A tribute to Ross

These genetic maps would give researchers and drug manufacturers a pathway to manipulate key genes to render the mosquito, and its piggyback rider, ineffective. The vulnerable genes could be targeted using designer molecules to upset the life cycle of the parasite; or new insecticides could be made to home in on the weak spots in the genetic makeup of the Anopheles gambiae, reducing its spread.

Indian researchers have done considerable work in trying to cap the malaria pandemic. Work at frontline centres like the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, have made some headway in the field. But now the research should be more focused since the genetic map of one of man’s deadliest enemies is available. Both the maps are now available in the public domain for researchers to mine the data on gene sequencing and then use their ingenuity to out-manoeuvre the parasite.

While fashioning new drugs against the parasite or its vector, efforts should be made to pool ideas and research findings, rather than allowing a situation where various institutions do the same work and arrive at the same conclusions — a game of oneupmanship that is common enough in India. Ideally, a nodal agency should break up the gene sequences into bits and distribute them to key institutes for focused study. The institutes in turn should network among themselves for the best results.

The nodal agency should then periodically review the progress in each institute and suggest mid-course corrections if needed and expedite the process within a specified time-frame. The goal — helping to rid the world of malaria — is a magnificent one. For India, it has particular significance. After all, the malaria parasite was discovered in a small hospital in Secunderabad, for which Sir Ronald Ross won the Nobel. It would be a fitting tribute to him, if India were to use the genetic maps and come up with a cost effective solution to tackle the dread disease.