Protection from Malaria with Radiation-Attenuated Parasites
Author Information
Author(s): Gerald Noel J. Majam, Victoria Mahajan, Babita Kozakai, Yukiko Kumar, Sanjai Kumar
Primary Institution: Division of Emerging Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
Hypothesis
Can radiation-attenuated blood-stage Plasmodium berghei parasites induce immunity against malaria?
Conclusion
A single immunization with radiation-attenuated blood-stage parasites effectively protects mice from severe malaria and experimental cerebral malaria.
Supporting Evidence
- A single high-dose immunization protected CD1 mice from severe disease.
- Immunization with 107 irradiated parasites resulted in a significant survival rate against experimental cerebral malaria.
- Parasite-specific antibody responses were observed in immunized mice.
Takeaway
Giving mice a special type of weakened malaria parasite helps them fight off the disease better, even if they get exposed to the real thing later.
Methodology
Mice were immunized with radiation-attenuated blood-stage parasites and then challenged with virulent parasites to assess protection.
Limitations
The study primarily used mouse models, which may not fully replicate human responses to malaria.
Participant Demographics
6–8 week old female C57BL/6 and Swiss-CD1 mice
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0003
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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