Dishant P. answered • 02/22/24
Foreign Pharmacist with master's in Pharmacy
The emergence of resistance to artemisinin in malaria parasites is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors. One possible reason why resistance has only now started to develop is the widespread use of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) as first-line treatments for malaria. While artemisinin has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, the concentrated form used in ACTs has become the primary treatment for malaria globally only in recent decades.
The increased use of artemisinin-based drugs has put selective pressure on the malaria parasites, favoring the survival and proliferation of strains with genetic mutations that confer resistance to the drug. Additionally, factors such as improper use of antimalarial drugs, incomplete treatment regimens, substandard or counterfeit medications, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure have contributed to the development and spread of resistance.
Furthermore, the extensive travel and migration of people have facilitated the spread of drug-resistant malaria parasites across geographical regions. It's also important to note that the genetic adaptability of the malaria parasite, coupled with its ability to rapidly evolve and develop resistance mechanisms, has played a significant role in the emergence of artemisinin resistance.
In summary, while artemisinin has a long history of use in traditional medicine, the specific conditions and practices associated with modern drug usage, coupled with the biological characteristics of the malaria parasite, have contributed to the recent emergence of resistance to artemisinin-based therapies.
