Aspetti biologici e clinici della malaria : progressi verso l’eradicazione della malattia

This overview covers several aspects of malaria, from basic information on the biology of the genus Plasmodium to the pathogenesis and diagnosis of the species infecting humans. Current treatment regimens and drug-resistance problems are also discussed. Particular attention is given to the various aspects of malaria epidemiology and to the cellular and immune mechanisms that may sustain the protection against malaria in subjects heterozygotes for various hemoglobin disorders. A short critical review of actual tools for the diagnosis and monitoring of malaria is also provided. Finally, a presentation of the Italian Malaria Network is outlined.