Fighting Malaria:Australia discovers cost effective "ground-breaking" alternative to blood tests

Australian scientists have made a discovery that could lead to a simple and quick “breath test” for malaria. Researchers in the United States are developing a breath test for malaria, an innovation that could offer a cost effective alternative to blood tests. The breathalyzer test, still in its developmental phase, would be less expensive than current diagnostic tools such as a Malaria Rapid Diagnosis Test and wouldn't require blood samples or trained personnel to use it.

The CSIRO announced on Wednesday that a one million U.S dollar grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will fast-track the testing, which will take place in a variety of climates and conditions around the world.

Over the next 18 months, a research team from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) will undertake the field tests in a number of malaria-affected regions, including Malawi and Sudan in Africa, as well as in Bangladesh and the Malaysian province of Sabah. 

Wednesday's news follows the discovery last year that distinctive chemicals can be detected in the breath of malaria-infected patients, making it quicker and easier to diagnose the disease.

On Wednesday, research group leader Dr Stephen Trowell said the funding generously given to the CSIRO by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation could eventually result in an 'over the counter' malaria test, which would allow for cheaper diagnoses and, in turn, cheaper treatments.