The Remarkable 100-Year Journey of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
In early 2020, as a novel coronavirus began its relentless spread across the globe, scientists and doctors scrambled to understand this mysterious new threat. Amid the chaos and uncertainty, one scientific publication found itself at the epicenter of the crisis—the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (AJTMH).
Though suddenly thrust into the spotlight, this wasn't the journal's first pandemic rodeo. Having already weathered a century of infectious disease outbreaks, from malaria to Ebola, the AJTMH was uniquely prepared to handle the deluge of COVID-19 research while continuing its mission against tropical diseases.
As the journal celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021, it did so during one of the most remarkable years in its long history—a year that would test its capabilities like never before while highlighting its enduring vital role in global health.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene boasts a rich history that mirrors the evolution of tropical medicine itself. The journal was born through a merger—the original American Journal of Tropical Medicine launched in 1921 joined forces with the Journal of the National Malaria Society in 1952 to form the publication we know today 2 .
This merger created a powerful synergy, combining expertise in broad tropical medicine with specialized knowledge of one of humanity's most persistent parasitic diseases.
It has served as the official voice of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), the largest international scientific organization dedicated to reducing the worldwide burden of tropical infectious diseases and improving global health 5 .
First issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine published
Merger with Journal of the National Malaria Society to form modern AJTMH
100-year anniversary of continuous publication
Unprecedented volume of COVID-19 submissions
"Our anniversary comes at the completion of a remarkable year. Early in 2020, we were addressing the complicated politics of a rancorous election year in the U.S." 2
When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in early 2020, the scientific world faced an unprecedented challenge—making sense of a completely new virus with global implications. The response from researchers was staggering, leading to what the AJTMH editors described as "an explosion of scientific investigation on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19" 2 .
Submission Volume
Twice the typical volume of submissions during COVID-19 peak
Days Average Review
Fast-tracked COVID-19 submissions review time
COVID-19 Papers
Published as of December 14, 2020
| Metric | Regular Submissions | COVID-19 Submissions |
|---|---|---|
| Average review time | 24 days | 14 days |
| Total published papers | Baseline | 184 (as of Dec 14, 2020) |
| Submission volume | Baseline | ~2x normal |
"In 2020, we have published many more papers on a range of disciplines, including clinical virology, intensive care unit medicine, and radiology, to name a few, than in past years" 2 .
Among the hundreds of COVID-19 studies the journal handled during its centennial year, one particularly crucial investigation stood out for its timely warning about unproven therapies. The study, led by Abena et al. and titled "Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in Africa: caution for inappropriate off-label use in healthcare settings," addressed a pressing issue in real-time 1 2 .
The research team conducted a systematic analysis of available evidence on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for COVID-19 treatment, with special attention to the African context.
The study concluded that evidence supporting chloroquine and HCQ for COVID-19 was preliminary at best and that widespread off-label use posed significant risks without demonstrated benefits 1 .
| Aspect Evaluated | Finding | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy against COVID-19 | No convincing evidence from clinical trials | No justification for widespread use |
| Safety concerns | Significant cardiac risks identified | Particularly dangerous in low-resource settings |
| Impact on healthcare systems | Diversion from proven uses like malaria treatment | Could undermine management of other diseases |
| Contextual appropriateness | Limited monitoring capacity in many African settings | Risk-benefit ratio unfavorable |
This research proved prescient when subsequent larger studies confirmed the lack of benefit and potential harms of HCQ for COVID-19. The timely publication of this cautionary analysis exemplified the journal's role in promoting evidence-based medicine during a period characterized by misinformation and political pressure.
The field of tropical medicine relies on a diverse array of specialized tools and methodologies to investigate, diagnose, and treat infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both traditional approaches and innovative new technologies that have become part of the tropical medicine toolkit.
Detect pathogen genetic material
RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection
Isolate and propagate viruses
Used to study SARS-CoV-2 replication and test antivirals
Detect antibodies to pathogens
Developed to measure SARS-CoV-2 immunity
Portable imaging for resource-limited settings
Used to monitor COVID-19 lung complications 2
Test interventions under controlled conditions
Adapted for COVID-19 treatment and prevention studies
Track disease spread and trends
Crucial for monitoring pandemic patterns
"Availability of advanced care has certainly been spotty, but we can hope that various COVID-19-inspired advances, from efficient diagnostics to point-of-care ultrasound and relatively low-cost means of mechanical ventilation, will remain in less developed countries as the pandemic disappears" 2 .
As the AJTMH looks beyond its centennial year and the immediate crisis of COVID-19, the journal continues to face numerous challenges and opportunities in tropical medicine and global health. The pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of global health, demonstrating that diseases know no borders and that strengthening health systems worldwide benefits all nations.
"Through the slings and arrows of the modern world, from persistent endemic infectious diseases, to increasing non-communicable diseases, to pandemics, and political craziness, the AJTMH will remain a force for disseminating the latest information and recommendations on tropical medicine and public health" 2 .
The journal will continue to track progress against malaria, neglected tropical diseases, and other persistent threats.
As COVID-19 has starkly reminded us, new infections will continue to emerge, requiring vigilant surveillance.
These are increasingly prevalent in tropical regions and represent a growing share of the global disease burden.
The impact of changing climate patterns on disease distribution represents an expanding research frontier.
| Priority Area | Current Challenge | AJTMH's Role |
|---|---|---|
| Political support for science | Funding instability and policy interference | Advocate for evidence-based policies 5 |
| Disease elimination | Stalled progress against some major killers | Disseminate research on effective interventions |
| Health technologies | Equitable access to advances | Share adaptations for low-resource settings |
| Pandemic preparedness | Learning from COVID-19 lessons | Build knowledge base for future outbreaks |
| Training and capacity building | Developing next-generation experts | Showcase research from diverse global contexts |
"Now more than ever, the world needs us to work together to advocate for the importance of global health research and to improve health for all inside the United States and around the world" 5 .
The 100th year of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene will be remembered not only as a milestone anniversary but as a testament to the enduring importance of scientific evidence and global collaboration in confronting health crises. Through the turbulence of a devastating pandemic, political pressures, and what the journal's editors termed "political craziness" 2 , AJTMH maintained its commitment to rigorous science and clear communication.
The journal's journey through the pandemic year offered a powerful demonstration of how established scientific institutions can adapt to unprecedented challenges while staying true to their mission.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored that health threats anywhere are health threats everywhere, making the work documented in AJTMH not merely a niche interest but a global necessity.
As AJTMH builds on its remarkable 100-year legacy, it does so with the knowledge that the challenges ahead may be great, but the foundation of a century of science is even greater.