With the assistance of skilled laboratory personnel, lab scientists, and nurses, venous blood samples were taken from children within the chosen age range using a 2ml syringe. The blood was transferred into EDTA containers filled with anticoagulants to stop the blood from clotting. Samples were immediately examined for the presence of malaria parasites on the day of collection. The remaining samples were stored in a refrigerator which were examined first thing the next day.
A well-structured questionnaire was created to gather information on children’s age and gender and analyze the level of awareness and acceptance of the malaria vaccine among caregivers of children in the target age group.
Microscopy was used to make the diagnosis. Currently, the “gold standard” for diagnosing malaria is still microscopy. It is affordable and enables the determination of parasite density and species. Blood samples were placed on glass slides and stained with 3% Giemsa stain, creating thin and thick films. Two microscopists examined the slides; each looked at each specimen separately, and the results were considered affirmative when both microscopists found the same species in each specimen. Once 100 tiny fields were examined, and no parasites were found, the slide was considered negative. If the microscopy revealed the presence of the malaria parasite in at least 100 microscopic fields, the patient was considered positive.
Author(s) Details:
Elijah Sunday Okwuonu
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Uzoma Anyaoha
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Chinaza Blessing Ukwueze
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Nenrot Sandra Gopep
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and Department of Public Health/Mph, Georgia Southern University, USA.
Uchenna Athanasius Ubaka
Department of Parasitology and Entomology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Emmanuella Chigozirim Agbedo
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Chiamaka Lovelyn Nwankwo
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Patra Chisom Ezeamii
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria and Department of Public Health/Mph, Georgia Southern University, USA.
Ogochukwu Ruth Abasilim
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, USA.
Blessing Chinenye Amoke
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ikem Chris Okoye
Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Recent Global Research Developments in Malaria Vaccines
RTS,S/AS01 Vaccine Implementation: The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, the first to be recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), has shown significant success in reducing severe malaria cases among children in high-transmission areas. Recent pilot implementations in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have demonstrated its feasibility and effectiveness [1] .
R21/Matrix-M Vaccine: Developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, the R21/Matrix-M vaccine has shown promising results in Phase 3 clinical trials. It has demonstrated 75% efficacy in areas with seasonal malaria transmission and 68% efficacy in areas with perennial transmission [2] .
Innovative Vaccine Platforms: Research is ongoing to develop new vaccine platforms that can provide broader and longer-lasting immunity. These include mRNA-based vaccines and viral vector vaccines, which have shown potential in preclinical studies [3] .
Combination Vaccines: Studies are exploring the use of combination vaccines that target multiple stages of the malaria parasite’s lifecycle. These vaccines aim to enhance overall efficacy and provide more comprehensive protection [4] .
Global Vaccine Distribution and Equity: Efforts are being made to ensure equitable distribution of malaria vaccines, particularly in low-income countries where the burden of malaria is highest. This includes partnerships with global health organizations and funding initiatives to support vaccine access [5] .
References
- Laurenson AJ, Laurens MB (2024) A new landscape for malaria vaccine development. PLoS Pathog 20(6): e1012309. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1012309
- Aderinto, N., Olatunji, G., Kokori, E. et al. A perspective on Oxford’s R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine and the future of global eradication efforts. Malar J 23, 16 (2024).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-024-04846-w - Malaria vaccine research & innovation: the intersection of IA2030 and zero malaria
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-020-00259-3.pdf - El-Moamly, A.A., El-Sweify, M.A. Malaria vaccines: the 60-year journey of hope and final success—lessons learned and future prospects. Trop Med Health 51, 29 (2023).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-023-00516-w - Malaria vaccine: WHO position paper – May 2024
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer-9919-225-248
