Dr Leow Chiuan Herng, INFORMM USM
Dr Leow Chiuan Yee, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, USM
Malaria is a serious global health concern caused by five species of human Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most widespread and deadly. Effective diagnostic strategies are necessary for disease prevention and control, but technical issues such as the limited shelf life of capture and detecting antibody reagents have been documented. This problem is particularly significant for rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) deployed in remote tropical areas, as it could lead to inaccurate diagnoses and inappropriate drug use. Sharks produce an exceptional antibody called VNAR, which has a much longer CDR3 region than conventional antibodies, as well as an unusual cysteine content that contributes to its superior heat stability. SalamAB, or Shark Artificial Loops Advanced Monoclonal Antibody, is a trademarked antigen binder that can identify biomarkers associated with infectious diseases. SalamAB-malaria is a reagent designed to target malaria biomarker P. falciparum HRP2. This innovative single-domain antibody has excellent thermal stability, making it a valuable tool in malaria diagnostics. The outcome of this work could potentially provide a new solution for the current malaria diagnostic platform by allowing kits to be stored at room temperature and ensuring appropriate drug use in remote areas where traditional storage methods may not be feasible.
