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.