ABSTRACT
In 1979, in view of the widespread resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine in the island of Hainan, China, it use as an antimalarial was suspended throughout the island. A longitudinal survey of the chloroquine-sensitivity of P. falciparum was carried out over the period 1981-91 to investigate whether its resistance had changed from the 1979 level. In-vitro assays were carried out every 2-3 years, while in-vivo tests were performed annually over the period 1981-83 and also in 1991. Resistance to chloroquine declined progressively after its use had stopped. The in-vitro tests indicated that the rate of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum was 97.9% in 1981, but dropped to 60.9% in 1991 (P < 0.001). The mean concentration of chloroquine for complete inhibition of schizont formation was 10.4 pmol/microliters in 1981, but decreased to 3.0 pmol/microliters in 1991 (P < 0.001). The proportion of samples taken from malaria cases that required high concentrations ( > 6.4 pmol/microliters) of chloroquine for complete inhibition of schizont formation was 83.3% in 1981, but only 17.4% in 1991 (P < 0.001); at low concentrations ( > 1.6 pmol/microliters), the corresponding proportions increased from 4.2% in 1981 to 60.8% in 1991 (P < 0.001). In the 4-week in-vivo test, the rate of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum decreased from 84.2% in 1981 to 40% in 1991 (P < 0.001). RII + RIII cases represented 59.4% of the total resistant cases in 1981, but decreased to 37.5% in 1991 (0.02 > P > 0.01).
Subject(s)
Antimalarials/pharmacology , Chloroquine/pharmacology , Plasmodium falciparum/drug effects , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Child , Child, Preschool , China , Drug Resistance , Humans , Malaria, Falciparum/drug therapy , Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Tomato plants grown in hydroponics were irrigated three times on alternate days with nutrient solutions fortified with carbofuran at levels of 36, 111 and 222 mg 1-1, and carbofuran residues were analysed in tomato fruits. Residues were found to be below the maximum residue level set up by Codex Alimentarius Mundi (0.1 mg kg-1) 6, 11 and 18 days after the third irrigation with nutrient solutions fortified with carbofuran. Consequently, the withholding period of 60 days may be reduced to allow continuous harvest of tomatoes under the conditions used in this experiment.
Subject(s)
Carbofuran/analysis , Fruit/chemistry , Pesticide Residues/analysis , Agriculture/methods , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Spectrophotometry, UltravioletABSTRACT
In view of the fact the resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine occurred extensively in Hainan, a decision was made in 1979 that the use of chloroquine should be quit in the whole province. A longitudinal survey on chloroquine-sensitivity of P. falciparum was carried out during 1981-1991 to observe the variation in resistance of the parasite after the cessation of the chloroquine medication for every 2-3 years. A tendency of progressive decline of resistance was revealed. By using in vitro test, the rate of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum dropped from 97.9% in 1981 to 60.9% in 1991 (P < 0.001). The mean dosage of chloroquine for complete inhibition of schizont formation declined from 10.46 pmol/microliters in 1981 to 3.02 pmol/microliters in 1991 (P < 0.001). The percentage of population requiring larger dosage (6.4 pmol/microliters to completely inhibit schizont formation declined from 83.3% in 1981 to 17.4% in 1991 (P < 0.001); whereas those requiring small dosage (1.6 pmol/microliters), increased from 4.2% in 1981 to 60.8% in 1991 (P < 0.001). In in vivo test, the rate of chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum decreased from 84.2% in 1981 to 40% in 1991 (P < 0.001). The proportion of RII plus RIII cases of the total resistant cases dropped from 59.4% in 1981 to 37.5% in 1991 (0.02 > P > 0.01).
Subject(s)
Chloroquine/pharmacology , Plasmodium falciparum/drug effects , Animals , Chloroquine/therapeutic use , Drug Resistance , In Vitro Techniques , Longitudinal Studies , Malaria, Falciparum/drug therapy , Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Two analytical methods, using GLC/NPD and HPLC to analyse carbofuran residues in tomatoes, are described. Both methods have shown a high recovery rate, up to 90%, and their detection limits are below the maximum residue limit set by Codex Alimentarius Mundi for carbofuran in tomatoes. Therefore, both methods may be of use in routine analysis of this pesticide in those fruits.
