Innovative Israeli malaria test sparks hope for saving millions worldwide

Israeli researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science near Tel Aviv have developed an innovative malaria test that could potentially save millions of human lives around the world. The testing method consists of a new protein designed to detect dormant so-called Plasmodium vivax parasites in malaria patients.

The new testing technique reportedly addresses up to 80% of all recurring malaria cases and has the potential to dramatically reduce the number of fatalities. 

Malaria is a serious disease that is spread through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquito. In 2023, there were around 263 million new malaria cases recorded worldwide. Some 3 billion people reside in malaria-infested regions, mostly in Africa, India, the Amazon region and South Asia.

The vast majority of the malaria fatalities are children under five years old in impoverished African countries with insufficient medical healthcare systems. 

Prof. Sarel Fleishman, who heads the Protein Design Laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science, explained how the malaria disease spreads worldwide. 

“Malaria is caused by five species of parasites from the Plasmodium family, transmitted through mosquito bites,” he explained. 

 “The most prevalent and deadly species in Africa is Plasmodium falciparum. This single-celled parasite is responsible for approximately 600,000 deaths annually, most of which occur in children under the age of five. Survivors often endure severe symptoms,” he continued. 

The parasite that causes malaria can often remain dormant in the liver for months without any visible symptoms. This means that there is a real risk of recurring cases with malaria. 

Fleishman explained the danger of a bitten individual transmitting the disease to other humans. 

“When an infected individual is bitten by an Anopheles mosquito, the parasite can be transmitted to another person, reigniting the chain of infection,” he warned. “This creates an ongoing cycle where previously treated patients continue to spread the disease, as the dormant parasite evades standard diagnostic tests. Currently, around 80% of malaria cases are due to such recurrences, making eradication incredibly challenging”

He said the new malaria test is a gamechanger and could potentially save countless lives worldwide. 

“This discovery enables the development of an antigen test – similar to home COVID-19 tests – that can detect the parasite’s presence by identifying antibodies in the blood,” the professor assessed.

“This has critical implications. Currently, drug treatments are halted as soon as symptoms subside. However, if a diagnostic test could confirm the parasite’s continued presence, treatment could be extended, preventing relapses and further transmission. Such a diagnostic tool has the potential to revolutionize global efforts to combat malaria and significantly aid in its eradication,” he predicted. 

Fleishman’s laboratory has become a global leader in the field of protein engineering. He revealed that the basis for the new malaria testing technique was developed years ago. 

“Several years ago, we developed tools to enhance protein stability without compromising their function,” Fleishman said. “We call these tools the ‘Protein Repair Garage."

He said that a reliable diagnostic test requires the binding of all nine antibodies. 

“For the diagnostic test to be reliable, the protein must retain its ability to bind all nine antibodies. This requirement significantly restricted the types of structural changes we could make. It was like solving a puzzle with one hand tied behind your back. By combining artificial intelligence and advanced physical modeling, we were able to make precise modifications to the protein while preserving its functionality,” he concluded.