- A recent study in Nature Reviews Microbiology reviewed malaria vaccines and their successes and failures, highlighting the global impact of the disease on vulnerable populations like pregnant individuals and young children.
- Malaria is caused by five Plasmodium species, with P. falciparum being the most deadly. The disease persists due to drug resistance and insecticide resistance among parasites and mosquitoes.
- Two licensed vaccines, R21 and RTS,S, have shown promise in reducing clinical malaria, with R21 displaying higher efficacy in phase 3 trials.
- Vaccine approaches target different stages of the parasite life cycle, including pre-erythrocyte and blood-stage vaccines.
- Future improvements in vaccine formulations, adjuvants, and administration strategies could enhance protection, decrease mortality rates, and pave the way for malaria eradication.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Pediatrics