Evolutionary and historical aspects of the burden of malaria

R Carter, KN Mendis - Clinical microbiology reviews, 2002 - Am Soc Microbiol
R Carter, KN Mendis
Clinical microbiology reviews, 2002Am Soc Microbiol
Malaria is among the oldest of diseases. In one form or another, it has infected and affected
our ancestors since long before the origin of the human line. During our recent evolution, its
influence has probably been greater than that of any other infectious agent. Here we attempt
to trace the forms and impacts of malaria from a distant past through historical times to the
present. In the last sections, we review the current burdens of malaria across the world and
discuss present-day approaches to its management. Only by following, or attempting to …
Summary
Malaria is among the oldest of diseases. In one form or another, it has infected and affected our ancestors since long before the origin of the human line. During our recent evolution, its influence has probably been greater than that of any other infectious agent. Here we attempt to trace the forms and impacts of malaria from a distant past through historical times to the present. In the last sections, we review the current burdens of malaria across the world and discuss present-day approaches to its management. Only by following, or attempting to follow, malaria throughout its evolution and history can we understand its character and so be better prepared for our future management of this ancient ill.
American Society for Microbiology