Not of the same feather

Scientists have recently discovered that certain disorders do not seem to go well with malaria. One such finding shows that sickle cell anaemia patients are resistant to cerebral malaria.

Sickle cell anaemia is caused by a defective haemoglobin gene, designated Hbs, which deforms red blood cells (RBC) into sickle-shaped cells. It has been discovered that Hbs produces a condition that is unfavourable for the growth of malarial parasite in the RB(, by changing their viscosity.

In another study, a French scientist has discovered that malaria and AIDS may work against each other. These deadly ailments cannot be used to fight malaria, but these findings may provide some clues as to how it can be prevented.