IN VIVO: sensitivity of P. falciparum to Chloroquine in Accra, Ghana.

Abstract

The in vivo sensitivity of P. falciparum to chloroquine was studied in an urban paediatric hospital in Charla in 1984 and /987. 36 children were studied in 1984 and 100% parasite clearance was obtained in 74.25 ± 25.5 hours (48 to 120 hours). mean ± SD (range), after treatment with chloroquine 25mg base/kg body weight total dose. 41 out of 44 children studied in 1987 similarly had parasite clearance in 68.5 ± 27. 7 hours (24 to 120 hours). Resistance at the RI and RII levels were noted in one and two of the children respectively. The proportion of children parasitaemic at 72 hours was age related and suggest the role of immunity in the sensitivity of P. falciparum to chloroquine. In 1984 estimation of whole blood chloroquine levels before treatment in hospital indicated prior administration of the drug before attending hospital.