April 2024 LabCoP Extended Echo Session: Surveillance of Histidine-rich Protein Genes Deletion in Plasmodium Falciparum

April 2024 LabCoP Extended Echo Session: Surveillance of Histidine-rich Protein Genes Deletion in Plasmodium Falciparum

April 2024 LabCoP Extended Echo Session: Surveillance of Histidine-rich Protein Genes Deletion in Plasmodium Falciparum

April 2024 LabCoP Extended Echo Session

On 11 April 2024, ASLM’s LabCoP convened an Extended ECHO session focussing on surveillance of histidine-rich protein genes deletion in plasmodium falciparum (pfhrp2/3). Globally, malaria remains a pressing health concern, with an estimated 249 million cases and 608,000 deaths reported in 2022 alone. Africa bears a disproportionately high malaria burden, emphasising the critical need for timely and accurate malaria testing strategies and other control measures. Histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have long been pivotal in malaria control efforts, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, emerging deletions in the pfhrp2 and related pfhrp3 (pfhrp2/3) genes pose a significant threat to the efficacy of these tests. Presentations were made by Dr Xavier Ding, Global Clinical Strategy Manager, Abbott; Mr Bokretsion Gidey, Team Lead, Malaria and NTDs Research, Ethiopia Public Health Institute; and Dr Bosco Agaba, Coordinator, Malaria Genomic Surveillance, National Malaria Control Program, MoH Uganda. We examine the results from two surveys from Uganda and Ethiopia, the implication of results to malaria diagnosis and other control measures, and considerations for the future. Please follow the links here to view the recorded ECHO session and download the presentation slides.