Chance discovery helps in ongoing fight against malaria

Scientists have identified a naturally occurring strain of bacteria which can help stop the transmission of malaria from mosquitoes to humans.

The bacteria was found by chance after a colony of mosquitoes in one experiment did not develop the malaria parasite.

The researchers say the bacteria could be a new tool for fighting one of the world’s oldest disease, which kills 600,000 people each year, and trials assessing its safety are currently taking place.

Scientists at a research facility in Spain made the discovery after noticing that a colony of mosquitoes being used for drug development had stopped carrying the disease.

Dr Janneth Rodrigues, who led the programme, said “The infection rate in the mosquitoes started dwindling and so by the end of the year the mosquitoes just would not be infected with the malaria parasite.”

Further studies revealed that a specific strain of bacteria – TC1 – which is naturally present in the environment, had stopped the development of the malaria parasites in the gut of the mosquitoes.

“One it colonises the mosquito, it lasts for the entire lifespan.  And we found out that, yes, it is the bacteria which was responsible for reducing the transmission in those mosquitoes.”

Gareth Jenkins, from the charity Malaria No More, said the new discovery was promising.

“Malaria kills a child every minute.  Significant progress has been made in reducing the global burden of malaria, but to get us back on track, we need new and innovative tools in the arsenal.

“With a strong innovation pipeline, it is possible to end the threat of malaria in our lifetimes.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s Legal 500 recommended West Yorkshire medical negligence solicitors, have over 20 years of experience and specialist expertise in medical negligence investigations and claims, supporting injured clients and their families through the legal process and helping them obtain answers, justice and compensation after life-changing events.  We have offices in Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Leeds, Bradford and Morley and represent clients locally and nationally.

If you or a relative have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence lawyers on the freephone number below or e-mail us.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 7382