Malaria is a mosquito-borne life-threatening infectious disease of humans, caused by parasites (genus: Plasmodium) that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes (genus: Anopheles).
The
history of malaria stretches from its prehistoric origin as a zoonotic
disease in the primates of Africa through to the 21st century. A
widespread and potentially lethal human infectious disease, at its peak
malaria infested every continent, except Antarctica.
The first
evidence of malaria parasites was found in mosquitoes preserved in amber
from the Palaeogene period that are approximately 30 million years old.
Human malaria likely originated in Africa and coevolved with its hosts,
mosquitoes and non-human primates. Malaria protozoa are diversified
into primate, rodent, bird, and reptile host lineages.
In 2700
BC:, The Nei Ching(Chinese Canon of Medicine) discussed malaria symptoms
and the relationship between fevers and enlarged spleens. The name is
derived from the Italian, “mal aria,” or bad air.
In 1550 BC, The Ebers Papyrus mentions fevers, rigors, splenomegaly, and oil from Balantines tree as mosquito repellent.
For
thousands of years, traditional herbal remedies have been used to treat
malaria. The first effective treatment for malaria came from the bark
of cinchona tree, which contains quinine. After the link to mosquitos
and their parasites were identified in the early twentieth century,
mosquito control measures such as widespread use of DDT, swamp drainage,
covering or oiling the surface of open water sources, indoor residual
spraying and use of insecticide treated nets was initiated.
In
the 1890's British scientist Patrick Manson theorized that mosquitoes
may be involved in malaria transmission. In 1897, Ronald Ross, a
British officer in the Indian Medical Service, demonstrated that malaria
parasites could be transmitted from infected patients to mosquitoes. He
also showed that mosquitoes could transmit the parasites from bird to
bird, demonstrating the existence of a sporogonic cycle (development
within the mosquito).
Learn history of medicine, learn how the medicine provide explanations for birth, death and disease. History of medicine shows how ideas have developed over the centuries, and medicine had arrived at its modern state through the course of history.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
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