Timothy M.E. Davis, Janet Cox - Singh, Sean Hewitt. Treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Southern Vietnam: can chloroquine or sulfadoxine - pyrimethamine be introduced in combination with artesunate

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of chloroquine or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine given combined with artesunate was assessed in Vietnamese patients with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from 2 Southern provinces, where there was in vitro evidence that the sensitivity of the parasite to conventional antimalarial therapies had returned in the absence of drug pressure, from October to December of 2000. In Dak Lak province, 57 patients (mean age 9.6 years) were randomized to artesunate-chloroquine (group 1) or artesunate-sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (group 2). In Binh Phuoc province, 66 patients, who have just migrated in period of 1-7 years (mean age 24.2 years) were assessed with the 2 regimens. The results of 28 days in vivo response were over 96% and lower 52% of Dak Lak and Binh Phuoc respectively. PCR evidence of cure closely paralleled the in vivo results. The successful reintroduction of chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine as artemisinin partner drugs depends heavily on epidemiological and parasite factors