PLASMODIUM VIVAX MALARIA: CLINICAL COURSE AND FREQUENCY OF RESISTANCE AGAINST CHLOROQUINE

Abstract

Objective: To determine frequency of chlorolquine resistant plasmodium vivax and to observe clinical behavior of vivax malaria in our setup.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Tarbela, from Jun 2014 to Jan 2015.

Methodology: One hundred and twenty patients with smear confirmed plasmodium vivax malaria were included. Demographics (age and gender) and response to chloroquine as per epidemiologic definition to resistance were collected in all cases. Patients were observed closely in indoor for any clinical evidence of complications associated with vivax malaria as reported in literature. Frequencies for leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were noted.

Results: Around two third (69%) patients were males with mean age of 27.67 (SD=6.85) years. Two patients showed resistance against chloroquine and rest of the patients had normal response. Seventy percent of patients had thrombocytopenia and 39% had leucopenia. All patients had clinically benign course of illness without any end organ damage.

Conclusion: In patients with plasmodium vivax malaria, chloroquine resistance is infrequent and clinical course is benign in study population.
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