Advances and Challenges in Transmission-Blocking Malaria Vaccine Development. A Systematic Review
Published: 2021-08-03
Page: 77-84
Issue: 2021 - Volume 4 [Issue 1]
Laura Nyawira Wangai
School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kutus, Kenya.
Shadrack Kimenju Kahiro *
Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenny Kimani Kamau
School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kutus, Kenya.
David Waweru Nderu
School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kutus, Kenya.
Immaculate Marwa Nyaiseba
School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kutus, Kenya.
David Butto Amarch
School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kutus, Kenya.
Mark Kilongosi Webale
School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kutus, Kenya.
Elly Munde
School of Health Sciences, Kirinyaga University, Kutus, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Malaria continues to cause enormous human suffering throughout most of the tropics and subtropics. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, it is estimated that about two million children die each year due to malaria. Vector control and malaria chemotherapy strategies that were previously effective in controlling and treating malaria, respectively, are now largely ineffective owing to the spread of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes and drug-resistant parasites. A vaccine targeting the sexual stages of the parasite and block transmission is needed to reinforce current malaria control and eradication efforts. Here, we review the status of malaria transmission-blocking vaccines. We focused on the efficacy, progress and development challenges of transmission-blocking vaccines. Pfs25 and Pfs48/45 are essentially the lead-candidates malaria transmission-blocking vaccine and should be studied further in clinical trials. Our review highlights the need to develop novel malaria elimination interventions, particularly an effective malaria vaccine with transmission-blocking activity.
Keywords: Malaria mosquitoes Pfs25 Pfs48/45 vaccines, drug-resistant parasites plasmodium