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. 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). 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. 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) [1].
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?
Conditions That Provide Resistance to Malaria
a) Thalassemias [2]
b) Blood Group O [3-6]
c) AIDS
d) Type 2 Diabetes (Disputed) [7-8]
e) Pyruvate kinase deficiency
f) Duffy antigen receptor negativity
g) Gerbich antigen receptor negativity
h) Human leucocyte antigen polymorphisms
i) Cancer [9]
j) Glycophorin A and B protein mutations
Conditions That Provide No Resistance to Malaria,
Encourage Malaria to Thrive And/or Are Themselves
Adversely Affected by Malaria
a) Blood Group A [10]
b) Pregnancy
c) Hypertension
d) Vitamin A deficiency
e) Excess Iron
f) Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency [11]
g) Zinc deficiency [12]
h) Folate deficiency [13]
The above show terrain has a role to play in the aetiology of
malaria.