Protective mechanisms against malaria associated with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency : final scientific report

One approach is to follow natural defense mechanisms, which appear to exploit the parasite"s susceptibility to oxidant stress by favoring the buildup of reactive oxygen species (i.e., compounds) in the blood. In areas where malaria is endemic, such as certain parts of Africa, populations show a relatively high frequency of genetic variations which may, by allowing for greater buildup of these compounds in the blood, confer immunity upon their holder; one common variant is glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The research described in this report addressed three topics: (1) identifying and distinguishing different strains of plasmodium, which exhibit different antigenic responses; (2) studying the mechanisms through which oxidant stress inhibits or destroys malaria parasites; and (3) analyzing the action of three antimalarials, chloroquine, primaquine, and quinine, and in particular, whether the single electron redox reactions of these drugs are a factor in their antimalarial activity.