New Study: Malaria Infection May Cause Childhood Cancer
In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers from the United States have discovered how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum increases the risk of Burkitt lymphoma (BL), the most common type of childhood cancer. This finding brings new hope in understanding and potentially preventing this aggressive disease.
What is Burkitt Lymphoma?
Burkitt lymphoma is a fast-growing cancer that affects B cells, which are crucial parts of our immune system responsible for producing antibodies. Although rare worldwide, this cancer is much more common in certain regions, especially in equatorial Africa and New Guinea. Its occurrence in these areas is 10 times higher compared to other parts of the world.
Since 1958, scientists have suspected a link between malaria and Burkitt lymphoma. However, until now, the exact biological mechanism remained unclear.
Why Plasmodium falciparum Matters
Although five species of Plasmodium can infect humans, only Plasmodium falciparum has been found to have a strong connection to Burkitt lymphoma. This parasite is known for causing the most severe and deadly form of malaria.
Dr. Rosemary Rochford, Professor of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, stated that understanding malaria’s direct role in raising the risk of childhood cancer highlights the importance of controlling P. falciparum infections. According to her, efforts to reduce malaria cases could also help decrease the number of children developing Burkitt lymphoma.
The Role of a Key Enzyme: AID
The study, published in The Journal of Immunology, identified a significant rise in the levels of an enzyme called AID (Activation-Induced Cytidine Deaminase) in the B cells of children infected with P. falciparum.
Importantly, AID plays a crucial role in causing a genetic change known as MYC translocation. This mutation happens when DNA breaks off from one chromosome and attaches to another — a key step in the development of Burkitt lymphoma.
In other words, P. falciparum triggers an increase in AID, and this in turn makes it more likely for B cells to undergo genetic changes that lead to cancer.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers compared blood samples from children suffering from uncomplicated malaria to those from children without malaria.
(For clarity, uncomplicated malaria includes general symptoms like fever, chills, headache, nausea, and vomiting, without severe organ damage.)
They found that AID levels were not only higher in the malaria-infected group but were also fully functional — meaning the enzyme was actively capable of causing the DNA changes needed for cancer to develop.
What This Means for the Future
This discovery is important for two major reasons. First, it confirms that P. falciparum infection plays a direct role in the development of Burkitt lymphoma. Second, it highlights AID as a major factor in the disease process, not just for Burkitt lymphoma but possibly for other types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas as well.
As Dr. Rochford stated,
“This study strengthens the growing body of research showing the critical role of the AID enzyme in the development of Burkitt lymphoma and possibly other lymphomas.”
Conclusion
This new research offers crucial insights into how malaria can cause cancer in children. It also emphasizes the importance of malaria prevention efforts , not only to save lives from infection but also to reduce cancer risks in regions where malaria remains widespread.
Clearly, combating P. falciparum is now more important than ever, both for fighting malaria and for protecting children’s health worldwide.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
