Steep Rebound of Chloroquine-Sensitive Plasmodium falciparum in Zimbabwe

J Infect Dis. 2021 Feb 3;223(2):306-309. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa368.

Abstract

Removal of chloroquine from national malaria formularies can lead to the reversion of resistant Plasmodium falciparum to wild-type. We report a steep decline in chloroquine-resistant P falciparum within 10 years of national discontinuation of chloroquine monotherapy in Zimbabwe. Drug resistance surveillance is a vital component of malaria control programs, and the experience with chloroquine in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa is illustrative of the potentially rapid and dramatic impact of drug policy on antimalarial resistance.

Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum; Zimbabwe; chloroquine; drug resistance; malaria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chloroquine / pharmacology*
  • Chloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistance*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Malaria, Falciparum / drug therapy
  • Malaria, Falciparum / epidemiology*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parasite Load*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects*
  • Public Health Surveillance
  • Young Adult
  • Zimbabwe / epidemiology

Substances

  • Chloroquine