Chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Rajasthan

Chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria in four districts of Rajasthan, viz Dungarpur, Banswara, Udaipur and Kota, is reported. In vivo sensitivity of Pf to chloroquine base 25 mg/kg/body weight over three days was evaluated as per standard WHO method. A total of 3112 blood smears were collected and examined; 279 cases were selected but only 98 completed the study. Twenty four per cent of cases were sensitive, and 54% resistant at RI, 4% at RII and 9% at RIII levels. Eight per cent of cases were either sensitive or resistant at RI level.