Some malaria parasites did develop a genetic mutation that made them resistant to the drug in early life, but this mutation later killed the parasites. (stock photo)

Mosquitos 'cannot pass on resistance to drug'

Resistance to a key malaria drug cannot be passed on by mosquitos, according to the results of a new study. Scientists say their discovery could dramatically improve the way we tackle the disease.

The research focuses on the drug atovaquone, which was introduced in 2000. It is safe for children and pregnant women, making it one of the few anti-malarials that can be used for mass administration, but it was phased out after resistance was observed.

New research published in the journal Science, suggests that some malaria parasites did develop a genetic mutation that made them resistant to the drug in early life. But, this mutation later killed the parasites by stopping production of an essential type of energy while they grew.

"These results are exciting because the spread of drug resistance is currently destroying our ability to control malaria," said one of the study's lead authors, Geoff McFadden, from the University of Melbourne.

"We now understand the particular genetic mutation that gave rise to drug resistance in some malaria parasite populations and how it eventually kills them in the mosquito, providing new targets for the development of drugs.

"So the development of drug resistance may not be a major problem if the resistance cannot spread, meaning the drug atovaquone could be more widely used in malaria control."

The international team of researchers say they are the first to follow drug resistant malaria parasites though their entire life cycle to find out what happens after resistance develops.

The next step is to look for the spread of resistance in field settings such as Kenya and Zambia. It is hoped that the development of cheaper generic forms of atovaquone will offer new hope for the treatment of malaria.