The Compromised, Pre-Diseased or Post-Diseased Terrain, Malaria and Germ Terrain Dualism

The Germ-Terrain duality theory of disease states that the aetiology of certain diseases/diseased states is better explained as a complex interplay between germs and the inherent anatomical/ physiological integrity of the body cells [1]. It argues that the aetiology of certain diseases is not fully explained merely by the presence of germs (Germ Theory) or by a mere loss of cellular integrity (Terrain Theory) [2-6]. As a result, the prevention and treatment of such diseases should focus not just on fighting germs but on maintaining/ restoring the anatomical/physiological cellular integrity [7-11]. The Germ-Terrain duality theory is a harmonization of the current Germ Theory (popularized by Louis Pasteur) and the hitherto discarded Terrain Theory (popularized by Pierre Bechamp) [11-14].

If an unhealthy/pre-diseased person is infected with malaria, what happens? What is the effect of malaria in an individual whose anatomical/physiological terrain (integrity wise) has been compromised prior to (or after) infection? (Table 1).

Table 1:The above show terrain has a role to play in the aetiology of malaria.

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