Discovered two variants of resistance to malaria

The findings of German and African scientists published in the August 15 issue of Nature show they have discovered two gene variants that are resistant to malaria.

This finding is a scientific basis that explains why some people rarely suffer or never have severe malaria.

New gene variants were discovered after scientists compared the genetic structure of 1,325 falciparum malaria patients and 828 other healthy controls in Ghana, a West African country.

Malaria parasites are invading human red blood cells.

The first gene variant discovered in the gene is called ATP2B4 . This gene has the function of transporting calcium through the membrane of red blood cells, helping to prevent the infection of malaria parasites.

Meanwhile, the second gene variant is next to MARVELD3 , which helps control the outer layer protein of blood vessels. This gene plays an important role in reducing the damage to blood vessels when the red blood cells are trapped in small blood vessels.

The results of the study opened up new therapies for treating malignant malaria in humans, based on a comparison of genetic code analysis, finding small changes in patients, accurately diagnosing those with High risk of disease. Since then, it helps to find new special treatment drugs against falciparum malaria, one of the most dangerous forms of malaria.

Previous studies have also shown that people with blood type O, able to resist falciparum malaria very well. While people with sickle cell anemia, having sickle-shaped blood cells, are also resistant to the same disease.

Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that in 2010, up to 216 million people infected with malaria and about 655,000 people died, especially children in Africa. However, the world health experts believe that the number of deaths is twice that of WHO.