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Research Activities

The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, a field station of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, and part of the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research
Unit (MORU) supported by Wellcome (UK), is dedicated to providing quality healthcare to marginalized populations residing along the Thailand-Myanmar border in the Mae Sot area, Tak Province.

This objective is accomplished through the dual activities of research and humanitarian services, with a particular focus on maternal-child health and infectious diseases. The unique combination of healthcare provision and research distinguishes SMRU's approach. Driven by clinical practice challenges, the research agenda encompasses both clinical and laboratory-based studies, all designed to address the needs of the population served.

central laboratories

Gloved hands holding a culture tube, 7/3/2024, SMRU Lab, Mae Ramat District© Saw Htee K Paung

Publications

Books on shelves© Saw Poe Christ

Scope of Research

Malaria Research

Pioneering Clinical Trials and Adoption of ACTs

SMRU has conducted several large clinical trials on malaria treatment since its establishment in 1986. Our research has led to the widespread adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as the global standard for malaria treatment.

Artemisinin Resistance and  P. falciparum  Elimination

SMRU has identified and confirmed the emergence of artemisinin resistance in the Thailand-Myanmar border region.

The unit is actively working on eliminating P. falciparum parasites resistant to ACTs.

Research Focus on Recent Malaria Resurgence

SMRU studies the biology, epidemiology, and drug resistance patterns of both Plasmodium falciparum and vivax parasites, particularly focusing on recent resurgence trends.

Current Randomized Controlled Trials

  • Evaluating the efficacy and safety of fixed-dose Triple Artemisinin Combination Therapy as a backup regimen for P. falciparum treatment.
  • Exploring the use of ACTs in combination with Tafenoquine for treating P. vivax mono-infection.
  • Assessing the efficacy and safety of higher-dose Tafenoquine for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Southeast Asia (SEADOT).

Strategies for P. vivax  Malaria Elimination

SMRU is actively developing strategies to eliminate P. vivax malaria

  • Exploring the potential of rolling out single-dose Tafenoquine at the community level.
  • Combining Tafenoquine with mass treatment of filariasis to deplete community hypnozoite reservoirs.
  • Leveraging the mosquitocidal effect of ivermectin to control mosquito vectors.

This highlights SMRU's multifaceted approach to malaria research, encompassing clinical trials, drug resistance monitoring, and innovative strategies for malaria control and elimination.

Other Infectious Diseases Research

SMRU investigates the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of other infectious diseases prevalent in the region, such as tuberculosis.

We conduct surveillance and outbreak investigations to monitor the spread of infectious diseases and inform public health responses, especially in underserved migrant or displaced populations.

We established the epidemiological baseline of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in understudied regions through the Rural Febrile Illness project, enabling the identification of cost-effective interventions to enhance healthcare capacity and delivery of patient care via existing community networks.