May 27, 2010
![](https://onehealthtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/klein.smith_.etal_.2008.clinicallyimmunehostsasrefugefordrug-sensitivemalariaparasites_7-1.gif)
The Question
How does immunity affect malaria transmission and the development of antimalarial drug resistance?
What we found
Resistant parasites have a lower fitness than drug-sensitive parasites in clinically immune hosts.
Why it matters
Resistance is more likely to develop in low-transmission settings, as fewer hosts develop immunity to malaria parasites in these areas. Malaria control policies should consider immunity, particularly in lower-transmission areas.
Code
The code for the models can be found freely available at: Github