Innovation Anthology #117: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Author, Family Guy
While malaria is no longer endemic in Canada, there are still about 400 cases diagnosed each year. That’s a result of people travelling to or immigrating from countries where malaria is prevalent.
The disease is caused by a parasite which is transmitted through mosquito bites. Untreated, it leads to death.
Malaria is usually detected by analyzing blood samples under the microscope. But now the Alberta Provincial Lab for Public Health has developed a new test.
This works on a molecular level, targeting the parasite’s DNA so technicians can identify which of four different species of parasite present are present According to project leader Dr. Stephanie Yanow, this will improve treatment for malaria patients.
DR. YANOW: It certainly would affect the particular type of anti-malarial that the patient would be treated with. Also certain species of malaria would stay hidden or tucked away in your liver and then they can come out and cause an infection sometimes up to 20 years later. So if we can actually detect that that species is present, then the clinician can treat for that particular type of malaria infection and prevent re-infection later on.
Dr. Yanow says the new DNA test will also improve public health surveillance of malaria across Canada.
FOR INNOVATION ANTHOLOGY, I’M CHERYL CROUCHER
Guest
W. Brett Wilson,
Prairie Merchant Corporation, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,
Sponsor
Program Date: 2008-03-18