Publications by authors named "C J Drakeley"

Background: Triple artemisinin-based combination therapies (TACTs) can delay the spread of antimalarial drug resistance. Artesunate-amodiaquine is widely used for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. We therefore aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine-amodiaquine and artesunate-amodiaquine with and without single low-dose primaquine for reducing gametocyte carriage and transmission to mosquitoes.

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Background: Malaria remains a major public health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Malaysia, the emergence of Plasmodium knowlesi has led to a surge in zoonotic malaria cases and deaths in recent years. Signs of cerebral involvement have been observed in a noncomatose, fatal case of knowlesi infection, but the potential impact of this malaria species on the brain remains unexplored.

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Assessing elimination of malaria locally requires a surveillance system with high sensitivity and specificity to detect its presence without ambiguity. Currently, the WHO standard criteria of observing the absence of locally acquired cases for 3 consecutive years, combined with a health systems assessment, are used to justify claims of malaria elimination. However, relying on a qualitative framework to support the application of this guideline can lead to early, over-optimistic relaxation of control measures with the potential for resurgence.

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Background: Arthropod vectors feeding on the blood of individuals treated with ivermectin have substantially increased mortality. Whether this effect will translate into a useful tool for reducing malaria burden at scale is not clear. Our trial aimed to assess whether using ivermectin as an adjunct to mass drug administration (MDA) with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine would further reduce malaria prevalence.

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Article Synopsis
  • Cases of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza are increasing, with a high mortality rate of 60% in humans, although no human infections have been reported in Malaysian Borneo despite circulation in local poultry and migratory birds.
  • Deforestation in coastal areas may bring humans closer to these migratory birds, raising the risk of zoonotic spillover events, where diseases jump from animals to humans.
  • A recent survey of over 10,000 individuals found evidence of exposure to H5 viruses, indicating potential human contact with the virus, and emphasizes the need for enhanced surveillance of cross-species pathogen transmission in areas where humans and migratory birds interact.
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