Book Description

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by parasitic protozoa that belong to the genus Plasmodium. This disease imposes a significant global health burden, claiming the lives of several thousand children and pregnant women each day. Increasing antimalarial drug resistance and the complexity of the Plasmodium life cycle, among other factors, have made eradication difficult. Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine examines the biology, pathology, and epidemiology of malaria, as well as ongoing efforts to treat infections and manage their spread. Contributors discuss the Plasmodium life cycle, focusing on the molecular mechanisms by which the various parasitic stages induce clinical symptoms, interact with the immune system, and lead to further transmission of malaria. They also explore topics such as the interaction between mosquito reproduction and Plasmodium development, epigenetic regulation of malaria-associated genes, and unique features of malaria in pregnant women (e.g., parity-dependent susceptibility) and describe how an improved understanding of these phenomena may lead to novel intervention strategies. The driving forces behind antimalarial drug resistance are covered, as is progress in developing an effective vaccine and controlling mosquito populations. This volume is therefore an essential reference for all scientists, clinicians, and public health professionals interested in understanding malaria and reducing its devastating effects.