Biomarkers for susceptibility to infection and disease severity in human malaria

Despite continuous efforts by both governmental and private initiatives to eliminate malaria, Plasmodium infections still result in millions of deaths annually worldwide. Approximately two thirds of the world's population lives in areas at risk for malaria Among the five Plasmodium species that can cause human disease, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax represent the majority of infections. In fact, globally, P. falciparum has been responsible for the majority of malaria-associated mortality P. vivax is also more widely distributed than P. falciparum and has potential to cause morbidity and mortality amongst the 2.85 billion people living at risk of infection In Brazil, P. vivax accounts for up to 80% of the malaria cases Techniques for adequate malaria control are based on the development of sensitive diagnostic tools, effective treatments and the successful implementation of preventive strategies using bed nets and insecticides. Despite more than 40 years of tremendous investments, no reliable vaccine is available to prevent malaria, in part because Plasmodium parasites have evolved a number of evasion mechanisms that subvert host immune responses. Understanding the nuances of malaria immunopathogenesis is fundamental to the development of innovative approaches to reduce disease burden.