Scientect

Yahaya Sumara Sulley^1,3*, Ramadan Zakaria Danaa^2,3, Raymond Ohene Gyan^2,3, Akwasi Afrane Bediako^2,3, Akoogo Jerry Ayaaba^2,3, Isaac Oboakoh^1,3, Lydia Quansah^1,2,3
1 Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Ghana
2 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University for Development Studies, Ghana
3 Dr Quansah Lab, (QLab) University for Development Studies, Ghana

Date: 18 August 2024

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Introduction

The human body hosts a diverse community of microorganisms known as the microbiome, which plays a crucial role in maintaining health and influencing disease processes (1). Understanding how the microbiome interacts with various health conditions, such as malaria, offers valuable insights into disease detection and management.

Malaria remains a major health challenge, particularly in Africa, where it contributes to a significant number of deaths (2). Recent research has highlighted a potential connection between malaria infection and changes in the microbiome. Studies suggest that malaria parasites can alter the composition and diversity of microbial populations on the skin, potentially impacting disease progression.

Malaria and the Microbiome

An individual’s health status influences the skin microbiome’s diversity and composition. During malaria infection, shifts in the microbiome can lead to changes in microbial populations, which might produce compounds that could serve as biomarkers for malaria detection. Research indicates that alterations in microbial communities during malaria infection may affect disease progression and recovery (3). Leveraging this advancements in scientific knowledge could offer non-invasive methods for detecting and monitoring malaria, highlighting the potential for microbiome-based diagnostics.

Case Box

Studies conducted in rodent models and humans show that gut microbiota composition affects malaria progression. For example, mice with different gut microbiota exhibited varying disease severity when infected with the same malaria parasite. Germ-free mice receiving gut contents from ‘resistant’ or ‘susceptible’ mice showed corresponding low or high parasite levels. More resistant mice had higher levels of beneficial microbes and stronger immune responses. Additionally, altering the gut microbiota through antibiotics or fecal transplants affected malaria susceptibility and pregnancy outcomes (4).

Potential for Microbiome-Based Diagnostics

Analyzing changes in the microbiome could offer new methods for malaria detection and monitoring. This approach may facilitate early detection and personalized treatment. By studying how the microbiome responds to malaria, researchers aim to develop innovative diagnostic tools that could enhance patient care.

Further research is needed to explore the relationship between the microbiome and malaria infection. Identifying how microbial changes can serve as early biomarkers for malaria could lead to new, non-invasive diagnostic methods. Collaboration among researchers and healthcare professionals will be vital in advancing these strategies and improving malaria prevention and treatment.

Conclusion

Malaria parasites can change the gut microbiota composition, decreasing some bacterial species while increasing others. This positions the microbiome as a potential to transform malaria detection and management. Continued investigation into its interactions with malaria parasites may lead to new diagnostic tools and treatment approaches, improving patient outcomes and advancing malaria management.

Acknowledgements

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Quansah Lab (QLab) members especially Abukari Samata for their invaluable support throughout this project.

Authors’ Contributions

Yahaya Sumara Sulley led the writing. Ramadan Zakaria Danaa contributed significantly to the drafting and revision stages of the manuscript. Raymond Ohene Gyan, Akwasi Afrane Bediako and Akoogo Jerry Ayaaba, worked on multiple drafts and provided valuable input for the final version. Lydia Quansah and Isaac Oboakoh supervised the entire manuscript preparation, ensuring adherence to academic standards and guiding the publication process.

References

1.        Waldman AJ, Balskus EP. The Human Microbiota, Infectious Disease, and Global Health: Challenges and Opportunities. ACS Infect Dis [Internet]. 2018 Jan 12 [cited 2023 Oct 8];4(1):14–26. Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acsinfecdis.7b00232

2.        Health Organization W. World malaria report 2022 [Internet]. 2023. Available from: https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/mediation/

3.        Su X, Stadler R V., Xu F, Wu J. Malaria Genomics, Vaccine Development, and Microbiome. Vol. 12, Pathogens. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI); 2023.

4.        Ippolito MM, Denny JE, Langelier C, Sears CL, Schmidt NW. Malaria and the microbiome: A systematic review. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2018;67(12):1831–9.