Tharu People - Resistance To Malaria

Resistance To Malaria

The Tharu were famous for their ability to survive in the most malarial parts of the Terai that were deadly to outsiders. In 1902 a British observer noted, "Plainsmen and paharis generally die if they sleep in the Terai before November 1 or after June 1.", although others thought the Tharu weren't totally immune.

Contemporary medical research comparing Tharu with other ethnic groups living nearby found an incidence of malaria nearly seven times lower among Tharu. The researchers believed such a large difference pointed to genetic factors rather than behavioral or dietary differences. This was confirmed by follow-up investigation finding genes for thalassemia in nearly all Tharu studied.