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Changing pattern of antimalarial drug resistance
1Department of Medical Parasitology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|January 1, 1989
Summary
UK residents face high malaria risk due to travel and drug resistance. New malaria treatments are needed, alongside improved vector control, as resistance to current drugs is a growing concern.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- International travel increases malaria exposure risk for UK residents visiting endemic regions.
- Plasmodium falciparum has rapidly developed resistance to synthetic antimalarial drugs since the 1950s.
- Widespread multidrug-resistant malaria strains pose a significant global health threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of antimalarial agents, from traditional remedies to modern drugs.
- To highlight the escalating issue of drug resistance in malaria parasites.
- To discuss current and future strategies for malaria control and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antimalarial drug development and resistance patterns.
- Analysis of the efficacy of existing and emerging antimalarial compounds.
- Evaluation of traditional vector control methods in the context of modern challenges.
Main Results:
- A historical overview of antimalarial drug evolution is presented.
- Rapid spread of resistance to synthetic antimalarials, including Plasmodium falciparum, is documented.
- Emerging resistance to newer drugs like mefloquine, halofantrine, and artemisinin is a critical concern.
Conclusions:
- Careful control of current antimalarial drug use is essential to prevent further resistance.
- Development of new antimalarial drugs and strategies to reverse existing resistance are ongoing.
- Reverting to classical methods of malaria vector protection is crucial, as a vaccine is not imminent.