Scientists identify genes reducing risk of severe malaria by 40%

Protective variant most common among children in Kenya, where it offered greatest protection, while effect was less for other African populations studied

Genes have been identified in African children that reduce their risk of contracting severe malaria by up to 40%.

The locus, or position of the resistant genes on the genome, was found near a cluster of genes called glycophorins, which are involved in the malaria parasite's invasion of red blood cells.