Assessment of Biologic Parameters in Preparation for Future Malaria Vaccine Trials in Don gu Bougou, Mali

Doneguebougou, Mali, is an area of seasonal malaria transmission that is being investigated as a suitable site for testing investigational malaria vaccines. The overall goal of this study is to characterize the population of this site in terms of common hematologic and biochemistry parameters that may be used to determine eligibility for participation in vaccine trials, as well as in terms of preexisting medical conditions and preexisting immunity to potential malaria vaccine antigens, both of which might impact on the assessment of vaccine safety and efficacy. The development of high quality laboratory proficiency to assess these parameters in Mali will also be achieved by this study.