Washington : Microorganisms in the gut could play a role in reducing the severity of malaria, according to a new study that could help develop new treatments for the deadly disease, reports PTI.
The researchers examined gut microbiomes of mice. They found that the severity of malaria is not only a function of the parasite or the host but also is influenced by the microbes in the infected organism.
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease, and those with the illness often experience fever, chills and flu-like symptoms. It may be fatal if left untreated. Malaria transmissions typically occur in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
“Unfortunately, we are still years away from an effective and easily administered malaria vaccine, and drug resistance is a growing concern,” said Nathan Schmidt, assistant professor at University of Louisville in US.
