Effect of artesunate-mefloquine fixed-dose combination in malaria transmission in Amazon basin communities.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Studies in South-East Asia have suggested that early diagnosis and treatment with artesunate (AS) and mefloquine (MQ) combination therapy may reduce the transmission of Plasmodium falciparum malaria and the progression of MQ resistance.

Methods

The effectiveness of a fixed-dose combination of AS and MQ (ASMQ) in reducing malaria transmission was tested in isolated communities of the Juruá valley in the Amazon region.Priority municipalities within the Brazilian Legal Amazon area were selected according to pre-specified criteria. Routine national malaria control programmatic procedures were followed. Existing health structures were reinforced and health care workers were trained to treat with ASMQ all confirmed falciparum malaria cases that match inclusion criteria.

SUBMITTER: Santelli AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3472241 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature