In vivo and in vitro sensibility of P.falciparum to chloroquine in three communities in Ghana

Abstract

In vivo and in vitro P. falciparum asexual parasite sensitivity to chloroquine tests were performed in three schools at Nima, Madina and Gomoo Fet· teh - urban, periurban and rural communities respectively in Ghana during the rainy season from June to October, 1988.

Of the 144 in Vivo tests performed 116(80.6%) were sensitive to chloroquine and 28(19.4%) showed resistance to chloroquine at RI (3.5%) and RII (15.9%) levels. Fifty-four out of the 92 (.58.7%) successful in vitro tests carried out Concurrently with the in vivo test were resistant to chloroquine. P. falciparum resistance to chloroquine waS emerged in Ghana and what is urgently required now is intensive and sustained education on judicious selection and proper use of available antimalarials and the promotion of research activities that may provide more data for sound drug policy for miliaria treatment in Ghana.