PLASMA TOTAL CHLOROQUINE LEVEL IN RELATION TO <i>PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM</i> DENSITY IN ADULT MALARIA PATIENTS IN CALABAR

Abstract

Quantification of plasma total chloroquine level was carried out in relation to Plasmodium falciparum density in 80 adult malaria patients in Calabar. The WHO in Vivo seven-day test was used with follow-up on days 1, 2, 3 and 7 after treatment with 25mg chloroquine base per kilogram body weight. Clinical and parasitological evaluations were performed. Detectable residual plasma total chloroquine level was found in the blood of 32 percent of the patients. There was no significant difference in the means of total chloroquine levels in plasma for both sensitive and resistant infections on days 3 and 7. Clinical successes of 94 percent was recorded in the study. Chloroquine treatment in vivo resulted in 90 percent parasite clearance within 7 days (sensitive responses). Seven cases of early recrudescence (R1) and one case of R11 were recorded in the study. On the basis of our findings Chloroquine is recommended for the treatment of malaria in Calabar if taken in prescribed dosages.


Key Words: Plasma, Total chloroquine, Malaria, Plasmodium Falciparum.


(Global J Med Sci: 2002 1(1): 41-47)