Breath analysis revealing a map of Africa, symbolizing malaria detection.

Malaria Breathprints: Can Your Breath Reveal Infection?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores how breath analysis could revolutionize malaria detection, offering a non-invasive way to identify infections even before symptoms appear."

Efforts to control malaria rely on accurate diagnostic methods. While microscopy has been standard, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have become more common. RDTs, however, aren't sensitive enough to detect low levels of parasitemia, where infected individuals can still transmit the disease. Furthermore, the emergence of P. falciparum parasites with pfhrp2 gene deletions leads to false-negative RDT results, creating a need for new diagnostic tools.

Now, researchers are exploring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath as potential malaria biomarkers. Prior research indicated that thioether levels in the breath of volunteers infected with P. falciparum increase as the infection progresses. New research shows that thioethers have increasing patterns and their levels are significantly higher in P. falciparum-infected volunteers compared to healthy volunteers.

This article will explore how scientists are exploring malaria 'breathprints,' including the potential of VOCs like thioethers and terpenes, to revolutionize malaria detection and treatment strategies.

Decoding Malaria's Breath Signature: VOCs as Biomarkers

Breath analysis revealing a map of Africa, symbolizing malaria detection.

Researchers conducted controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) trials, infecting volunteers with P. falciparum and P. vivax to study their breath composition. They collected breath samples and analyzed them using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and quantify VOCs. The goal was to find specific VOCs that could reliably indicate malaria infection, even at low parasitemia levels.

The study revealed distinct patterns in VOCs linked to malaria infection:

Thioethers: These sulfur-containing compounds showed a cyclical increasing pattern in P. falciparum infections, with significantly higher levels compared to healthy individuals. This pattern wasn't observed in P. vivax infections, suggesting a unique link to the pathology of P. falciparum.
Terpenes: While thioethers were specific to P. falciparum, a set of terpenes increased significantly during P. vivax infections. Interestingly, some of these terpenes were also found in P. falciparum infections, suggesting they might be general indicators of malaria infection.

These findings highlight the potential of breath analysis for malaria diagnosis. Identifying specific VOCs associated with different malaria species could lead to non-invasive, early detection methods. However, the study also emphasizes the importance of considering the time of day when collecting breath samples, as VOC levels can fluctuate throughout the day.

The Future of Malaria Detection: Breath Tests on the Horizon?

The research demonstrates the promise of breath analysis for malaria diagnosis, offering a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. By identifying unique VOC 'breathprints' associated with different malaria species, scientists are paving the way for early detection methods that could revolutionize malaria control efforts.

The study highlights the importance of considering diurnal variations in VOC levels, emphasizing the need for standardized breath collection protocols. Further research is needed to validate these findings in field settings and larger populations.

While challenges remain, the potential of breath analysis to transform malaria diagnosis is undeniable. Imagine a future where a simple breath test can quickly and accurately detect malaria infection, enabling timely treatment and preventing further transmission. This research brings us one step closer to that reality.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1088/1752-7163/aadbbb, Alternate LINK

Title: Diurnal Variation In Expired Breath Volatiles In Malaria-Infected And Healthy Volunteers

Subject: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Journal: Journal of Breath Research

Publisher: IOP Publishing

Authors: Amalia Z Berna, James S Mccarthy, X Rosalind Wang, Michelle Michie, Florence G Bravo, Julie Cassells, Stephen C Trowell

Published: 2018-09-19

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main concept being explored in this research?

Scientists are investigating the potential of using breath analysis, specifically the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, as a method for diagnosing malaria. This approach, sometimes referred to as creating a 'breathprint,' aims to identify unique patterns of VOCs that are indicative of malaria infection. The method is non-invasive and could potentially replace traditional blood tests.

Why is this new method of malaria detection considered important?

The significance lies in its potential for early and non-invasive malaria detection. Standard methods like microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have limitations. Microscopy can be labor-intensive, and RDTs may miss infections with low parasitemia or produce false negatives due to factors such as pfhrp2 gene deletions. Breath analysis, by identifying specific VOCs such as thioethers and terpenes, offers the possibility of detecting malaria even before symptoms appear, thus improving treatment outcomes and helping to control the spread of the disease. Early detection facilitates prompt treatment and reduces the risk of transmission.

What specific substances are being investigated as potential indicators of malaria in breath analysis?

The research focuses on specific VOCs, including thioethers and terpenes. Thioethers were found to have increasing cyclical patterns in the breath of individuals infected with P. falciparum, showing significantly higher levels when compared to healthy volunteers. Terpenes, on the other hand, increased significantly during P. vivax infections, and some were also present in P. falciparum infections. These VOCs, acting as potential biomarkers, can be identified and quantified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The presence and concentration of these VOCs in breath samples could be used to detect and differentiate between different types of malaria infections.

How are scientists conducting this research to analyze breath for malaria?

Researchers conducted controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) trials, infecting volunteers with P. falciparum and P. vivax. Breath samples were collected and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and quantify VOCs. These experiments aimed to correlate the presence and levels of specific VOCs with the presence of malaria infection. The goal was to find VOCs that could reliably indicate malaria infection, even at low parasitemia levels.

What are the implications of this research for malaria treatment and control?

One implication of the research is the potential for improved malaria control and treatment. By providing a non-invasive method for early detection, breath analysis could facilitate timely treatment and reduce the spread of malaria. The ability to differentiate between different types of malaria, such as P. falciparum and P. vivax, would also be valuable for guiding treatment strategies. However, it's also crucial to consider factors like the time of day when collecting breath samples, as VOC levels can fluctuate, which may affect the accuracy of the breath analysis. Further research is necessary to refine the methods and validate their effectiveness in real-world settings.