Genetics of host resistance in malaria

This project explores the genetic basis of human resistance to malaria. In collaboration with Prof. Richard Carter and Dr. Tom Williams we  introduced to the field of human disease epidemiology the statistical methodology developed by animal breeders in the 80's to address the question of how much host genetics contributes to the overall variation in malarial disease. This method uses information on all genetic relationships among study individuals rather than the restricted types of relationships usually used, e.g. twins, parent-offpsing. It is used to define the relative roles of human genetics and environmental factors in disease risk and is therefore important for defining research priorities. We are also studying the impact of host genetic resistance on the parasite population with Dr. Alex Rowe. With the Kilifi team of Tom Williams, we are mapping the spatial variation in malaria-resistant genotypes within the Kilifi District to see whether variable levels of malaria transmission intensity across geographic space have generated correspondingly different amounts of genetic resistance.

Collaborators: Dr. A. Rowe, Prof. R. Carter, Dr. T. Williams, Prof. R. Snow, Prof. K. Marsh, Prof. D. Walliker, Dr. H. Babiker.