Scientists have just isolated a new strain of the Malaria parasite that is resistant to one of the newest drug against the disease, Artemisinin. This new strain was isolated in Cambodia, and is genetically different from other strains that can be found in different parts of the world.
Artemisinin is considered a potent attack compound against malaria, one that had offered new hope in the battle against the disease.
The finding of resistant cases first came to researchers' attention in 2008. Since then cases have been reported in other countries in the south east of Asia.
The chief researcher at the University of Oxford, Prof Olivo Miotto, has said that he is very concerned because "all the most effective drugs that we had in the last few decades have been one by one rendered useless by the remarkable ability of this parasite to mutate and develop resistance."
Western Cambodia has always been ground zero when it comes to malaria resistance This fact, unfortunately, is something that has baffled scientists. And as the parasite in that locale gains strength and resistance, so do the neighboring countries.
Artemisinin is in use in many parts of the world, and can usually tackle the infection in a few days, especially if is used concomitantly with other medicines.
What is astounding scientists too, is the fact that the parasites in certain parts of Cambodia seem to have formed new populations, which are not seen anywhere else. And Prof Miotto says that they have no clues as to how the genetic mutation occurred.
According to the WHO, world health organization, there are 219 million cases of malaria each year world wide, and 660,000 deaths. 90% of all malaria deaths however, occur in Africa.
Source : BBC 4.29.13
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