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Malaria in Europe: A Historical Perspective
Mahmoud A Boualam1,2, Bruno Pradines1,3,4,5, Michel Drancourt1,2
1IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
Frontiers in Medicine
|July 19, 2021
Summary
Europe eradicated malaria by the mid-20th century. This review explores historical and paleomicrobiological data to understand Europe's malaria history and successful eradication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Historical epidemiology
- Paleomicrobiology
- Medical history
Background:
- Malaria remains a significant global health threat, particularly in Africa.
- Europe achieved malaria eradication by the mid-20th century, contrasting with current global burdens.
- Historical texts suggest malaria was present in ancient Greece and Italy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the historical presence and eradication of malaria in Europe.
- To synthesize findings from historical records and paleomicrobiological studies.
- To inform future malaria control strategies through understanding past successes.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical medical texts mentioning fevers.
- Paleomicrobiological analysis of ancient human remains for Plasmodium DNA.
- Examination of European pharmacopeia and treatment histories.
Main Results:
- Evidence of Plasmodium falciparum in 1st-5th century Italy and Plasmodium sp. in Bavaria.
- Historical accounts suggest malaria was endemic in Europe.
- Quinine-based treatments were introduced in Europe over two centuries before Plasmodium pathogens were used therapeutically.
Conclusions:
- Combined historical and paleomicrobiological evidence illuminates Europe's malaria past.
- Understanding historical eradication efforts offers insights for contemporary malaria control.
- Further research can refine our knowledge of malaria's epidemiological history in Europe.
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