G6PD-deficient patients are resistant to Plasmodium falciparum malaria

• because their red blood cells (RBCs) have reduced levels of NADPH , leading to oxidative stress.
• Due to oxidative stress , structure of RBC weakens,causing their premature destruction (hemolysis)
• so that the parasite can’t complete its life cycle.
• This natural selection advantage explains the higher prevalence of G6PD deficiency in malaria-endemic regions.

OR

• Decreased activity of G6PD impairs Hexose Monophosphate[HMP)Shunt. Thus there is no synthesis of NADPH as well as no formation of reduce glutathione in RBC for protecting it from stress.
• Malaraial parasites require NADPH for its optimal growth.
• Hence, parasite survival is reduced against severe falciparum malaria infected RBCs.