Survival probability of Plasmodium falciparum against chloroquine and its combination with sulphadoxine-pyremethamine in Punjab, Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Survival probability of P.falciparum was determined against the chloroquine and its combination with sulphadoxine-pyremethamine, Type of study Prospective nonrandomizcd descriptive study. Place and duration of study Study was conducted in five districts [Muzaffargarh, D.G, Khan, Jhang, Sheikhupura and Multan] of Punjab, Pakistan, During the non-transmission season of the year 1999 to 2000 and 2008, among the rural populations 5952 persons were screened for malarial parasites, Methodology: During the malaria non transmission season [November, December and January], 5952 persons were screened for malaria and 1409 positive cases were detected, 404 subjects out of total positive cases were selected to be tested against chloroquine and 50 with combination of chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyremethamine by in vivo technique. Follow up was carried out for 28 days [on day 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28], Over all 35, 4% resistance-I was detected against chloroquine monotherapy and 4% with combination therapy [chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyremethamine] Resistance-Ill was not found. Two variables were found important predictors of drug resistance; a young child and a high parasitaemia count [>6000/micro1] at day 0, It is concluded that malaria is still significant problem and resistance against monotherapy is increasing, hence adoption of combination therapy as first line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Punjab Pakistan is recommended