Progress in prevention and treatment of malaria

Malaria poses an enormous and growing threat to people living in or visiting the tropics, Here we discuss recent advances made in understanding the parasites that cause malaria, and how these relate to the ability to prevent and treat this infection. There is no vaccine ready for manufacture and distribution, and recent trials emphasize the need for a better understanding of immunity against malaria. In this regard, the accomplishment of transfecting Plasmodium falciparum opens many avenues of investigation. Recent large-scale studies offer convincing evidence that insecticide-impregnated bednets substantially reduce morbidity and mortality in hyper- to holoendemic areas. Such programmes may mitigate the malaria situation until effective vaccines become available.