A breakthrough study published in the journal Nature has identified a new approach to combat malaria, targeting the parasite itself instead of the mosquitoes that spread it. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have developed a type of chemical compound that can be applied to insecticide-treated bed nets, killing the malaria-causing parasite in resistant mosquitoes.
The study found that when infected mosquitoes land on these treated netting materials, they absorb the treatment via their legs and are cured of their infections. The anti-malarial compounds, known as ELQs, were effective even in mosquitoes that were resistant to traditional insecticides.
According to Dr. Michael Riscoe, professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at OHSU School of Medicine, “The idea is the drug kills the parasites that cause malaria instead of the mosquitoes.” The researchers believe this approach could be a game-changer in reducing malaria transmission, particularly given the growing threat of insecticide resistance.
Malaria claims over 500,000 lives worldwide every year, and despite progress in recent years, it continues to pose a significant public health challenge. Insecticide-treated bed nets have been a crucial tool in preventing malaria, but their effectiveness is being undermined by increasing resistance.
The next step in the research is to test this strategy in the field with ELQ-impregnated bed nets later this year. If successful, it could significantly reduce the transmission of malaria and contribute to its eventual eradication.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-malaria-source-drug-nets-parasites.html