Malaria
Malaria is preventable and curable
Malaria is an infectious disease that occurs when parasites enter the bloodstream through the bite of the malaria mosquito. An infection often results in shivers, fever, muscle aches and headaches. However, the risk of fatality increases if the disease remains untreated. Malaria is responsible for more than 400,000 deaths annually. Good preventive and therapeutic measures can stem this high number.
Researchers and scientists of ITM focus on multidisciplinary and innovative research to fight malaria. They study both malaria parasites and mosquitoes in the lab and their own environment. In addition, scientists try to improve effectiveness of disease control by focusing on new diagnostic rapid tests and the evaluation of treatment regimens. They also test new mosquito repellents.
Research portal
Explore the publications and projects of our researchers in the research portal of ITM.
News
All news-
Our newly opened clinical and experimental immunology laboratories will help us enhance research and education in both human and vector immunology. -
Press releases
ITM researchers prove anti-malarial drug to be also effective against another parasitic disease
Study published in Nature Medicine highlights promising treatment alternative for schistosomiasis -
Articles
A new era in malaria prevention?
Interview with ITM PhD alumnus and CRUN-researcher Dr H Magloire Natama -
A long read by our journalist-in-residence, Beth Karuana Mwai
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Sunday 25 April is World Malaria Day. The malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi, originally found in South Asian cities, is making its way to cities in the Horn of Africa.
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This is based on the findings of 100,000 sick travellers evaluated in 25 European specialist clinics between 1998 and 2018.
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This supports their hypothesis that the couple was infected by a malaria-carrying mosquito that arrived in Belgium via an airport.
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Articles
Kampenhout malaria research
ITM uses different scientific disciplines to carry out the investigation. -
Articles
Malaria cases on the rise in Belgium
In 2018, ITM recorded no less than 351 Belgians who contracted malaria while journeying abroad. The number of cases in Belgium has been creeping up for several years. -
New study is first to detect changes in the immune responses of newborns exposed to malaria in the womb
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ITM warns not to neglect preventive measures against malaria.
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Recently retired Prof. Marc Coosemans writes about malaria prevention on World Malaria Day (25 April)
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Efficient prevention of malaria in pregnancy may provide additional protection against malaria during the first year of life
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Study among ethnic minorities offers reference points for targeted interventions to eliminate malaria
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Scientists have recently warned about a very resistant type of malaria that is spreading quickly in Southeast Asia. ITM travel advice remains unchanged.
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25 April is World Malaria Day.
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25 April is World Malaria Day.
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Impact stories
Multidisciplinary contribution to the fight against malaria
Malaria is the most infamous tropical disease, which still claims more than half a million victims every year. The mosquito that transmits the parasitic disease is therefore the deadliest animal on Earth. -
The malaria mosquito is getting used to insecticides and therefore increasingly bites during the day and outside the home
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A four-year study shows four available antimalarial treatments are safe to use in pregnancy, providing sound scientific evidence on their use
