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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020, half the world’s population was at risk of malaria. It also maintained that most deaths due to Malaria affliction happened in sub-Saharan Africa
Billed as a major breakthrough, scientists have found a type of bacteria that could help tackle malaria. The discovery can have an immense benefit to the African continent, where malaria is a major ailment that affects people. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2020, half the world’s population was at risk of malaria. It also maintained that most deaths due to Malaria affliction happened in sub-Saharan Africa.
The discovery was made by researchers working at a laboratory in Tres Cantos in Madrid. They found that when a particular strain of bacteria is consumed by mosquitoes, it lowers the amount of infection carried by the insect, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting malaria. Scientists maintain that if one single bacteria can go into the gut of a mosquito, it can produce a metabolite that affects the viability of the eggs of the parasite. Since the mosquito does not sense an attack from the bacteria, it is less likely to become resistant. Also, the bacteria does not genetically modify the mosquito itself.
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https://trendsnafrica.com/who-approves-the-use-of-malaria-vaccine-in-africa/
The research was spearheaded by the Pharmaceutical giant, GSK. The scientists have nicknamed the bacteria ‘TC1’ after the name of the laboratory. However, scientists maintain that It will never lead to a complete solution to malaria. It can be another tool in the armour against the disease. Globally researchers are continuing to investigate ways of controlling malaria. GSK is now collaborating with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, to develop these bacteria for use against the disease. GSK sources point out that the research will take many years to complete.
