Malaria Parasites Infecting Liver Cells (IMAGE) Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Caption A malaria parasite (yellow) invading liver cells (pink/red). Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, Australia, have shown for the first time that carbohydrates on the surface of malaria parasites play a critical role in malaria's ability to infect mosquito and human hosts. The discovery also suggests steps that may improve the only malaria vaccine approved to protect people against Plasmodium falciparum malaria -- the most deadly form of the disease. Credit WEHI.TV/Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Usage Restrictions Must include the following credit: Credit: WEHI.TV/Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.