Malaria
remains one of the few diseases those continue to scourge human
civilization despite the significant advances in disease control
strategies over the last century. Malaria is responsible for more than 500 million cases and 1–3 million deaths annually. Approximately 85% of
these deaths are among children, mostly in Africa, primarily due to P.
falciparum. Whole cell vaccines, irradiated sporozoites and genetically
attenuated sporozoites have demonstrated long lasting, sterile
protection against plasmodium infection in animal and experimental
clinical studies. Atypical membrane protein 1 and merozoite surface
protein 1 are the two most extensively studied asexual blood stage
vaccine candidates. The most promising candidate vaccine under
development is RTS, S combined with AS01 adjuvant. Initial results from
phase III trials of this candidate vaccine show 50% reduction of malaria
in 5–17 mo aged children during the 12 mo after vaccination. WHO
anticipates that the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine will be recommended for the 6–14
week age group for co-administration together with other vaccines as
part of routine immunization programs in malaria endemic countries.
Malaria vaccine could play an important role in elimination and eventual
eradication of malaria.
