LAMP to Detect Malaria in Pregnancy (LAMPREG)

In 2015, there were approximately 212 million malaria cases and an estimated 429,000 malaria deaths globally. The sub-Saharan region experienced around 92% of these deaths. Mortality is concentrated around several high-risk groups, including pregnant women and infants. According to the WHO, in Africa, 30 million women living in malaria-endemic areas become pregnant each year. Up to 200,000 newborn deaths each year result from malaria in pregnancy. Diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy is limited by poor sensitivity of existing methods like microscopy. Malaria, particularly due to P. falciparum, in pregnant women increases the risk of maternal death, miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death. Our technology uses a method called loop mediated amplification (LAMP) which is easy-to-perform and cheaper than other molecular methods. In preliminary data, we have shown LAMP to be up to 30% more sensitive than current tools. We are now performing studies to quantify the effect on mother and child at birth. Specifically, by actively detecting malaria using LAMP in pregnant mothers, we hope to triple the number of mothers detected with malaria and improve newborn anemia and birth weight.