Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: Greg Ambrose on 19/08/2009 20:30:02

Title: How does anti-malarial drug resistance arise?
Post by: Greg Ambrose on 19/08/2009 20:30:02

Greg Ambrose  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Chris,

After reading an article in Science Now (Ground Zero for Malaria Drug Resistance?) I have a question about what is meant by: developing resistance. 

Does this mean that:

1: some of the parasites are resistant but most are not
2: the parasites can mount a defense, but not always fast enough
3: the parasites can mount a defense, but can still be overwhelmed by the total quantity of a drug.

Thanks,


Greg Ambrose,
Fairplay, Colorado

What do you think?

Title: How does anti-malarial drug resistance arise?
Post by: Nizzle on 20/08/2009 12:12:20

Probably the first option.
And developing means: 1 parasite got resistant, and now all his offspring too, and after some time (by means of evolutionary pressure), the resistant offspring will overcome the non-resistant parasites in numbers.