The role of animal models for research on severe malaria

Severe malaria shows both clinical heterogeneity between patients and the patterns of pathophysiology observed between adults and children. [...]it is important when dealing with studies on severe malaria that a reliable and consistent definition of disease is used. Relevant animal models are highly desirable, as studies of humans with severe malaria are by definition limited to situations where clinical interventions are the priority. [...]interpretations of the result of therapies preventing CM must be done in the context of anti-malarial drug treatment and other supportive measures. (iv) Facilities to support research on severe malaria One of the major outcomes of the workshop was the requirement for further development of facilities for research.