Microwaves can kill malaria parasites non-thermally

Abstract

Overview

Malaria, critically exacerbated post-SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, infected over 240 million and claimed approximately 600,000 lives in 2021 alone. The disease's resurgence underscores an urgent need for innovative treatments due to increasing parasite resistance and suboptimal vaccine efficacy.

Methodology and Key Findings

• This study engages with electromagnetic energy's effect on malaria, utilizing novel in vitro applicators generating microwave energy that selectively induces over 90% mortality in malaria parasites via programmed cell death, without harming mammalian cells.
• Key structures, namely the haemozoin-containing food vacuoles, were disrupted during exposure, implicating them in the parasites' demise.
• Detailed experimental analysis reveals calcium signaling pathways as pivotal in the microwave-induced effects, with protection offered by blockers like calmodulin and phosphoinositol.

Conclusion

The research elucidates complex interactions between electromagnetic fields and P. falciparum. It confirms the non-thermal nature of microwave effects and introduces an alternative technological method to tackle malaria's devastating impact.