New malaria blood test could aid vaccine development

Researchers have created a new blood test that detects antibodies in a person's immune system that can work against the sugar molecules on the malaria pathogen.

A team of ETH Zurich and Swiss Tropical Institute researchers found that adults living in areas of Africa where malaria is widespread contain specific antibodies against particular GPIs (malaria pathogen plasmodium falciparum), which contains poisonous sugar molecules.

However, Europeans often do not have these antibodies and cannot produce this natural resistance.

Furthermore, it is hoped that the findings of the research on natural resistance will help the development of a sugar-based malaria vaccine.

Professor Peter Seeberger, who led the team, said: "This evidence is another important step towards finding a malaria vaccine because we now know which antibodies protect adults."

According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund, malaria kills in the region of 3,000 children a day.

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