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Researchers have found a new genetic 'barcode' for malaria parasites that could be used to track and contain the spread of the disease, according to a new research. 

The research led by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, found the highly predictive barcode in the genetic sequence of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum that can be used to identify the geographic origin of a parasite from a blood sample further monitoring its spread. 

Researchers found several short genetic sequences which were distinct in the DNA of parasites from certain geographic regions. This allowed them to design a genetic 'barcode' to be used in identifying the source of new infections. 

"Being able to determine the geographic origin of malaria parasites has enormous potential in containing drug-resistance and eliminating malaria. Our work represents a breakthrough in the genetic barcoding of P. falciparum, as it reveals very specific and accurate sequences for different geographic settings. We are currently extending the barcode to include other populations, such as India, Central America, southern Africa and the Caribbean, and plan to include genetic markers for other types malaria, such as P. vivax," said lead author Dr Taane Clark, Reader in Genetic Epidemiology and Statistics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, in the press release.

The newly devised genetic barcode highly accurate (92 percent predictive) and is stable and geographically informative over time. 

"By taking finger-prick bloodspots from malaria patients and using rapid gene sequencing technologies on small amounts of parasite material, local agencies could use this new barcode to quickly and accurately identify where a form of the parasite may have come from, and help in programmes of malaria elimination and resistance containment," said study co-author Dr Cally Roper, Senior Lecturer in Malaria Genetics from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in the press release. 

The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications.