Bad air, amulets and mosquitoes: 2,000 years of changing perspectives on malaria

Abstract

For many centuries, scientists have debated the cause and best treatment of the disease now known as malaria. Two theories regarding malaria transmission - that of "bad air" and that of insect vectors - have been widely accepted at different times throughout history. Treatments and cures have varied accordingly over time. This paper traces the evolution of scientific consensus on malaria aetiology, transmission, and treatment from ancient times to the present day. © 2013 Hempelmann and Krafts; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.