Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Medical Science and Health, Issue: Malaria Vaccine.
Context:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is developing a novel chimeric malaria vaccine candidate AdFalciVax to combat Plasmodium falciparum.
Key Takeaways:
About AdFalciVax Vaccine:
Dual-Stage Targeting of Plasmodium falciparum (Deadliest malaria parasite Species):
- Unlike existing vaccines that target only one life stage, it targets two critical stages in parasite’s lifecycle i.e.
- Pre-erythrocytic (liver) stage
- Transmission (sexual) stage
- Recombinant Chimeric Vaccine: A “chimeric” vaccine refers to vaccine that combines antigens from different stages of a parasite’s life cycle into a single immunogen.
- Recombinant DNA technology is a process where DNA molecules from different sources are combined to create a new DNA sequence.
- Indigenous Development: It marks India’s entry into the global league of advanced malaria vaccine R&D.
| About Malaria: Life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and does not spread from person to person. Malaria mostly spreads to people through bites of some infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Geographical prevalence: Mostly found in tropical countries. Five Plasmodium species cause malaria in humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. knowlesi |
Why is this development significant?
- Global Impact of Malaria: Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by mosquitoes, causing symptoms like fever, chills, and potentially leading to severe complications and death. It claims approximately 400,000 lives annually, primarily in Africa.
- Limited Success of Existing Vaccines: While two vaccines (RTS,S and R21) have been approved, their efficacy is relatively low (around 75%).
- Hope for a More Effective Vaccine: ICMR’s AdFalciVax offers new hope due to its unique approach and potential for higher efficacy and longer-lasting protection.
Advantages and Conditions of AdFalciVax:
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