Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
30 April 2013 11:53
Parasites which cause malaria, transmitted by mosquitos (pictured), have been found to be resistant to common treatments
Three distinct groups of the parasite which causes malaria have been found in new drug-resistant forms, scientists say. Genetically different parasites were identified in Cambodia, which were found to survive treatment by the common drug artemisinin. It is a stark reminder of the importance of having medical travel insurance.
Resistance to the drug was reported back in 2008 in the western area of the country and instances have since spread to other parts of south-east Asia. Parasites in the region have developed resistance to anti-malaria drugs since the 1950s and scientists have never been able to establish why this is the case. The worry now is that the same thing happens with artemisinin.
Scientists recently sequenced the genomes of 800 Plasmodium falciparum (parasites which cause the disease) found around the planet. They say they discovered three groups of parasites in the south-east Asia region which withstand anti-malaria drugs.
Lead researcher Olivo Miotto, who works at both Oxford University and Mahidol University in Thailand, said: "All the most effective drugs that we have had in the last few decades have been one by one rendered useless by the remarkable ability of this parasite to mutate and develop resistance. Artemisinin right now works very well. It is the best weapon we have against the disease and we need to keep it."
The research was published in the journal Nature Genetics.
28 July 2017
More than 200 centenarians are legally able to drive on UK roads at a time when the number of people living beyond 100 has reached record levels, official statistics have revealed.
[more...]
27 July 2017
Holidaymakers in the South of France have had to be evacuated after wildfires swept through parts of the region.
26 July 2017
Older dog owners have been given a boost with the news that walking their pets keeps them more active.
25 July 2017
Drinking alcohol can help people to recall recently learned information, says a new study.
22 July 2017
Experts have warned UK airspace is becoming 'exceptionally overcrowded' ahead of what was expected to be the busiest-ever day for air traffic controllers.
21 July 2017
Researchers have claimed that 1 in 3 dementia cases could be prevented were people to make certain changes to their lifestyles.
20 July 2017
A report has criticised survival rates in the UK for a number of cancers.
19 July 2017
A leading expert in health inequality has called for 'urgent investigation' after increases in life expectancy stalled in recent years.
18 July 2017
People following a so-called Mediterranean diet rich in oily fish, fresh vegetables and nuts have a lower risk of suffering dementia.
15 July 2017
If you often put in extra hours at work you may want to think again.
14 July 2017
Researchers have highlighted a link between tall men and aggressive cases of prostate cancer.
13 July 2017
More than three-quarters of long-term carers feel stressed by their role, according to a new report.