Experimental infection and protection against ... - TI Pharma

Introduction 9
Malaria
Malaria is one of the world's most common infectious diseases with an annual
225 million cases leading to an estimated 655 000 deaths in 2010, mainly among
young children. Malaria morbidity and mortality is particularly severe in Sub-
Saharan Africa, where 91% of deaths occur [1](Figure 1).
Figure 1. Malaria, countries or areas at risk for transmission, 2010.
www.who.int/malaria
Malaria is responsible for an enormous economic burden due to medical
expenses, missed education and lost productivity. It has been estimated that the
GDP of countries endemic for malaria grows at 1.3% per year slower than
countries which are malaria-free, even after other factors such as initial income
level, overall health and tropical location are taken into account [2]. Moreover,
in highly endemic settings up to 50% of low birth weight (LBW) deliveries can be
attributed to malaria in pregnancy, leading to approximately 100 000 infant
deaths annually [3].
Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) is the malaria parasite species responsible for
almost all global malaria deaths. It is one of five human malaria parasite species
transmitted by the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. A clinical Pf infection
in humans is characterised by non-specific symptoms such as fever, headache,
myalgia, fatigue and abdominal discomfort. Neurological deficits such as coma
or convulsions and severe anemia are signs of severe disease and have high
mortality rates [4]. Plasmodium vivax, ovale, malariae and knowlesi cause a