Article

Centennial Year of Ronald Ross' Epic Discovery of Malaria Transmission An Essay and Tribute

Authors: KUMARAVEL RAJAKUMAR MD, MARTIN WEISSE MD

Abstract

ABSTRACTMalaria has been in existence since ancient times and for millennia thought to be carried by vapors. Alphonse Laveran made the discovery of the malarial parasite in 1880. The next most important milestone in the history of malaria was the unraveling of the mystery of malaria transmission. Ronald Ross, born in British India and educated as a doctor in England, was working in the Indian Medical Service when he discovered the transmission of malarial parasites by mosquitoes in 1897. The next year, he completed the life cycle of malarial parasites in birds. In celebration of the centennial year of that epic discovery, we reminisce on that event, focusing on the discoverer.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References