TI 07.003_072

Development and validation of a highly sensitive molecular multiplex assay for Plasmodium species detection

01/04/2024 to 31/03/2025

A single-plex highly sensitive reverse transcriptase qPCR (RT-qPCR) assay for the detection of Plasmodium species has been developed at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Tübingen mainly for the use in clinical trials applying the Controlled Human Malaria Infection model, for individual case management in
returning travelers, and for epidemiologic studies in endemic areas. In my thesis project, I would like to develop and validate a multiplex qPCR assay (in two panels) using a highly expressed target (28S rRNA) gene of Plasmodium for the detection of human-infecting malaria species. For the development of the multiplex assay I would like to build on the preliminary work done at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Tübingen, then I would like to validate the novel multiplex assay on samples from the Institute’s diagnostic laboratory (travelers with suspected imported malaria) as well as on samples from the Institute’s partner institute CERMEL in Lambaréné, Gabon (patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria, patients simultaneously infected with multiple Plasmodium species). Additionally, I would like to evaluate the multiplex assays for its performance in quantifying parasitemia.
With my thesis project I thus aim at establishing a multiplex qPRC assay that can be integrated in routine care at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Tübingen to improve malaria diagnosis and management in returning travelers and that can serve as simplified molecular reference standard for malaria research at our partner institute CERMEL in Lambaréné, Gabon.