Efficacy comparison between anti-malarial drugs in Africans presenting with mild malaria in the Central Republic of Africa: a preliminary study
Nambei, W.S.; Gbagba, F.E.; Ndémanga, J.; Doui-Doumgba, K.; Diallo, T.O.; Ndadjimbaye, V.; Flori, P.; Perraut, R.; Garraud, O.
Parasite 12(1): 73-77
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1252-607X PMID: 15828586 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2005121073Document Number: 257443
Drug resistance to Plasmodium falciparum contributes to major health problems in central Africa and, as a consequence, poverty. We have analysed the efficacy of 3 currently available antimalarial drugs to treat symptomatic, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in semi-immune adults living in Bangui, Central Republic of Africa. 210 consecutive individuals were enrolled in the survey, of which 45 were excluded. Those having received dihydroartemisin proved significantly less parasitaemic than those having received quinine per os or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine ( chi 2=16.93; p<0.05), and 75% recovered in 2 days compared to 57 and 44%, respectively. The 25% who did not recover benefited from a second cure with dihydroartemisin, which proved 100% efficient. The most accurate protocol remains to be established by analysing clinical and parasitological data and taking into account the economics of the country.