Host Immune and Metabolic Determinants of Sexual Conversion in Plasmodium Parasites IMMETASEX

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coming 10 days WP2: * Severe anemia (will be determined via clinical examination), since blood samples can hardly be withdrawn, co-morbidities.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