Australian scientists make important finding in malaria research 2 February 2010 Scientific researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne have found a group of proteins that could be used in the development of an effective vaccine against the blood-stage of malaria. An infection of the blood cells transmitted by mosquitoes, malaria is a leading cause of death and disease around the world, particularly in children. Currently, there is no vaccine available. The most common form of malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which burrows into red blood cells by producing specific proteins. The Australian researchers have identified these proteins. Dr James Beeson, from the research team, said “a malaria vaccine that stimulates an efficient immune response against the proteins that malaria parasites use to burrow into red blood cells would stop the parasite from replicating and prevent severe illness.” He added that vaccines are urgently needed to reduce the burden of malaria. The Australian scientists’ findings have just been published in the international journal, PLoS Medicine. More information |