Rodent study shows potential for development of more virulent malaria if 'leaky' vaccine used

Using a rodent model to examine the long-term effects of a potential malaria vaccine, a new study published in PLoS Biology by researchers at Penn State University shows that the vaccine could lead to the development of more virulent forms of malaria, the PLoS blog "Biologue" reports (Gross, 7/31). "Vicki Barclay, the study's lead author, said it shows a need to track the long-term impact of any malaria vaccine, especially since any such vaccine is expected to be 'leaky' -- meaning it won't offer complete protection, and the disease will continue to spread, albeit at a slower rate," CNN's "The Chart" writes. "Researchers working with the leading candidate vaccine immediately questioned [the study], saying they've seen no sign of dangerous changes as a result of their work," the blog continues (Hellerman, 8/1).