MRC FAPESP: Defining the role of the hematopoietic parasite reservoir in Plasmodium vivax infection and pathology

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Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed malaria parasite and a major public health burden. Recent studies suggest that the majority of parasites is present outside of circulation, making it difficult to track and target them. We have demonstrated that bone marrow in particular represents an under-appreciated reservoir which supports P. vivax growth and differentiation to transmission stages. Parallel studies have also reported major parasite accumulation in the spleen. Based on these findings we hypothesize that the haematopoietic niche of bone marrow and spleen represents the main parasite reservoir during infection and drives disease severity. In this ambitious research program, we will analyze infected bone marrow and spleen tissue from a series of cohorts of naturally exposed patients in endemic areas in Brazil. We will perform histological, molecular and phenotypic characterization of sequestered and circulating parasite and host cell populations to systematically investigate and quantify the role of bone marrow and spleen for parasite infection, transmission, diagnosis and pathology. This work will thus contribute much needed insights and critical tools for the ongoing global malaria elimination campaign.