Weed linked to increasing incidences of malaria
By People Reporter, November 5, 2019Researchers at the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe) have isolated a highly aggressive and invasive weed that could increase cases of malaria in East Africa.
Known as the famine weed, Parthenium hysterophorus will cause serious trouble to farmers across the region through reduced crop yields and increased malaria incidences, according to the researchers
This is, especially serious for paddy rice growing farmers.
The study findings published in a recent issue of PLoS ONE journal indicates the weed can sustain malaria- transmitting mosquito Anopheles gambiae by extending its life even in the absence of a blood meal.
The weed is highly successful in its ability to adapt to harsh environments.
Researchers say the weed grows fast and is able to produce large amounts of seed in the soil.
The seeds are small and light and can be transmitted by a variety of medium over long distances — making it to spread over a wide area.
It has negative effects on livestock and humans in cultivated and pastoral lands, according to Prof Baldwyn Torto, Icipe lead scientist and the study author.
“The weed also produces a high toxic compound, which causes dermatitis, hay fever and asthma in people.
“It is poisonous to livestock, contaminating milk and meat of animals consuming it,” noted Prof Torto, adding that the weed is of serious concern to governments and research organisations in the East African region.
Researchers note that there is an urgent need to focus efforts on eradication of the weed, especially in malaria endemic areas.
“Invasive plants such as Parthenium can suppress or even replace other species that are less suitable for disease vectors and their spread could lead to higher diseases transmission,” sums Prof Torto.
— Mwangi Mumero