Using Mendelian randomization to determine whether iron status is causally related to the risks of severe malaria and invasive bacterial infections in African children. (360G-Wellcome-110255_Z_15_Z)

£543,787

Iron deficiency is common and iron supplementation improves developmental outcomes in African children. Despite these benefits, it is uncertain whether improving iron status might increase the risks of malaria and invasive bacterial infections. Observational studies indicate that higher ferritin concentrations increase the risk of malaria, but it is unclear whether higher ferritin levels are a cause or a consequence of infection. Alternately, randomized controlled trials of iron supplementation have reported inconsistent effects and few trials have been sufficiently powered to assess the risks of severe malaria or bacteraemia. The aim of the project is to determine whether iron status is causally related to the risks of severe malaria and bacteraemia using Mendelian randomization. This approach requires two steps. The first step is to identify common genetic variants that alter iron status by conducting a genome-wide association study in 4870 children in 5 African countries. The second step is to assess whether inherited variation in iron status influences the risk of severe infection within large case-control studies of 7,589 severe malaria cases and 2,530 bacteraemia cases with similar numbers of controls. This project is achievable through collaboration. The findings of the project will be used to inform public health policy.

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Grant Details

Amount Awarded 543787
Applicant Surname Atkinson
Approval Committee Basic Science Interview Committee
Award Date 2015-11-11T00:00:00+00:00
Financial Year 2015/16
Grant Programme: Title Career Re-Entry Fellowship
Internal ID 110255/Z/15/Z
Lead Applicant Dr Sarah Atkinson
Partnership Value 543787
Planned Dates: End Date 2022-03-31T00:00:00+00:00
Planned Dates: Start Date 2016-09-01T00:00:00+00:00
Recipient Org: Country United Kingdom
Region South East
Sponsor(s) Prof Georg Holländer, Prof Thomas Williams