Preexisting Anemia Can Intensify Malaria Severity, New Study Shows

Recent research conducted by the University of Toledo highlights a concerning link between preexisting anemia and the progression of malaria. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Infection and Immunity, the study reveals that individuals with anemia are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe complications if infected by the malaria parasite.

Malaria, primarily caused by parasite invasion of red blood cells, is a major global health challenge, especially in endemic regions. Symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and headaches can escalate into life-threatening conditions, including organ damage and coma. While it is known that malaria can lead to anemia due to destruction of red blood cells, the new findings suggest that having anemia beforehand can worsen the disease’s impact.

The research team studied mice with two types of anemia—one from blood loss and another from red blood cell breakdown—and infected them with malaria. Results showed that anemic mice had higher parasite loads, more weight loss, and more liver damage compared to healthy mice. The increased presence of reticulocytes—immature red blood cells released during anemia—appears to be a key factor, as these cells are more susceptible to malaria infection.

Intriguingly, the researchers tested interventions to reduce reticulocyte levels. They provided blood transfusions from healthy mice and employed a monoclonal antibody targeting receptors on reticulocytes. Both treatments successfully lowered parasite levels and improved health outcomes, indicating potential new avenues for malaria treatment.

While blood transfusions are already used to treat malaria-associated anemia, their role in directly combating malaria warrants further exploration. The antibody approach, more targeted and effective in the study, could represent a groundbreaking therapeutic strategy, especially as the targeted antibodies are currently being studied for cancer treatments.

This research underscores the importance of addressing anemia in malaria-endemic areas, where nutritional deficiencies and preexisting anemia are prevalent. Targeting reticulocytes may offer a novel approach to reducing the severity of malaria infections, saving lives, and informing future treatment protocols.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-preexisting-anemia-malaria-worse.html