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African Health Sciences
Makerere University Medical School
ISSN: 1680-6905 EISSN: 1680-6905
Vol. 8, No. 4, 2008, pp. 200-205
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Bioline Code: hs08044
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Health Sciences, Vol. 8, No. 4, 2008, pp. 200-205
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Multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection predicts antimalarial treatment outcome in Ugandan Children
Kyabayinze, Daniel J.; Karamagi, Charles; Kiggundu, Moses; Kamya, Moses R.; Wabwire-Mangen, Fred; Kironde, Fred & Talisuna, Ambrose
Abstract
Background:
In areas with intense malaria transmission, individuals are often simultaneously infected with multiple parasite strains. This study assessed the effect of multiple infections on treatment response in Ugandan children with uncomplicated malaria.
Methods:
Four hundred and seventy six blood specimens were analysed for parasite genetic diversity. The P. falciparum merozoite surface protein-2 (msp-2) was analysed to establish multiplicity of infection for pre and post treatment specimens.
Results:
There were 32 different msp-2 alleles, 15 corresponding to the IC/3D7 and 17 to the FC27 allelic family. The majority of the isolates (343, 72 %) were multiple infections resulting into an overall mean multiplicity of infection of 2.15 (SD±1.02). Children infected with multiple strains had nearly a 3-fold increase in treatment failure (Hazard Ratio = 2.8, 95 % CI: 1.5-5.3) compared to their age mates infected with a single strain.
Conclusion:
Multiple-strain infection reduced response to antimalarial therapy. Strategies that reduce multiple-strain infections (intermitted presumptive treatment, indoor residual spraying, insecticide treated nets and efficacious drugs) are likely to improve antimalarial drug efficacy and reduce rate of spread of drug resistance.
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© Copyright 2008 - Makerere Medical School, Uganda
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