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Background


The parasite

The malaria parasite is one of our most pernicious enemies, evading the immune system and rapidly acquiring resistance to the drugs designed to kill it. Explore research into the parasite genes, which make it so deadly, and into the latest drugs designed to combat the parasite's threat.

Background

Image for Four species of Plasmodium
There are over 120 species of the parasite genus Plasmodium, but only four of these infect humans to cause malaria. 25/04/06
Image for Plasmodium falciparum
The Plasmodium falciparum parasite causes the most severe form of malaria, and is found in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. 25/04/06
Plasmodium falciparum is thought to have evolved about 7000 years ago, the era of the dawn of agriculture in Africa.
               
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