Artemisinin-resistant malaria as a global catastrophic biological threat

Emily Ricotta*, Jennifer Kwan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The global spread of artemisinin resistance brings with it the threat of incurable malaria. Already, this disease threatens over 219 million lives per year and causes 5–6% losses in GDP in endemic areas, even with current advances in prevention and treatment. This chapter discusses the currently tenuous position we are in globally, and the impact that could be seen if artemisinin treatment is lost, whether due to the unchecked spread of K13 mutations or poor global investment in treatment and prevention advances. Artemisinin is the backbone of current ACT treatment programs and severe malarial treatment; without it, the success of future malaria eradication programs will be in jeopardy.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCurrent Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
PublisherSpringer
Pages33-57
Number of pages25
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameCurrent Topics in Microbiology and Immunology
Volume424
ISSN (Print)0070-217X
ISSN (Electronic)2196-9965

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