I am well aware of the prevalence and dangers of HIV-1, MDR-TB, and XDR-TB drug-resistant strains. This is the first time I've read about a drug-resistant malaria strain!


Spread of Malaria Strain Feared as Drug Loses Potency - NYTimes, 1/26/09

Apparently malaria drug resistance has occurred before. Hopefully, we can apply our knowledge to prevent the spread of this latest resistant strain. This would require combining the drug with another anti-malarial with a lower rate of decay, so that the second drug would kill any parasites remaining in the patient's body (because the strains are resistant to the first drug).

The Gates Foundation is helping Thailand and Cambodia start malaria containment programs, and the US government is setting up a malaria monitoring program in Burma.