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[Malaria in the county of Funen 1987-1999]
Maren Kathrine Hornstrup1, Bente Gahrn-Hansen, Jesper Hallas
1Klinisk mikrobiologisk afdeling, Odense Universitetshospital, J. B. Winsløwsvej 21, 2. DK-5000 Odense C. b.gahrn-hansen@ouh.fyns-amt.dk
Introduction:
We describe epidemiological, prophylactic, and clinical aspects of imported malaria in the county of Funen, 1987-1999.
Material And Methods:
The medical records of 136 patients were reviewed for age, gender, nationality, place of exposure, chemoprophylaxis, time lag from departure to diagnosis, Plasmodium species, treatment, and complications. Data on prescribed chemoprophylaxis dispensed from the pharmacies in the county of Funen were recorded.
Results:
Seventy-two per cent of the patients were Danish, 28% foreigners. Sixty per cent of the cases were caused by P. falciparum, of more than 90% which was acquired in sub-Saharan Africa. Cases of benign malaria were most often acquired in SE Asia. In the 49 patients with falciparum malaria, who had taken chemoprophylaxis, only 31 (63%) were fully compliant. Compliance was 76% in patients taking chloroquine phosphate + proguanil and 36% in patients taking only chloroquine phosphate. Six patients had complications, but all recovered.
Discussion:
Contributory causes in a large number of the reported cases of imported malaria in this study were no chemoprophylaxis or poor compliance. With respect to falciparum malaria, prescription of non-recommended chemoprophylaxis also contributed. Chemoprophylaxis dispensed from the pharmacies on Funen over recent years indicates that general practitioners are aware of altered recommendations.