Related Experiment Videos
Imported cases of chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria in Iran
Abstract:
Six imported cases of chloroquine-resistant Falciparum malaria have been studied since October 1984. In five cases including two Iranian men, returned from India, two Afghan and one Bengalee immigrants came to Iran through Pakistan, recrudescence occurred following treatment with chloroquine. In these five cases resistance of P. falciparum to chloroquine was clinically (by the in vivo test) at R1 level in all patients. The resistance was also confirmed by the macro in vitro susceptibility test which was carried out in four of them. These five chloroquine-resistant cases were treated, one with Sulfadiazine-Pyrimethamine, three with Quinine-Sulfadiazine-Pyrimethamine and one with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (Fansidar) successfully. In the sixth case who was a Pakistani tourist the parasites showed resistance in the macro in vitro test, but apparently responded to chloroquine treatment in three days. It seems the resistance in this case was also at R1 level as other cases.
Insights
Chloroquine-resistant Falciparum malaria cases show treatment failure. Alternative antimalarials like Fansidar and quinine combinations are effective against resistant malaria strains.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Chloroquine has been a primary treatment for malaria.
- Emergence of drug-resistant malaria parasites poses a significant public health threat.
Observation:
- Six imported cases of chloroquine-resistant Falciparum malaria were studied.
- Five cases demonstrated recrudescence after chloroquine treatment, with resistance confirmed by in vivo and in vitro tests.
- The sixth case showed in vitro resistance but a temporary clinical response to chloroquine.
Findings:
- Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine was confirmed in imported malaria cases.
- Clinical resistance was observed at the R1 level in five patients.
- Successful treatment was achieved using alternative therapies including Sulfadiazine-Pyrimethamine, Quinine-Sulfadiazine-Pyrimethamine, and Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (Fansidar).
Implications:
- Highlights the urgent need for monitoring and managing chloroquine-resistant malaria.
- Supports the use of alternative drug regimens for treating resistant malaria infections.
- Emphasizes the importance of susceptibility testing for effective malaria treatment strategies.