Tonic water Tonic water Tonic water (or Indian tonic water) is a carbonated soft drink in which quinine is dissolved. Originally used as a prophylactic against malaria, tonic water usually now has a significantly lower quinine content and is consumed for its distinctive bitter flavor. It is often used in mixed drinks, particularly in gin and tonic. Quinine was added to the drink as a prophylactic against malaria, since it was originally intended for consumption in tropical areas of South Asia and Africa, where the disease is endemic. Quinine powder is so bitter that British officials stationed in early 19th century India
Diagnosis of malaria microscope and centrifuge that can be deployed to rural areas in the third world. "Plasmodium malariae" and "P. knowlesi" (which is the most common cause of malaria in South-east Asia) look very similar under the microscope. However, "P. knowlesi" parasitemia increases very fast and causes more severe disease than "P. malariae", so it is important to identify and treat infections quickly. Therefore, modern methods such as PCR (see "Molecular methods" below) or monoclonal antibody panels that can distinguish between the two should be used in this part of the world. For areas where microscopy is not available, or where laboratory