Revolutionary Malaria Tests Have Unexpected Downsides
Despite rapid tests, health workers undertreat malaria – and overuse antibiotics – a big new study shows
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With the availability of a simple test to detect malaria and a therapy to treat it effectively, the disease should no longer be a major public health issue. In fact, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have revolutionized malaria treatment in poor areas of Africa and South Asia. However, a meta-study reveals undesirable effects that accompany the benefits. Leslie Roberts, a deputy news editor at Science Magazine, discusses the underlying issues, points out the needs, and cites medical experts. getAbstract recommends this article to anyone interested in public health issues.
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About the Author
Leslie Roberts is a deputy news editor at Science Magazine where she supervises the biology writing team. Her recent articles focus on infectious diseases in poor countries.
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