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Emmanuel Drouin1, Patrick Hautecoeur2, Miles Markus3,4
1Service de Neurologie, Groupe Hospitalier de l'Institut Catholique de Lille, GHICL, 115 Rue du Grand but, 59462, Lomme Cedex, France. emmanuel.drouin@univ-cathollile.fr.
Parasites & Vectors
|April 10, 2024
Summary
Human malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, was officially discovered in 1880. However, an earlier claim by Philipp Klencke in 1843 is often overlooked in historical accounts.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Parasitology
- Medical history
Background:
- Human malaria is a significant tropical disease caused by Plasmodium protozoan parasites.
- Transmission occurs via female Anopheles mosquitoes.
- The history of malaria research includes a notable discovery controversy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the official discovery of human malaria parasites.
- To acknowledge Philipp Klencke's earlier, often overlooked, claim regarding malaria.
- To bring attention to a historical controversy in malaria research.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical medical literature.
- Analysis of discovery claims for Plasmodium parasites.
Main Results:
- Charles Louis Alphonse Lavéran officially discovered malaria parasites in 1880.
- Philipp Friedrich Hermann Klencke described related observations in 1843, predating Lavéran's claim.
- Klencke's contribution is frequently omitted from historical malaria reviews.
Conclusions:
- The official discovery of malaria parasites by Lavéran is well-documented.
- Klencke's earlier work warrants recognition in the history of malaria research.
- Historical accounts of malaria discovery should address the priority controversy.
