A New Way to Stop Malaria Parasites
Mosquito bites are commonly regarded as an inconvenience, as they are itchy, red, and can cause discomfort for 2-3 weeks. However, in certain parts of sub-Saharan Africa, mosquito bites are more than a week-long nuisance. Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease spread to humans by certain mosquitoes prevalent in the region. The most common early signs of malaria after a mosquito bite are fever, headache, and chills, and you should be on the lookout for these symptoms 10-15 days after you get bitten.
While malaria is a serious disease, it also is a pathway for parasites to be passed from mosquitoes to humans.The main parasite is Plasmodium falciparum, according to the Sanger Institute, and these parasites can then be passed from one person to another, via other mosquitoes.
While malaria is a serious disease, it also is a pathway for parasites to be passed from mosquitoes to humans.The main parasite is Plasmodium falciparum, according to the Sanger Institute, and these parasites can then be passed from one person to another, via other mosquitoes.
This is an image from a microscope that shows Plasmodium falciparum invading cells. The parasites are the small, dark purple rings.
Image Source: Steven Glenn
While malaria vaccines are available, these vaccines are not able to fully eliminate the parasite. Those who are infected with the parasite can either be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic means that people who are infected with the parasite will show signs of having the parasite such as fever, nausea, and in severe cases, major organ failure. When individuals are symptomatic, they can get appropriate treatment, preventing the parasite from being passed to another person. However, individuals who are asymptomatic show no signs of infection, making it more likely for mosquitoes to transmit the parasite to others.
New research from Canadian researchers shows promise of a vaccine that can target cellular proteins to stop parasite transmission from mosquitoes to humans. Parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum rely on these proteins to enter red blood cells and spread within the human body. Two cellular proteins, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, have shown promise in blocking the parasite from entering human cells and spreading throughout the body. Researchers are hopeful that they can combine the properties that block parasites from entering cells from both proteins to make one complete vaccine against malaria.
There is still more research to be done on this vaccine, and more efforts are being made in rural areas where malaria is common to increase access to treatments. According to this research abstract published in the National Library of Medicine, community health workers and shop owners are important in increasing access to treatment.
New research from Canadian researchers shows promise of a vaccine that can target cellular proteins to stop parasite transmission from mosquitoes to humans. Parasites such as Plasmodium falciparum rely on these proteins to enter red blood cells and spread within the human body. Two cellular proteins, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, have shown promise in blocking the parasite from entering human cells and spreading throughout the body. Researchers are hopeful that they can combine the properties that block parasites from entering cells from both proteins to make one complete vaccine against malaria.
There is still more research to be done on this vaccine, and more efforts are being made in rural areas where malaria is common to increase access to treatments. According to this research abstract published in the National Library of Medicine, community health workers and shop owners are important in increasing access to treatment.
Featured Image Source: Quimono
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