Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Trajectories and Mechanisms of Recovery From Malaria: An Observational Study

This observational study, conducted in selected London hospitals, is trying to understand how people recover from malaria. Researchers are particularly interested in finding out which biological factors, including specific genes, play a key role in speeding up or slowing down recovery. By identifying these factors, they hope to discover new ways to help patients get better, potentially through additional treatments that work alongside existing malaria medicines. The study involves collecting blood and urine samples, as well as health information, over two weeks from 240 people of all ages who have recently been diagnosed with malaria.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

240

Start

02 Aug 2022

Estimated completion

05 Jan 2026

Malaria

What is this study about?

This research study is about understanding how people get better after having malaria. Malaria can make you very ill, and doctors want to learn why some people recover quickly while others take longer. The researchers are particularly interested in looking at our genes, as these are like instruction manuals for our bodies. They want to see if the activity of certain genes changes during recovery and if these changes are linked to how fast someone gets well.

The main goal is to find out if there are specific biological things in our bodies that are really important for recovering from malaria. If they can identify these, it could open doors to developing new treatments. These new treatments wouldn't replace current medicines for malaria, but would work alongside them to help people recover more effectively.

To do this, the study aims to involve 240 people of all ages who have recently been diagnosed with malaria in London hospitals. For about two weeks after their diagnosis, the research team will collect samples like blood and urine, and also gather information about their health. This will help them track recovery and see what's happening inside the body during that time.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand malaria recovery.
Looking for biological clues, including genes, that affect recovery speed.
Could lead to new supporting treatments for malaria.
Involves 240 people with malaria in London.
Collection of blood/urine samples and health info over 14 days.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to anyone of any age, including children as young as 8 days old, who has been diagnosed with malaria and is showing symptoms. The diagnosis must be confirmed by a blood test showing the malaria parasite.

However, there are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. This includes people who have malaria but aren't showing any symptoms, people born with malaria, or those who only have certain parts of the malaria parasite in their blood that don't cause current illness. People with known HIV, or who have already received malaria treatment in the last 28 days for their current illness, also won't be able to participate. Lastly, if someone doesn't want to take part, that's absolutely fine, and they will not be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have you recently been diagnosed with malaria?
Are you currently experiencing malaria symptoms?
Is your malaria diagnosis confirmed by a blood test?
Have you NOT received malaria treatment for this illness in the last 4 weeks?
Do you NOT have HIV?
Are you NOT just carrying malaria without symptoms or not born with it?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the research team will collect blood and urine samples from you. This will happen periodically over a total of 14 days, starting from the day you are diagnosed with malaria. They will also collect information about your health and how you are recovering during this time. There are no new or experimental medications involved in this study; you will receive the standard care for malaria that your doctor prescribes. The total time commitment for data and sample collection is two weeks from your diagnosis.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information gathered could help future malaria patients by leading to better treatments. The main risk involves giving blood samples, which might cause some discomfort, bruising, or rarely, a minor infection at the site of the blood draw. Your health information will be kept confidential. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is symptomatic malaria?

Symptomatic malaria means you have malaria infection and are also showing symptoms like fever, chills, or headache.

Will I receive new medicine in this study?

No, this study is observational. You will receive the standard malaria treatment prescribed by your doctor, with no experimental medicines involved.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you participate, the researchers will collect samples and information for 14 days after your malaria diagnosis.

What are 'adjunctive therapies'?

Adjunctive therapies are additional treatments given alongside the main treatment to help improve recovery or manage symptoms.

Can children take part in this study?

Yes, children as young as 8 days old who have symptomatic malaria can take part, with permission from their parents or guardians.