What is malaria?
Malaria is a serious infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. There are five species of Plasmodium , but two of them, P. falciparum and P. vivax , are the most dangerous and responsible for most severe cases and deaths.
Because the parasite lives in red blood cells, malaria can also be transmitted by:
- Contaminated blood transfusions.
- Sharing infected needles or syringes.
- From mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth (congenital malaria).
Symptoms of malaria
Early symptoms of malaria may resemble flu and often include:
✅ High fever and chills.
✅ Excessive sweating.
✅ Headache and muscle pain.
✅ Nausea, vomiting and fatigue.
If not treated in time, malaria can develop into more serious forms, affecting vital organs and putting lives at risk.
Diagnosis and conventional treatment of malaria
To confirm malaria, parasite-based diagnostic tests , such as blood examination with microscopy or rapid detection tests, should be performed.
Antimalarial drugs
The treatment of malaria is based on antimalarial drugs , which attack the parasite at different stages of its life cycle. Some of the most commonly used are:
- Chloroquine : Acts on the blood phase of the parasite.
- Primaquine : Eliminates latent forms in the liver.
- Artemisinin-based combinations (ACTs) : These are the standard treatment recommended by the WHO.
For prevention, the Mosquirix vaccine (RTS,S/AS01) has been approved by WHO to protect against P. falciparum , especially in young children.
How Methylene Blue Treats Malaria
Methylene blue was the first synthetic drug developed against malaria in the 19th century. Although it fell into disuse, it has re-emerged as a promising option due to its low cost and high effectiveness .
History of Methylene Blue in Malaria
🔹 1891 – Paul Ehrlich and Paul Guttmann identified methylene blue as an effective treatment.
🔹 World War I – It was widely used, but soldiers rejected it because it changed the color of their urine and the sclera (white part of the eye).
🔹 News – Its potential has been rediscovered and its combination with other antimalarial drugs is being investigated.
Scientific evidence on its effectiveness
Studies have shown that methylene blue:
✅ Acts synergistically with artemisinin derivatives.
✅ Reduces the number of gametocytes ( P. falciparum ), decreasing the transmission of malaria.
✅ It can be an alternative in areas with resistance to quinine and other treatments.
🔹 Approval : It is approved by the FDA and is considered one of the safest drugs in recent clinical trials.
Mechanism of Methylene Blue Against Malaria
Methylene blue interferes with parasite survival through its antioxidant action:
Inhibits the enzyme glutathione reductase , essential for parasite protection.
Blocks the multiplication of Plasmodium at its trophozoite stage.
It prevents the parasite from digesting hemoglobin , preventing its growth.
Pharmacokinetics of Methylene Blue
- Absorption time : 1-2 hours after ingestion.
- Plasma half-life : 5-6.5 hours.
- Excretion : 20-30% is eliminated through urine (which may turn bluish).
Recent Research and Clinical Trials
Studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of methylene blue in various combinations with antimalarial drugs:
Study with Chloroquine and Methylene Blue (2004)
Location : Heidelberg University, Germany.
Trial : 24 volunteers received chloroquine and low-dose methylene blue.
Result : It was not effective at low doses, requiring adjustments in the combination.
Essay in Burkina Faso (2006)
Participants : 180 children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
Test : Combination of methylene blue with artesunate and amodiaquine.
Result : The combination of methylene blue-amodiaquine was highly effective.
Triple Combination Therapy in Children (2011)
Location : Burkina Faso.
Patients : 221 children with falciparum malaria.
Test : Artesunate + amodiaquine + methylene blue.
Result : Confirmed its effectiveness against Plasmodium falciparum .
Conclusion of the studies
📌 Methylene blue is a safe, effective and economical option against malaria.
📌 Its combination with other drugs can improve treatment and reduce transmission.
📌 More clinical trials are needed to establish it as a standard treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔹 What dye is used to treat malaria?
Methylene blue is the first synthetic dye used in the treatment of malaria.
🔹 Is methylene blue safe for health?
Yes, in appropriate doses it is safe and approved to treat malaria, methemoglobinemia and cyanide poisoning . However, it should be used under medical supervision.
🔹 Why does methylene blue stain urine blue or green?
The medicine is partially eliminated in the urine, which may cause the urine to temporarily change color.
Conclusion
Methylene blue has proven to be a promising alternative in the treatment of malaria, especially when combined with other drugs such as artemisinin or amodiaquine. Its low cost and effectiveness make it a viable option to combat the disease in regions where malaria remains a serious problem.
Further studies are needed for large-scale implementation, but the results to date are encouraging.
