New malaria vaccine blocks infection for over one year

                An experimental malaria vaccine protected adults from infection for more than a year in a clinical trial in US, an advance that may help control and eradicate the deadly disease. Researchers at the University of Maryland conducted the tests, which involved immunization and exposing adults to the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The PfSPZ vaccine, is composed of live, but weakened P falciparum sporozoites – the early developmental form of the parasite. “Malaria remains one of the most devastating diseases in the world, especially in Africa,” said Anthony S Fauci, director of US National Institute of Allergy and infectious Diseases. The phase 1 trial enrolled 101 adults aged 18 to 45 years who had never had malaria. Of these, 59 received PfSPZ vaccine; 32 served as controls. The results showed the Vaccine provided malaria protection for more than one year in 55% of people without prior malaria infection. In those individuals, the vaccine appeared to confer sterile protection, meaning the individuals would be protected and could not further transmit malaria.