Review On Malaria Vaccines: The Panacea for Africa

Plasmodium speciesare protozoa parasites responsible for clinical manifestations associated with malaria. The most prevalent are P. falciparum (Africa), P. vivax (Americas), P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi. Malaria control in Africa has been an endless battle. Global mortality for malaria in 2020 was 627,000 deaths with a significant portion of these occurrences in little children resident in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nevertheless, medical breakthroughs in vaccine technology have shown recorded success in highly endemic regions of Africa. The most promising being RTS,S- ASO1, R 21, PFSPZ with the R21 meeting the 75% efficacy threshold set by WHO and the RTS,S endorsed for widespread administration in high transmission areas. The success of these vaccines is largely due to their Pre-erthrocytic, erythrocytic and liver stage mode of action against the parasite. The circumsporozoite proteins (CSP) which are the most secreted antigens from the sporozoite stage of the Plasmodium parasite is the ideal biomolecule to serve as focus for heightened immune alertness in the circulatory and hepatic systems of Man. CSP in conjunction with several adjuvants and proteins serve to maintain a significant antibody titre over a period of months post vaccination hence drastically reducing the chances of malaria associated morbidities or mortality. This feat perhaps heralds a glimmer of hope on the possibilities of malaria eradication when integrated control options are employed in the fight against malaria.