MALARIA
Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum)



Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) has the potential to infect more than 40% of the world's population! One-hundred countries are reported with endemic transmission. The annual incidence ranges from 300 to 500 million; and, this high morbidity proves to be a drain on economics. Current World Health Organization (WHO) estimates report 1.5-2.7 million deaths from malaria per year. Most of the victums are young (less than five years old) African children. Vaccines are highly unlikely due to antigenic variation and the parasite's resistance to drugs has proved to be a huge problem.


OrganismPlasmodium falciparum
At RiskMore than 40% of world population
(see map below)
Humans Infected300-500 million
Disease Outcome Often fatal in children and pregnant women
Vaccine ProspectsPoor due to antigenic variation
Available Drugs Chloroquine, Quinine/doxycycline, Mefloquine,
Pyrimethamine/Sulfadoxine,
Atovaquone/Proguanil, Artemether
Drug ResistanceDocumented


General Information: Medline, World Health Organization