Mapping response of Plasmodium falciparum to some anti-malarial drugs in Anambra State, Nigeria

The chemotherapeutic performance of chloroquine, Mefloquine, pyrimethamine/sulphadoxine (Fansidar® and Maloxine®) pyrimethamine/sulphadoxyrazine (Metakelfine® ) and halofantrine (Halfan®) was investigated in 180 malaria patients using the in vivo extended field tests protocol of the World Health Organization. There was total clearance of parasittaemia (100%) with halofantrine on Day3 (D3) after the initial day of study (D0), with no recrudescence on Day7 and Day14. the parasite was therefore fully sensitive to halofantrine. Parasitological failure, defined as failure of parasitaemia to decrease by 75% of the D0 value by Day3 or presence of any detectable parasitaemia on Day7 ranged from 12.5% for Metakelfine® to 35.00% for Maloxine®. Failures were largely Type 1 (RI) and to a much lesser extent Types 11 (RII) and 11 (RIII). The RII resistance varied from 2.11% for chloroquine to 12.5% for pyrimethamine/sulphdoxypyrazine. Considering these therapeutic results, the higher cost per treatment with drugs other than chloroquine and the low prevalence of RII level chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum (CRPF), chloroquine still remains useful as the primary therapy for malaria in the area. The Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 24 2003: 47-5