasmodium interspersed repeat) genes have been reported earlier to be potentially involved in cyto-adherence and evasion of splenic clearance. Plasmodium vivax, historically characterized as a "benign" malaria parasite, has been associated with clinical outcomes including hepatic dysfunction, renal failure, and cerebral malaria in India and several global regions. It constitutes an economic burden and presents a public health challenge alongside other Plasmodium species. Here, we present a part of global transcriptomic studies using custom designed microarrays, that compare the transcriptome of the parasite responsible for severe Plasmodium vivax manifestations, specifically hepatic dysfunction and cerebral malaria from India, with an emphasis on the pir genes, some of which are reported to play a role in cyto-adherence. 23 patients with Plasmodium vivax malaria (Uncomplicated=6, Hepatic dysfunction=12 and Cerebral malaria=5) were subjected to microarray hybridization and the data so obtained showed a wide range of pir subfamilies have been differentially expressed. Upregulation has been seen in 24 pir genes in cerebral malaria samples (n=5) and 28 genes in hepatic dysfunction samples (n=12) belonging to different subfamily in at least 50% of the patient samples. Out of the upregulated pir genes in cerebral malaria manifestation, members of vir subfamily E and pvpir H are maximum in number whereas in hepatic dysfunction manifestation, members of vir subfamily E and C comprise a significant proportion.

Comparative clinical transcriptome of pir genes in severe Plasmodium vivax malaria bioRxivpreprint

Thrombocytopenia in patients with Plasmodium vivax in Colombia is associated with anti-phosphatidylserine autoantibodies and IL-6, IFNγ, IL-10 and TGF-β Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed human protozoan in the world. It is a causative agent of malaria, with thrombocytopenia being a frequent complication. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of P. vivax infection on plasma cytokine/chemokine levels and anti-phosphatidylserine (anti-PS) autoantibodies, to explore their potential role in thrombocytopenia during P. vivax malaria in Córdoba, Colombia. We included patients with P. vivax malaria and thrombocytopenia (MT); patients with...

Thrombocytopenia in patients with Plasmodium vivax in Colombia is associated with anti-phosphatidylserine autoantibodies and IL-6, IFNγ, IL-10 and TGF-β PubMed

Microhaplotype deep sequencing assays to capture Plasmodium vivax infection lineages We have established a highly multiplexed rhAmpSeq assay (up to 98 amplicons) to address critical knowledge gaps in our understanding of antimalarial efficacy and transmission dynamics of P. vivax. Our assay can be applied to low-density infections and to NGS...

Microhaplotype deep sequencing assays to capture Plasmodium vivax infection lineages
->Nature | #Infection | More info from EcoSearch

Worldwide genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax Pv47 is consistent with natural selection by anopheline mosquitoes Pv47 is the Plasmodium vivax ortholog of Pfs47, a protein that allows the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite to evade mosquito immunity and adapt to diverse vectors. We analyzed global genetic diversity of Pv47 and compared it with Pfs47, finding that most common Pv47 polymorphisms are non-synonymous and cluster in regions similar to those in Pfs47. Pv47 domain 2 presents an excess of non-synonymous substitutions, suggesting positive selection. The greatest haplotype diversity is found in...

Worldwide genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax Pv47 is consistent with natural selection by anopheline mosquitoes PubMed

Metabolic reprogramming and gut microbiota ecology drive divergent Plasmodium vivax infection outcomes in Anopheles darlingi bioRxivpreprint

Indigenous #Plasmodium vivax Upsurge in the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Pacific, and South East Asia Regions – Beyond the Constant Culpability of Climate Change, COVID-19, and Armed Conflicts IntJ_Parasitol

How CYP2D6 polymorphism modulates the community-wide risk of Plasmodium vivax infection: a panel study in Amazonian Brazil The CYP2D6 enzyme plays a critical role in the metabolism of primaquine, the most widely used drug for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria.

How CYP2D6 polymorphism modulates the community-wide risk of Plasmodium vivax infection: a panel study in Amazonian Brazil

✅ Just Accepted
#IDSky

Metabolic disruptions in P. vivax #malaria: Insights from four antimalarial treatment regimens Publication date: Available online 2 July 2025 Source: Acta Tropica Author(s): Michael N. Yakubu, Victor I. Mwangi, Anne C.G. Almeida, Emanuelle Lira, Asenate A.X. Adrião, Gabriel F. dos Santos, Gesiane S. Lima, Lucas S. Machado, Hector H.F. Koolen, Tiago P. Guimarães, Jessica R.S. Alves, Andrea R. Chaves, Boniek G. Vaz, Wuelton M. Monteiro, Fabio T.M. Costa, Marcus V.G. Lacerda, Luiz G. Gardinassi, Gisely C. Melo

Metabolic disruptions in P. vivax #malaria: Insights from four antimalarial treatment regimens #ActaTropica

Navigating parasite antigen genetic diversity in the design of Plasmodium vivax serological exposure markers for malaria https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.07.663616v1

Navigating parasite antigen genetic diversity in the design of Plasmodium vivax serological exposure markers for malaria Background: Plasmodium vivax poses a major obstacle to malaria elimination because it can lie dormant in the liver for weeks or months before reactivating and causing a relapse of infection. These dormant forms (hypnozoites) cannot be detected using standard diagnostics, but recent P. vivax exposure and by proxy, hypnozoite carriage, can be inferred using antibody-based tests (serological markers). In this study, we examined how genetic variation in P. vivax affects the utility of these antibody markers, and whether redesigned antigens could improve performance. Methods: We analysed global P. vivax genetic data to assess variation in leading serological markers. Based on this, we produced new antigen versions (haplotypes) that better reflect global sequence diversity, compared to the commonly used reference strain (Sal-1). Antibody responses against these new constructs were then tested using samples from well-characterised cohorts in Brazil and Thailand. Antibody levels were assessed in relation to how recently participants had a qPCR-detectable blood-stage P. vivax infection. We compared the ability of the haplotypes and reference constructs to correctly identify individuals infected within the prior 9-months. Findings: Extensive genetic diversity was identified in two P. vivax antigens, DBPII and MSP5. Several antigens had large numbers of circulating haplotypes globally, with the percentage with similar sequence identity to the reference Sal-1 ranging from 0.4% (MSP5) to 99% (S16). Two antigens exhibited strong differences in immunogenicity by region and construct (RBP2a and DBPII). However, for most proteins (5 out of 8), these differences had little impact on the accuracy of identifying recent exposure. In cases where performance was affected (e.g. RBP2a), this could be overcome by adding multiple antigens into the classification model. Interpretation: Even highly diverse antigens can be effective serological exposure markers. Our findings highlight the importance of testing the impact of genetic diversity when designing serological tests and suggest practical strategies, such as using a mix of antigens, to ensure consistent performance across regions.

Navigating parasite antigen genetic diversity in the design of Plasmodium vivax serological exposure markers for malaria bioRxivpreprint

Malaria bivalent viral vectored vaccine protects against Plasmodium falciparum and vivax and blocks parasite transmission HEK293T and baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells were cultivated in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) (Gibco, Life Technologies, New York, USA) enriched with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS), non-essential amino acids, penicillin, and streptomycin. Similarly, rabbit kidney (RK13) cells...

Malaria bivalent viral vectored vaccine protects against Plasmodium falciparum and vivax and blocks parasite transmission
->Nature | #Vaccine #Health #Malaria | More info from EcoSearch

Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Brazil. Plasmodium vivax is the predominant species. Dysregulated immune responses contribute to malaria pathogenesis. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) wer...
#MSchat #MS #Neurology #MultipleSclerosis #NeuroSky #MedSky

Efficacy of Focal Primaquine Mass Administration for Eliminating Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Northern Myanmar: A Cluster-randomized Trial Plasmodium vivax poses a major challenge for malaria elimination, primarily because of relapse. Primaquine mass drug administration (PQ-MDA) has played a decisive role in eliminating vivax malaria in many temperate countries, but its efficacy in tropical/subtropical areas remains underexplored.

Efficacy of Focal Primaquine Mass Administration for Eliminating Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Northern Myanmar: A Cluster-randomized Trial

✅ Just Accepted
⭐ Editor's Choice
#IDSky

Indonesia to host first dual-species malaria vaccination trial

OUCRU Indonesia is preparing a Phase 2 clinical trial of a #malaria vaccination against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax

Read more 👉 www.tropicalmedicine.ox.ac.uk/news/indones...

Text on a blue background reads: "The way to better health? A point-of-care test that transforms the fight against malaria." To the right, two health workers use a handheld diagnostic tool to detect G6PD deficiency. The PATH logo is visible in the bottom right.

Treating P. vivax #malaria is risky for people with G6PD deficiency. Without testing, full treatment isn’t safe. We helped develop a low-cost, 2-min blood test—the first WHO-prequalified point-of-care tool for G6PD deficiency—to enable safe treatment in low-resource settings.

#WorldMosquitoDay

In 2023, Brazil saw 163K malaria cases (80% from *P. vivax*). 1/3 of infections were from outside localities. Key cities act as sinks, with genetic links over 1,000 km. Targeting mobile populations is vital. 🦟🌍

#idsky

The source-sink dynamics of Plasmodium vivax may undermine malaria elimination efforts in the Amazon: an epidemiological and population genomic study CONCLUSIONS: Understanding parasite source-sink dynamics on different geographic scales is crucial to target high-risk mobile populations and source localities along with receptive sinks within low-transmission municipalities, with the goal of eliminating malaria transmission and preventing its reintroduction into malaria-free areas across the Amazon.

The source-sink dynamics of Plasmodium vivax may undermine malaria elimination efforts in the Amazon: an epidemiological and population genomic study PubMed

New study reveals hidden risks of 'silent' malaria infections Researchers have uncovered new evidence that challenges long-standing beliefs about asymptomatic malaria infections. The study, led by Monash University's Professor Diana Hansen and published in Molecular Systems Biology, focused on Plasmodium vivax, the most widespread malaria parasite and a major obstacle to global elimination efforts.

Asymptomatic Plasmodium vivax infections can disrupt immune function, challenging the view that silent malaria is harmless and highlighting the need for broader screening and treatment strategies. doi.org/g92wjf

The source-sink dynamics of Plasmodium vivax may undermine malaria elimination efforts in the Amazon: an epidemiological and population genomic study Brazil’s progress toward malaria elimination has stalled and 163,000 new cases (more than 80% caused by Plasmodium vivax) were recorded...

The source-sink dynamics of Plasmodium vivax may undermine malaria elimination efforts in the Amazon: an epidemiological and population genomic study

✅ Just Accepted
#IDSky

Generation of a transgenic P. cynomolgi parasite expressing P. vivax circumsporozoite protein for testing pre-erythrocytic malaria vaccines in non-human primates https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.12.26.630255v1

We are investigating possible locally acquired case of malaria - Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department The risk to the public is very low. An East Pierce County woman who has not traveled recently was diagnosed Aug. 2 with malaria.

In the past 2 years, the US has reported a return of locally acquired malaria. In 2023, Florida & Texas reported P. vivax, then Maryland reported P. falciparum. Now, as far north as Pierce County, WA, a potential local case is under investigation (species TBD).
tpchd.org/news/we-are-...

Does anyone know if this was vivax or falciparum? I can't find any details...

Do you love virology but wish you had more colleagues who wanted to discuss the latest papers? FEAR NOT! JVI has you covered with their JVI Seminar Series, where you can hear about a JVI paper directly from the authors. The next seminar is on September 16 at 10am EST:
asm.org/webinars/jou...

Our preprint, in collaboration with Rino Rappuoli & Emanuele Andreano, is out! Co-led by colleagues at TLS, my grad student Ling Zhou @lingzhou.bsky.social, and postdoc Emily Rundlet @cryoemily.bsky.social, we identified OPG153 as a poxvirus bnAb target via B cell isolation & AlphaFold3 prediction.