The study, published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association* (JAMA), highlights concerns over the drug’s decreasing effectiveness.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) raises concerns over the decreasing effectiveness of artemisinin in treating malaria. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) ‘gold standard’ treatment involves combining artemisinin with a partner drug to quickly eliminate malaria parasites, with the partner drug targeting any remaining parasites. However, the study found that some children in Africa have developed partial resistance to artemisinin, potentially undermining the efficacy of this combination therapy. This resistance, linked to genetic mutations, could have serious implications for malaria treatment strategies, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Study methodology
Scientists have raised concerns about growing artemisinin resistance in Africa, following a study showing that 11 children developed partial resistance to the drug. Published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association*, the study found genetic mutations in these children that allowed malaria parasites to evade the effects of artemisinin, a key treatment used in WHO’s standard malaria therapy.
Artemisinin resistance in Africa could change malaria treatment guidelines, especially for vulnerable children, warns Dr. Chandy John.
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, where millions of children continue to suffer from the disease. The development of artemisinin resistance could undermine years of progress in reducing malaria-related deaths and transmission.
Malaria expert Philip Rosenthal warns partial artemisinin resistance in Africa threatens control efforts, with researchers just beginning to understand it.
