The recent leap of a study has shown the potential use of artificial light as a weapon against malaria. With predominantly 80% of the global population residing under artificially lit skies, the impact of such light has been evident in changing natural sleep cycles. This notion can be potentially harnessed to combat a life-threatening disease- malaria.
The Role of Light
Artificially lit skies might appear as a mere consequence of urban development, but it plays a significant role in regulating biological clocks. For instance, the everyday activities of various species, such as the breeding cycle in birds, hunting by lions, and even human sleep patterns, are influenced by light and darkness cycles. The consistency in day-night timing is primarily maintained due to the earth’s rotation. As life on earth has evolved with such routine cycles, a crucial hormone named Melatonin, found in both plants and animals, regulates these sleep-awake cycles.
The Impact of Artificial Light on Malaria
The impact of artificial light expands beyond disturbing natural cycles; it has shown potential to alter mosquito biology. Mosquito species “Anopheles,” which transmit malaria, traditionally feed at night. However, artificial light can trick these mosquitoes into behaving as if it’s daytime. Using short pulses of Light Emitting Diode (LED) light can delay the onset of biting by hours in these mosquitoes, reducing the overall biting rates and consequently, the transmission of malaria.
Potential Challenges with the Use of Artificial Light
Despite promising results, challenges remain. It is uncertain how artificial lights can be effectively utilized to reduce the risk of malaria infections. While the effects of artificial light have been displayed in laboratory settings, translating this into an effective vector control strategy can be daunting. Moreover, LED light can disrupt human sleep, indicating an adverse effect on human health.
The Malaria Threat
Malaria, caused by plasmodium parasites, is a mosquito-borne blood disease posing a significant threat to humans, predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. After entering the human body, the parasites multiply within liver cells before attacking the Red Blood Cells (RBCs). There are five parasite species responsible for causing malaria in humans, but Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax pose the most significant threat.
Symptoms and Cure for Malaria
Common symptoms of malaria include fever, flu-like illness, shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Although preventable, it is curable with the recent development of the RTS,S vaccine (lab initials), also known as Mosquirix. This vaccine reduces the risk of malaria by nearly 40%.
Global Scenario of Malaria
Globally, despite a decrease in total numbers, approximately 240 million cases and 600,000 deaths were recorded in 2020, with Africa, accounting for a staggering 94% of global cases and 96% of global deaths. Alarmingly, children aged five or under accounted for 80% of these deaths. Challenges of antimalarial drug resistance, specifically in East Africa, along with evolving insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, underscore an urgent need for improved vector control strategies.
The Way Forward
Before implementing artificial light in malaria prevention strategies, a comprehensive understanding of its impacts is required. Extensive research attention from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other relevant bodies, along with exploring new strategies, present a hopeful way forward in the ongoing war against malaria.
Malarial Vaccine Development Challenges
Developing an effective malarial vaccine has been challenging due to the Plasmodium parasite’s extraordinary ability to evade the immune system. To date, the RTS,S is the first and only vaccine to display partial protection against malaria in young children. Thus, understanding these factors is key to combat malaria effectively.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024