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Homeopathic Resistant Malaria
Carlsson1, Bergqvist, Hellgren
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Danderyd Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Danderyd, Sweden.
Journal of Travel Medicine
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Travelers to sub-Saharan Africa using ineffective homeopathic malaria prophylaxis developed malaria. These cases highlight the dangers of unproven alternatives and emphasize the need for scientifically validated malaria prevention methods for international travelers.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiresistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria poses a significant threat to travelers visiting sub-Saharan Africa.
- While chemoprophylaxis may not always prevent clinical malaria, it can reduce disease severity.
- Concerns exist regarding the use of ineffective homeopathic drugs for malaria prophylaxis, potentially undermining confidence in modern medical treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report cases of malaria contracted by individuals using homeopathic drugs for prophylaxis during travel to West Africa.
- To highlight the ineffectiveness of homeopathic treatments against malaria and the associated risks.
- To advocate for the continued use of scientifically validated malaria prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting five patients diagnosed with malaria (P. ovale and P. falciparum) after traveling to West Africa.
- Review of homeopathic drugs used by patients for malaria prophylaxis, including Spenglersan M, China D-6, and Charaka comp 118.
- Analysis of drug composition and potential active compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography.
Main Results:
- Three patients contracted P. ovale malaria despite using Spenglersan M, a homeopathic drug containing diluted P. falciparum antigen and antibodies.
- One patient developed P. falciparum malaria after using China D-6, a homeopathic preparation of cinchona bark with no detectable quinine.
- Another patient experienced severe P. falciparum malaria requiring intensive care, despite using Charaka comp 118, a homeopathic herbal preparation.
Conclusions:
- Homeopathic drugs are ineffective for malaria prophylaxis and pose a danger to travelers.
- The use of unproven homeopathic alternatives can lead to severe malaria and undermine trust in established medical prophylaxis.
- Travelers are strongly urged to utilize scientifically validated malaria prevention strategies to mitigate risks associated with malaria infection.