• This ICEMR immune-genomic project (3 specific aims and 12 sub-aims) builds on our results from previous West Africa ICEMR in Mali.
• Importantly, this project will combine field-based and laboratory-based studies.
• Our teams will operate both in the selected sites and laboratories at the MRTC in Bamako as well as in collaborative laboratories in US and in UK.
• The long-terms research collaboration between the key personnel, publications record, history of working together, and scientific management skills show we are prepared to successfully conduct this project.

AIM
AIM #1: Investigate the genetic diversity of P. falciparum in Malian communities living in different malaria endemic areas, and its relation with disease outcome.
AIM #2: Monitor P. falciparum gametocytes using molecular approaches in different epidemiological settings of malaria transmission in Mali.
AIM #3a: Assess the host genetic variability and antimalarial molecular markers of resistance in Malian populations living in areas of distinct transmission patterns and compare to parasite genetic diversity.
AIM #4: Compare gametocyte prevalence by age group, taking into account asexual parasite prevalence, season, and RBC polymorphisms in Malian communities living in different malaria endemic areas, and its relation with disease outcome.