Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
3
MOLECULAR DESIGN
OF RECOMBINANT MALARIA
VACCINES EXPRESSED
BY Pichia pastoris
David L. Narum
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Malaria continues to threaten human health and economic development within tropical
countries. Malaria-related death rates have doubled over the past 30 years with an annual
death rate of 1-2 million people, mostly children younger than 5 years of age from
sub-Saharan Africa [1]. More than 40% of the world's population is at risk of getting
infected.Malaria is a disease caused by the infection of a protozoan parasite from the genus
Plasmodium, which is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. Themost severe form
of the disease is caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Common clinical manifestations of
malaria due to the presence of parasites infecting erythrocytes are episodes of chills, fever,
and sweating. Other symptoms include headache, malaise, fatigue, and body aches.
Depending on the immunological status of the individual, infection can lead to severe
anemia, kidney failure, or cerebral malaria (coma), and ultimately to death.
Current efforts to control malaria include use of drugs for treatment of the clinical
disease as well as insecticides for treating human dwellings and more recently bednets.
The use of insecticide-treated bednets has had a significant impact on reducing child
mortality [2]. The widespread use of antimalarial drugs has led to the development of
significant drug resistance, which has limited control efforts. Current treatment regimens
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