Melissa D. Conrad

Whole-genome characterization of Plasmodium falciparum population structure and drug resistance across Uganda and neighboring countries

The paper characterizes the population structure and drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum in Uganda and neighboring countries using whole-genome data, identifying key resistance-associated haplotypes.

PfPHAST: Plasmodium falciparum Public Health Amplicon Sequencing Tool, a Streamlined Panel for Malaria Genomic Surveillance

PfPHAST is a streamlined amplicon sequencing panel for malaria genomic surveillance, offering better quality control and cost efficiency than MAD4HatTeR without sacrificing performance on shared targets.

A Plasmodium falciparum PX1 haplotype is associated with reduced susceptibility to artemisinin and lumefantrine

This study identifies a PX1 haplotype in Plasmodium falciparum associated with reduced susceptibility to artemisinin and lumefantrine, providing a marker for drug resistance surveillance.

Geographical variation drives adaptive equilibrium of the P. falciparum sickle-associated mutations

The paper investigates how geographical variation influences the adaptive evolution of Plasmodium falciparum mutations that counteract sickle cell trait protection.

A novel locus associated with decreased susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to lumefantrine and dihydroartemisinin has emerged and spread in Uganda

Significant variations in tolerance to clothianidin and pirimiphos-methyl in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus populations during a dramatic malaria resurgence despite sustained indoor residual spraying in Uganda

In Tororo, Uganda, An. funestus tolerated clothianidin-sprayed walls better than An. gambiae yet was killed on pirimiphos-methyl walls up to 7 months post-spray, implicating it in the malaria resurgence.

Highly multiplex molecular inversion probe panel in Plasmodium falciparum targeting common SNPs approximates whole genome sequencing assessments for selection and relatedness

The paper develops a targeted sequencing panel for Plasmodium falciparum that approximates whole genome sequencing for population genetics analyses.

Gametocyte production and transmission fitness of African and Asian Plasmodium falciparum isolates with differential susceptibility to artemisinins

This study compares gametocyte production and transmission fitness of ART-sensitive and ART-resistant P. falciparum isolates across multiple mosquito species.

Sensitive and modular amplicon sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum diversity and resistance for research and public health

The paper develops MAD4HatTeR, an amplicon sequencing panel and analysis pipeline for detecting Plasmodium falciparum diversity, resistance markers, and gene duplications/deletions, showing high sensitivity and reproducibility across settings.

The Impact of Antimalarial Resistance on the Genetic Structure of Plasmodium falciparum in the DRC

This study analyzes the genetic structure of Plasmodium falciparum in the DRC, identifying an east-west haplotype divide linked to antimalarial resistance and evidence of gene flow and selection pressures.