The Role of Microbiome in Malaria Transmission and Severity

Malaria is a public health concern, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Several malaria control programs to treat, control, and eradicate malaria have been implemented, however, more than 90% of malaria-related deaths in under five years occur in Africa. With the emergence and spread of artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum, global malaria control now focuses on vaccine development and a search for novel and efficient antimalarial drugs. Although current evidence shows host microbiota play a significant role in malaria transmission and disease severity, little attention has focused on advancing the understanding of the role played by microbiome in malaria infection and the pathogenesis of the disease.