Scientists construct genetic map for malaria parasites
09.10.2008 07:00
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
Scientists have sequenced the genomes of two of the parasites known to carry malaria, developments they hope will lead to improvements in vaccines and treatments for the deadly virus. In separate papers to be published in the Thursday issue of the journal Nature, two international groups of scientists said they have sequenced the genomes of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi, two of the parasites known to carry the infectious virus. The genome of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite most responsible for the spread of malaria to humans throughout the world, was sequenced in 2002, as was the genome of the mosquito that carries it to humans. Infected female mosquitoes carry the spores of the plasmodium group of parasites to humans. The spores collect in the human liver, multiply there, and then divide and enter red blood cells, where they quickly spread throughout the body. Malaria killed nearly one million people worldwide in 2006, according to a report from the World Health Organization published in September of this year. There were also an estimated 247 million cases of malaria in the world in 2006, according to the same report. Contracting malaria through Plasmodium vivax, which is responsible for from 25 to 40 per cent of the annual cases of malaria worldwide, seldom leads to death, the researchers said. But the disease is known to lie dormant in the liver for months and can recur long after the primary infection has cleared. The group of researchers studying it hope they will be able to compare its genetic sequence with that of the more deadly parasites to learn why the malaria it transmits is more benign. Plasmodium knowlesi is more known as a parasite for a primate called the kra monkey, but it has become more common in cases of human malaria in southeast Asia. The group of researchers studying it reported that some of the genetic sequences found in the parasite were also found in the host monkey, suggesting what they call "an unusual form of mimicry" which may be used to avoid detection. The other main malaria parasites known to infect humans, P. ovale and P. malariae, have yet to be sequenced. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksIN DEPTH: Malaria, the disease without bordersWorld leaders pledge nearly $3B to eradicate malariaGenetic map of deadly mosquito revealedGenetic secrets to malaria's resistance revealedExternal LinksNature(Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - links will open in new window) Health Headlines4 more products test positive for listeria at Maple Leaf's Toronto plantFour product tests at a Maple Leaf plant in Toronto have come up positive for listeria, the deli meat producer at the heart of a deadly nationwide listeriosis outbreak said Wednesday.Painkillers may reduce breast cancer risk: studyPainkillers such as Aspirin and ibuprofen may help reduce the risk of some breast cancers, but it's too soon to suggest taking the pills as a prevention strategy, according to a Canadian researcher who led the study.Chocolate coins sold in Canada tainted with melamineThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to eat, distribute or sell Sherwood brand Pirate's Gold milk chocolate coins imported from China.Honey to treat burns? SweetPutting honey on burns may help the wound heal faster, a review suggests.CFIA told to warn public about tainted meat days before advisoryToronto health officials told Canada's food inspection agency to warn the public several days before it announced a link between Maple Leaf deli meats and a deadly nationwide listeriosis outbreak, CBC News has learned. Health FeaturesIN DEPTHNobel PrizeFrom Alfred's willOct. 9, 1984 On This DayMissile protester defaces ConstitutionHEALTHPsychologyInside the endurance athlete's mindHEALTH CAREMapNursing homes across CanadaHEALTHTuberculosisAnatomy of a killerCHILD PSYCHOLOGYPoliticians' behaviourHow do we explain it to our kids?People who read this also read …
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