Chloroquine resistant plasmodium falciparum

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to determine the frequency of Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. This was a descriptive case series study conducted at Muhammad Medical College Mirpurkhas and Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad/ Jamshoro, from January 2007 to December 2007. Total 160 patients with acute attack of fever were selected and studied who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The WHO extended test was done by giving 25 mg/kg body weight of Chloroquine base over 3 days. The interpretation of the test was done as per criteria laid down by WHO. Out of one hundred sixty, 110 [68.75%] were males and 50 [31.25%] were females with ratio of 2.21. The age range 16-45 years with mean 28_12 years. Seventy one patients [44.375%] were Chloroquine sensitive. Chloroquine-resistance [CQR] Rl, Rll and both Rl Rll noted were 28.125%, 15.645% and 43.75% respectively. The CQR- R III was not observed in our study. In view of this situation, more organized and thorough studies must be conducted to elucidate the epidemiology, geographic-distribution and degree of Chloroquine resistance. And the local strategies be made to overcome this problem and to assess the need for changing the first line drug