Understanding of Malaria and Its Therapeutic Regimens–The Way Forward
`Saganuwan Alhaji Saganuwan *
Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Patrick Azubuike Onyeyili
Department of Veterinary Physiology, Pharmacology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture, P. M. B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Malaria is a very serious deadly disease that has attracted the attention of many researchers all over the world. Because a lot of work has been done in the area of malariology, there is need to understand its advance pattern and therapeutic regimens.
Methods: Past and recent literatures on malaria were searched for information on history, global situation, classification, biology, pathology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and control of malaria to assess the progress made so far in the area of malariology.
Results: Malaria is an ancient disease recognized by Hippocrates over 2413 years ago, caused by Plasmodium species, first identified by Charles-laveran 123 years ago affect 300–500 millions human worldwide, responsible for 3 deaths in every 30 seconds. The knowledge of classification, biology, pathology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of malaria is a tremendous achievement towards the control of the disease.
Conclusion: But complete elimination of malaria perhaps will still take another time, since lots need to be known about the molecular biology of antigenic shift and drift, nature and mechanisms of action of the parasite toxin, in order to have basis for definite vaccine development. By so doing, radical cure and total eradication of malaria can be achieved.
Keywords: Malaria, hippocrates, laveran, antigenic shift, radical cure, eradication