“Silent” malaria infections that were once thought to be beneficial could be damaging peoples’ immunity systems, new research has found.
The study, led by Monash University’s Professor Diana Hansen, focused on plasmodium vivax, the most widespread malaria parasite internationally.
People in malaria-endemic regions often carry the parasite without showing symptoms, in what’s been dubbed a “silent infection”.
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These were traditionally perceived as beneficial, helping boost immunity and prevent future illness.
However, findings from Hansen and her colleagues now suggest these sub-clinical infections might damage the immune system.
The team analysed blood samples from people with both symptomatic and asymptomatic P. vivax infections.
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They found that both groups showed signs of immune dysfunction, particularly in monocytes – cells that play a key role in fighting infections.
In symptomatic cases, monocyte-related genes were strongly suppressed, and critical immune cells were depleted. Even in asymptomatic individuals, gene activity linked to monocyte function and inflammation was disrupted.
The study, published in EMBO Molecular Systems Biology, also identified increased activity in anti-inflammatory pathways and immune checkpoint receptors, further suggesting that the immune system is actively suppressed during infection.
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“Even without symptoms, the infection can suppress key immune functions, potentially reducing the body’s ability to eliminate the parasite, fight off other diseases, or respond effectively to vaccines,” Hansen said.
She said the findings made a compelling case for rethinking public health strategies in malaria zones.
“Sub-clinical infections may be silently undermining immune protection, and addressing them could be crucial for both individual and community health,” she said.
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