Malaria Control & Elimination

Mosquito-borne diseases pose significant public health challenges globally, affecting millions of people every year. Traditional methods of controlling mosquito populations, such as insecticides and physical barriers, have been effective to some extent but are often accompanied by environmental and health concerns. In recent years, there has been growing interest in utilizing biotechnological approaches, particularly leveraging the potential of microorganisms, to address this issue. This article explores the biotechnological potential of microorganisms for controlling mosquito populations and reducing vector competence, thereby contributing to the prevention and management of mosquito-borne diseases.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency presents a significant challenge in the treatment of vivax malaria, as the standard therapy, primaquine, can induce severe hemolysis in affected individuals. This review explores the current landscape of G6PD deficiency testing and its implications for radical cure treatment in vivax malaria. While traditional laboratory-based tests have been the gold standard, recent advancements in point-of-care testing offer rapid and accurate results, overcoming many barriers to accessibility. Technologies such as lateral flow assays and quantitative G6PD assays provide real-time insights into enzyme deficiency, aiding in personalized treatment decisions. Moreover, molecular diagnostics, including next-generation sequencing offer valuable genetic information for risk stratification and genetic counseling. Despite these advancements, challenges in implementing these technologies persist, particularly in resource-limited settings. Collaborative efforts are essential to address these challenges and optimize the management of vivax malaria in G6PD-deficient populations, contributing to global malaria elimination efforts.

Malaria remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, with an estimated 229 million cases and 409,000 deaths reported in 2019 alone. The causative agents, Plasmodium parasites, have developed resistance against commonly used antimalarial drugs, necessitating the search for novel therapeutic targets. Plasmodial transcription factors and chromatin modifiers have emerged as promising targets due to their crucial roles in gene regulation and parasite development. This article delves into the significance of these regulatory proteins and explores their potential as targets for the development of next-generation antimalarial drugs.