Scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and the University of Ghana have developed a groundbreaking technique for rapidly and reliably detecting genetic changes in malaria parasites.
The innovative approach utilises a gaming laptop and a portable MinION sequencer from Oxford Nanopore, allowing for real-time monitoring of pathogen mutations in rural, resource-limited malaria hotspots.
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Accessible Genomic Surveillance in Malaria Hotspots
The study, published in Nature Microbiology on November 23, demonstrates the feasibility of end-to-end, real-time pathogen monitoring from clinical blood samples in malaria-affected regions. The researchers focused on identifying key drug resistance markers in the malaria parasite and assessing diversity in the vaccine target gene.
This breakthrough opens avenues for local monitoring of drug resistance and the evaluation of new malaria vaccines in areas heavily impacted by the disease.
Addressing Malaria Challenges with Genomic Surveillance
Despite substantial control efforts, malaria continues to claim over 600,000 lives annually, with the majority being young children in sub-Saharan Africa. One significant challenge is the ability of malaria parasites to evolve resistance rapidly to antimalarial drugs and other interventions. Genomic surveillance, which involves continuous monitoring of changes in the parasite’s DNA, provides essential tools for analyzing genomic data linked to drug resistance. However, such surveillance has primarily been conducted in labs in high-income, non-malaria-endemic countries, diverting capacity away from affected regions.
On-Site Sequencing: A Game-Changer for Infectious Diseases
In this study, the researchers aimed to create an accessible, near real-time technology for monitoring parasite mutations within communities most affected by malaria. Standard molecular biology equipment was used to collect parasites from blood spot samples obtained through a simple finger prick.
The portable MinION device and a laptop were employed for sequencing and analyzing malaria parasite DNA to detect drug resistance markers, emerging mutations, and vaccine targets. The team successfully conducted the study at both an urban hospital in Accra and a rural town in Ghana, generating sequencing information within 48 hours after receiving samples at a cost of approximately £27 per sample in batches of 96.
Edem Adika from the University of Ghana emphasized the significance of the on-site approach, stating, “By taking sequencing to the source, insights arrive in days rather than years—enabling rapid, localized responses. This unprecedented speed promises to be a powerful game-changer against infectious diseases outpacing our countermeasures.”
Dr. William Hamilton of the Wellcome Sanger Institute highlighted the importance of expanding molecular surveillance in Africa to track emerging drug and diagnostic test resistance, as well as informing interventions like new vaccines. Dr. Lucas Amenga-Etego from the West African Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens stressed the potential of the sequencing workflow for addressing the sequencing gap in sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the need for expanding local training programs, bioinformatics infrastructure, and data science expertise.
The development of this technology marks a significant step forward in the fight against malaria, offering a cost-effective and rapid method for monitoring genetic changes in the malaria parasite directly in affected regions.