Malaria or kalimbe: how to choose?

doi:10.1186/1475-2875-8-280

Malaria Journal

Volume 8

Viewing options:

Abstract
Full text
PDF (366KB)

Associated material:

Related literature:

Articles citing this article
on Google Scholar
on PubMed Central
Other articles by authors
on Google Scholar

Carme B

on PubMed

Carme B
Related articles/pages
on Google

on Google Scholar

on PubMed

Tools:

Post to:

Commentary

Malaria or kalimbe: how to choose?

Bernard Carme¹^,2

¹Centre d'Investigation Clinique Epidémiologie Clinique Antilles Guyane CIC-EC 802, Cayenne General Hospital, Cayenne, French Guiana

²Laboratoire Hospitalo-Universitaire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Equipe EA3593, UFR Médecine - Université des Antilles et de la Guyane, Cayenne, French Guiana

author email corresponding author email

Malaria Journal 2009, 8:280doi:10.1186/1475-2875-8-280


Published:	4 December 2009

Abstract

Should the Kalimbe (a traditional Amerindian loincloth) be banned, based on its association with an increased risk of malaria? Studies on malaria conducted on Amerindian children in the Oyapock region, French Guiana suggest that there is an argument for replacing the Kalimbe with a modern alternative. However, the wider issue of how the positive (risk reduction and related benefits) and negative effects (exacerbation of acculturation processes and associated consequences) should be assessed needs to be considered before suggesting a change in ancestral behaviour for medical purposes. A multidisciplinary approach is needed, together with caution and humility from epidemiologists.