The Plasmodium sporozoite survives RTS,S vaccination

Abstract

The outcome of the Phase IIb trial of RTS,S (a vaccine comprising the polypeptides RTS and S) in young Mozambican children consolidated hopes that effective vaccination against malaria is a step nearer, and even elicited a generous promise of commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the UK. However, it seems that both optimism and generosity should be moderated by the failure of this vaccine to induce meaningful protection against infection by Plasmodium falciparum and that we should await confirmation of its efficacy in diminishing the incidence of severe malaria.