How antimalarial drug resistance affects post-treatment prophylaxis
2008

How Antimalarial Drug Resistance Affects Post-Treatment Prophylaxis

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nicholas J White

Primary Institution: Mahidol-Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University

Hypothesis

Antimalarial drug resistance shortens the duration of post-treatment prophylaxis (PTP).

Conclusion

Antimalarial drug resistance significantly reduces the effectiveness of post-treatment prophylaxis, leading to earlier reinfections.

Supporting Evidence

  • Post-treatment prophylaxis (PTP) duration varies with the type of antimalarial drug used.
  • Antimalarial drug resistance can lead to earlier reinfections after treatment.
  • Immunity plays a role in the effectiveness of post-treatment prophylaxis.

Takeaway

When people get treated for malaria, some medicines can help keep them from getting sick again for a while. But if the malaria germs get used to the medicine, it doesn't work as well, and they can get sick again sooner.

Methodology

The review discusses pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors affecting post-treatment prophylaxis in relation to antimalarial drug resistance.

Limitations

There are very few data on the duration of PTP following intermittent preventive treatment, and the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs may vary in different populations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1475-2875-7-9

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