Malaria was treated with quinine in the past. Recently Chloroquine (a derivative of quinine) is used effectively especially against Plasmodium falciparum. But recently Plasmodium falciparum (the deadliest of all) developed resistance against chloroquine. Malaria can be easily prevented using good health-care infrastructure. So there may be no requirement of drugs in 1st World Countries. But in third world countries like India the disease is treated primarily through chemotherapy. So scientists are searching for new drugs and also want to explore the reason behind resistance development. Recently $ 1.5 million grant is sanctioned from National Institute of Health (NIH) USA for this purpose. So we may hope something interesting in the coming year.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
TB Skin Test
Today we will know about TB skin test. This test is a very good test for detection of TB infection. In that process a small amount of testing fluid (called tuberculin or PPD) is injected just under the skin on the underside of forearm. Actually tuberculin contains anti-antibody of TB bacteria. An infected person will have antibody against TB bacteria produced by immune system. So presence of antibody (against TB bacteria) confirms TB infection. After 2 – 3 days, there will be a swelling in the arm where tuberculin was injected. A positive reaction will result in more swelling due to the allergic reaction between the two antibodies. So by measuring the swelling a trained person can tell whether the person has TB infection or not.
If anyone has any question or insight regarding this feel free to ask and share.
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