By Kate Kelland LONDON (Reuters) – Scientists have discovered genetic markers in malaria parasites linked to resistance to the key anti-malarial medicine piperaquine, and say their work could help doctors and health officials monitor and limit the spread of such resistance. In research published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, the team also said a simple test using blood taken from a finger pinprick could show whether a malaria patient has parasites with the genetic markers – allowing doctors to prescribe an alternative treatment. Resistance to piperaquine recently emerged in Cambodia and has led to the complete failure of malaria treatment there.
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Study finds gene markers for drug-resistant malaria in Cambodia
