Current opinion on an emergence of drug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum through genetic alterations |
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Authors: | Kondapalli Kasturi Donepudi Siva Mallika Seelam Jeevan Amos Pavithra Venkateshaiah KRS Sambasiva Rao |
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Institution: | Department of Biotechnology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India |
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Abstract: | The human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is one of the world''s most devastating pathogen. Its capability to regulate its
genes under various stages of its life cycle as well as under unfavourable environmental conditions has led to the development of
vaccine resistant strains. Similarly, under drug pressure it develops mutations in the target genes. These mutations confer mid and
high-level resistance to the antimalarial drugs. Increasing a resistance of malaria parasites to conventional antimalarial drugs is an
important factor contributing to the persistence of the disease as a major health threat. This article reviews current knowledge of
stage specific malarial targets, antimalarial drugs and the mutations that have led to the emergence of resistant strains. |
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Keywords: | Malaria Plasmodium falciparum Antimalarial drugs Mutations Stage specific protein targets |
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