Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine for Malaria in Ethiopia
Author Information
Author(s): Hwang Jimee, Alemayehu Bereket H, Hoos David, Melaku Zenebe, Tekleyohannes Samuel G, Teshi Takele, Birhanu Sintayehu G, Demeke Leykun, Gobena Kedir, Kassa Moges, Jima Daddi, Reithinger Richard, Nettey Henry, Green Michael, Malone Joseph L, Kachur S Patrick, Filler Scott
Primary Institution: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What is the in vivo efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine against uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Central Ethiopia?
Conclusion
Artemether-lumefantrine remains a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Ethiopia.
Supporting Evidence
- Uncorrected cure rates at day 28 and 42 were 99.1% and 100.0%, respectively.
- Only one late parasitological failure was reported.
- No serious adverse events were noted during the study.
- Patients were followed for 42 days post-treatment to assess efficacy.
- High rates of parasitaemia with P. vivax were observed during follow-up.
- Patients were monitored for adverse events, with cough and nausea being the most common.
- All patients received treatment according to weight-based dosing guidelines.
- Follow-up included clinical assessments and laboratory testing for efficacy.
Takeaway
This study shows that a medicine called artemether-lumefantrine works really well to treat malaria in people in Ethiopia.
Methodology
A 42-day, single arm, open label study was conducted on patients with confirmed P. falciparum mono-infection.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the open-label design and loss to follow-up.
Limitations
The study was limited by the exclusion of patients with other Plasmodium infections and those lost to follow-up.
Participant Demographics
Participants included individuals over 6 months of age with confirmed P. falciparum mono-infection.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 95.1-100.0
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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