ANTIMALARIAL TRANSMISSION-BLOCKING VACCINES

Aspects of the current status of development of antimalarial, transmis sion-blocking (TB) vaccines are reviewed in relation to the biology of malaria transmission and the potential impact of such vaccines in end emic populations. It is proposed that the impact of TB vaccines upon p opulations will be no less than that of the successful and widely impl emented strategies of impregnated bednets and insecticidal sprays. Add itionally, it is suggested that the observed lack of polymorphism in m any TB target antigens should promote their adoption, in combination w ith other vaccine components targeted at more polymorphic, asexual-sta ge antigens, in a polyvalent vaccine or in combination with chemothera py campaigns. It is recommended that TB vaccines should be considered not only for vaccination of those in endemic countries but also for tr avellers, to reduce the possibility of malaria being exported from end emic countries to the expanding number of nations in which malaria cou ld be transmitted by local vectors.