ICMR initiates study on PF virus and mosquito genetics

Agartala, Jun 22 (UNI) The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated a study on Plasmodium falciparum (PF) virus and mosquito genetics in Tripura, in view of the mosquito menace here today.

Official sources said a six-member expert team, led by Deputy Director of Northeastern Regional Medical Research Centre of ICMR Dr Anil Prakash, collected samples and completed preliminary investigation in North, Dhalai and West Tripura districts and the work was going on in South Tripura.

Alarmed at the increasing incidents of malaria deaths in Tripura, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDC) had also conducted a comprehensive study on effectiveness of conventional medicines for malaria treatment.

Official sources said the NVBDC had assessed the effectiveness of first generation malaria drugs, following the categoraisation of Tripura as Chloroquine (Malaria drug) resistant some two years back by the Central Drug Research Institute and suggested prescription of Salpha Pyramethamine Combination - second generation anti-malaria drugs.

The sources added that the PF component present in Malaria had affected patients in the state and Chloroquine had already become inactive for long-sufferers. Consequently, new chemoprophylactic drugs had been suggested as an immediate measure.

Meanwhile, the state health department's study established that the climate of Tripura is conducive for malarial vectors like Anopheles minimus, Anopheles fluviatilis and Anopheles virus and a predominant and malignant malaria parasite, PF virus.

According to health experts, the people in the state had become resistant but outsiders were affected severely and they became malaria carriers, which spread the disease even to other parts of the country.

UNI