Can primaquine therapy for vivax malaria be improved?

Authors

J. Kevin Baird, US Naval Medical Research Unit #2, American Embassy Jakarta, Fleet Post Office, Asia-PacificFollow
Karl H. Rieckmann, Australian Army Malaria Institute, Weary Dunlop Drive, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, QLD 4051 Australia

Date of this Version

2003

Citation

TRENDS in Parasitology Vol.19 No.3 March 2003

Comments

U.S. Government Work

Abstract

The incidence and range of endemic malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax has expanded during the past 30 years. This parasite forms hypnozoites in the liver, creating a persistent reservoir of infection. Primaquine (PQ), introduced 50 years ago, is the only drug available to eliminate hypnozoites. However, lengthy treatment courses and follow-up periods are not conducive to assessing the effectiveness of this drug in preventing relapses. Resistance to standard therapy could be widespread. Studies are urgently needed to gauge this problem and to determine the safety, tolerability and efficacy of shorter courses and higher doses of PQ.