EHI is collaborating with Dr. Mun Hua Tan from the Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology at the University of Melbourne on a research project to better understand hidden malaria infections that may be missed by current diagnostic methods. While most malaria tests examine parasites circulating in the bloodstream, growing evidence suggests that the spleen may harbor additional parasite populations that remain undetected, particularly in people with no symptoms. These hidden infections may continue to contribute to malaria transmission, making them an important challenge for malaria elimination efforts.
In this collaboration, the analysis will compare the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum parasites found in paired blood and spleen samples to determine whether these strains possess genetic similarity. By identifying differences between these parasite populations, the research aims to improve malaria surveillance and diagnostic strategies, while also providing new insights into how the parasite survives within the human body. EHI believes that collaborative research such as this is essential for developing more effective tools to detect hidden malaria infections and accelerate progress toward malaria elimination in Indonesia and other endemic countries.
