Research report 2009 - Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology
Malaria: Why we need a vaccine
Authors
Matuschewski, Kai
Departments
Parasitologie ()
MPI für Infektionsbiologie, Berlin
Summary
Malaria infects more than 300 million people and kills about 1 - 2 million children annually. Vector control programs and impregnated bednets limit the spread of malaria, but are not effective in eliminating the disease in Africa. Therefore, a vaccine is urgently needed. Since the pathogen constantly hides from the host immune system, scientists need to design innovative immunization strategies.