New tool could help stop malaria spread by reading Parasite's mind

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age: ≥ 1 year * Willing and able to provide written informed consent (or assent for minors with written informed consent by parent(s) and/or guardian(s). Pilot: -symptomatic for P. falciparum -/Travel to P. falciparum endemic area within the last month WP1: * Resident in Nanoro district * non-symptomatic individuals WP2: * Positive for P. falciparum infection via Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) * Age: ≥ 1 and ≤ 12 years * Patients are included when suspected of the following conditions: I. Severe malaria by infection with P. falciparum is defined in the presence of P. falciparum asexual parasitemia, and as one or more of the following: 1. Impaired consciousness: A Blantyre coma score \< 3 (when patients are ≤ 6 years) or Glasgow coma score \< 10 (when patients are ≥ 6 years). 2. Prostration: Generalized weakness so that the person is unable to sit, stand or walk without assistance. 3. Multiple convulsions: More than two episodes within 24 hours. 4. Clinical manifestation of respiratory distress (e.g., rapid, deep and labored breathing). 5. Diagnosis through exclusion: absence of an identified alternative cause. II. Uncomplicated malaria by infection with P. falciparum is defined as a patient who presents with lethargic profile (e.g. fever) and a positive parasitological test for P. falciparum, but with no features of severe malaria. Exclusion Criteria: * Delayed developmental status or history of chronic illness * Participation in another study * Previous malaria treatment or prophylaxis in the last week * Inability or unwillingness of the parents or guardians to provide informed consent WP1: * Symptoms of malaria, as defined by presence of fever (body temperature \>37.5 °C or history of fever during the past 48 hours) with a positive RDT (RDT are performed always when there is presence of fever) * Any plans to leave the study are in the coming 10 days WP2: * Severe anemia (will be determined via clinical examination), since blood samples can hardly be withdrawn, co-morbidities. * A questionnaire will be used during the clinical assessment that addresses following exclusion criteria: x Antimalarial drug treatment or other medication during the past week x If the patient had a meal within 4 hours before admission x Patients with acute meningitis (as clinically evaluated according to the local guidelines) x Patients with developmental delay or history of chronic illness x Vaccination during the past week