Response of Falciparum malaria to a combination of quinine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in Boomy county of Liberia

ABSTRACT

To document the response of Falciparum malaria to a combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Boomy County of Liberia. Quasi-experimental study. Pak Level-II Hospital Tubmanburg, Boomy Country Liberia over a period of one year [Jan 2006- Dec 2006]. Employees of United Nations' Mission in Liberia [UNMIL] mostly Pakistani soldiers but also other nationals belonging to different countries; who presented with Falciparum malaria and treated with quinine were included in the study. Falciparum malaria was confirmed microscopically in each case and was treated with a seven day course of Quinine followed by a single dose of Fansidar [sulfadoxine- Pyrimethamine]. A total of 69 patients were treated with Quinine; age range 20 to 50 years; 43 Pakistanis and 26 other nationals. All responded well to a combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine. Fever settled within 72 hours in 91% of cases and parasite disappeared from the blood in 96% cases within 72 hours. A combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine- Pyrimethamine is very effective in the treatment of Falciparum malaria. Majority of patients became asymptomatic within 72 hours