Malaria is particularly deadly because the parasites that carry it battle other infections for survival, Edinburgh University scientists have claimed.
The scientists found the malaria parasites focus on producing cells that replicate quickly to cause infection, rather than cells capable of being taken up by a feeding mosquito and spreading the disease.
Since malaria infections usually consist of multiple, competing strains of the parasite, this attack strategy is the best way to beat the competition, the scientists said.
About Mosquito Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, filaria, dengue, etc are common in places conducive of mosquito breeding. Swamps, ponds and stagnated drainage provide optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, filaria, dengue, etc are common in places conducive of mosquito breeding. Swamps, ponds and stagnated drainage provide optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
"We found that when parasites compete with each other, they respond with a sophisticated strategy to safeguard their long-term survival," the BBC quoted Laura Pollitt of Edinburgh University's school of biological sciences, as saying.
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Malaria can be Controlled With Intermittent Drug Treatment
Intermittent preventive treatment along with use of bednets during sleep hours proved to be helpful in controlling malaria.
Intermittent preventive treatment along with use of bednets during sleep hours proved to be helpful in controlling malaria.
The research has been published in the American Naturalist.
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Malaria Concerns on a High Due to New Mosquito in Africa
A new mosquito in the west African nation of Burkina Faso has been discovered by researchers.
A new mosquito in the west African nation of Burkina Faso has been discovered by researchers.
