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Plasmodium: resistance to antimalarial drugs
1London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Winches Farm Laboratories, St. Albans, Herts, England.
Annales De Parasitologie Humaine Et Comparee
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium parasites is a growing global health concern. This study examines resistance to key drugs like chloroquine and quinine, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- * Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
- * Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
Background:
- * Widespread resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine, a common antimalarial, is prevalent in endemic regions.
- * Emerging resistance to antifolates (pyrimethamine, proguanil) and quinine is observed in parasite strains.
- * Polyresistant parasites demonstrate cross-resistance to newer antimalarials like mefloquine and halofantrine.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To discuss the modes of action of existing antimalarial drugs.
- * To elucidate the mechanisms by which Plasmodium parasites develop resistance.
- * To explore future strategies for combating antimalarial drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- * Literature review and synthesis of existing research on antimalarial drug resistance.
- * Analysis of reported cases and trends in drug resistance globally.
- * Discussion of pharmacological mechanisms and parasite genetics involved in resistance.
Main Results:
- * Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine is widespread, originating as early as 1910.
- * Increasing resistance observed in Plasmodium vivax to chloroquine in specific regions.
- * Polyresistance complicates treatment, impacting efficacy of multiple drug classes.
Conclusions:
- * Antimalarial drug resistance poses a significant threat to malaria control efforts.
- * Development of novel antimalarial compounds and resistance-reversing agents is critical.
- * Innovative strategies are needed to impede the progression of drug resistance.