PARIS: A fortuitous finding by microbiologists may hold the key to combating malaria as they stumble upon a naturally occurring strain of bacteria with the potential to impede the transmission of the deadly disease from mosquitoes to humans. If harnessed, this breakthrough could become a novel tool in the fight against one of humanity’s oldest and deadliest diseases, which claims approximately 600,000 lives annually.
According to a report by BBC on Friday, researchers came across this significant development when a group of mosquitoes in an experiment unexpectedly remained free of the malaria parasite. The discovery was made during mosquito experimentation related to drug development at a Spanish research facility overseen by the GSK pharmaceutical company.
Further examination revealed a specific strain of bacteria, labeled TC1, naturally present in the environment, was responsible for halting the growth of malaria parasites within the mosquito’s gut, effectively curbing transmission. The bacterium, which endures throughout a mosquito’s lifespan, significantly reduces the parasite load by up to 73%.
Research to Combat Malaria
Scientists discovered that TC1 releases a molecule called Harmane, which hinders the early stages of malaria parasite development in the mosquito. Harmane can be ingested orally by the mosquito if mixed with sugar or absorbed through its cuticle upon contact.
Collaborating with Johns Hopkins University, the GSK team is now exploring the possibility of utilizing Harmane on surfaces where mosquitoes rest, thereby expanding its potential impact. Trials are currently underway at the MosquitoSphere research facility in Burkina Faso to assess the scalability and safety of implementing Harmane in real-world conditions.
Malaria remains a deadly threat, claiming the lives of approximately 620,000 people each year, with young children under five being the most vulnerable. While vaccines are in development, their deployment in Africa is still in the early stages.
Gareth Jenkins of Malaria No More expressed optimism about this accidental discovery, emphasizing the need for innovative tools to eradicate the persistent threat of malaria. He envisions the possibility of ending the menace of malaria within our lifetimes with the help of such groundbreaking research.
