Summary
23 May 2014
A group of children in Africa who are naturally immune to malaria are helping scientists to develop a new vaccine. The US team published the results of their research in the journal Science.
Reporter:
Rebecca Morelle
Further tests in primates and humans are needed
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Report
In an area of Tanzania where malaria is rife, scientists have found a small group of children who are naturally resistant to the disease. Tests revealed that their immune system produces an antibody that attacks the malaria-causing parasite.
It traps the tiny organism in red blood cells, preventing it from bursting out and spreading throughout the body. The team found that injecting a form of this antibody into mice protected the animals from malaria.
The scientists say the results are encouraging but further trials in primates and humans are needed to fully assess the vaccine's promise.
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Vocabulary
- rife
something unpleasant which is common
- resistant
not affected or harmed by an illness
- parasite
living thing which lives inside other larger living things and uses them for food
- bursting out
breaking open and leaving; escaping
- injecting
putting liquid inside a body using a needle
- trials
tests
- assess
decide the importance (of something)
