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Grebenyuk V, Stejskal F, Nohýnková E, Zicklerová I, Richterová L, Roháčová H, Rozsypal H, Trojánek M. Artemether-lumefantrine, mefloquine and atovaquone-proguanil in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in travellers: A retrospective comparative study of efficacy and treatment failures. Travel Med Infect Dis 2023; 52:102549. [PMID: 36792022 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of parasitaemia clearance and the prevalence of treatment failure in patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria treated with artemether-lumefantrine (AL), mefloquine (MQ), and atovaquone-proguanil (AP). METHOD The retrospective descriptive study included adult patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria treated at the University Hospital Bulovka in Prague from 2006 to 2019. Parasitaemia clearance was estimated using a linear regression model. RESULTS The study included 72 patients with a median age of 33 years (IQR 27-45) and a male to female ratio of 3.2:1. Thirty-six patients (50.0%) were treated with AL, 27 (37.5%) with MQ and 9 (12.5%) with AP. The proportion of VFR and migrants was 22.2% with no significant differences among the three groups. The median time to the parasitaemia clearance was two days (IQR 2-3) in patients treated with AL versus four days in the MQ (IQR 3-4) and AP (IQR 3-4) groups, p < 0.001. The clearance rate constant was 3.3/hour (IQR 2.5-4.0) for AL, 1.6/hour (IQR 1.3-1.9) for MQ, and 1.9/hour (IQR 1.3-2.4) for AP, p < 0.001. Malaria recrudescence occurred in 5/36 (13.9%) patients treated with AL and in no patients treated with MQ or AP. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate the superior efficacy of AL compared to other oral antimalarials in early malaria treatment. However, we observed a higher rate of late treatment failure in patients treated with AL than previously reported. This issue warrants further investigation of possible dose adjustments, extended regimens, or alternative artemisinin-based combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vyacheslav Grebenyuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, University Hospital Motol, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - František Stejskal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Liberec, Husova 10, 460 63, Liberec, Czech Republic; Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Studničkova 7, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Nohýnková
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Studničkova 7, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic; National Reference Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Tropical Parasitic Infections, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Zicklerová
- National Reference Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Tropical Parasitic Infections, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Richterová
- National Reference Laboratory for the Diagnosis of Tropical Parasitic Infections, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Microbiology of the 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, University Hospital Královské Vinohrady and the National Institute of Public Health, Šrobárova 50, 100 34, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Roháčová
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hanuš Rozsypal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Bulovka, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Trojánek
- Department of Infectious Diseases, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Budínova 2, 180 81, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, University Hospital Motol, V Úvalu 84, 150 06, Prague, Czech Republic
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2
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Dillard LK, Fullerton AM, McMahon CM. Ototoxic hearing loss from antimalarials: A systematic narrative review. Travel Med Infect Dis 2021; 43:102117. [PMID: 34129960 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2021.102117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drugs used in curative and prophylactic antimalarial treatment may be ototoxic and lead to permanent hearing loss, but there is no consensus regarding prevalence and permanence of ototoxic hearing loss caused by antimalarials. The purpose of this systematic narrative review was to synthesize current evidence on antimalarial ototoxicity in human populations. METHOD Studies published between 2005 and 2018 that reported prevalence of post-treatment hearing loss in individuals treated for malaria were included. RESULTS Twenty-two studies including data from 21 countries were included. Primary themes of the included studies were to evaluate drug safety and/or efficacy (n = 13) or ototoxic effects of drugs (n = 9). Hearing data were measured objectively in 9 studies. Five studies focused on quinine (or derivates), 10 focused on artemisinin combination therapies, and 7 considered multiple drug combinations. There is a paucity of evidence that thoroughly reports potentially permanent ototoxic effects of antimalarials. CONCLUSIONS Antimalarial drugs may be ototoxic in some cases. More research in human populations is needed to describe ototoxicity of current antimalarials and of future drugs that will be used/developed in response to antimalarial resistance. It is recommended that randomized trials evaluating drug safety objectively measure and report ototoxic hearing loss as an adverse event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Dillard
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Amanda M Fullerton
- Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine M McMahon
- Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Konan KV, Le TC, Mateescu MA. Antiplasmodial Combined Formulation of Artemisinin with Peschiera fuchsiaefolia Bis-Indole Alkaloids. J Pharm Sci 2020; 110:135-145. [PMID: 32987093 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antimalarial agents used as monotherapy are increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of Plasmodium resistant strains. Artemisinin (Arte), extracted from Artemisia annua, presents a good efficiency against the Plasmodium strains and is currently used to treat malaria. To avoid the appearance of new resistant strains to artemisinin, the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) with another antimalaria agent was recommended by WHO to provide an effective cure and delayed resistance. Although combined formulations of various drugs with Artemisinin have been developed, their release is immediate, and they require multiple doses with side detrimental effects and effectiveness still desired. To improve its efficiency, controlled release formulations were developed to ensure long-term antiplasmodial activity by associating Artemisinin with a natural antimalarial agent extracted from Peschiera fuchsiaefolia (Pf). The Pf extract (containing mostly low soluble alkaloids) was complexed with carboxymethylcellulose to improve its solubility and stability. Two formulation types are reported. As bilayer tablet dosage form, the kinetic release pattern was an immediate release of Artemisinin, followed by a slow sustained release of Pf for 12 h. As monolithic tablet, the release profile shows a simultaneous sustained release of the two active agents, about of 10 h for Arte and 12 h for Pf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouadio Victorien Konan
- Department of Chemistry, Research Chair on Enteric Dysfunctions "Allerdys" and CERMO-FC Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Branch A, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Tien Canh Le
- Department of Chemistry, Research Chair on Enteric Dysfunctions "Allerdys" and CERMO-FC Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Branch A, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Mircea Alexandru Mateescu
- Department of Chemistry, Research Chair on Enteric Dysfunctions "Allerdys" and CERMO-FC Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Branch A, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada.
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4
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Sandrock C, Aziz SR. Travel/Tropical Medicine and Pandemic Considerations for the Global Surgeon. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2020; 32:407-425. [PMID: 32473858 PMCID: PMC7205681 DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
International travel goes hand in hand with medical delivery to underserved communities. The global health care worker can be exposed to a wide range of infectious diseases during their global experiences. A pretravel risk assessment visit and all appropriate vaccinations and education must be performed. Universal practices of water safety, food safety, and insect avoidance will prevent most travel-related infections and complications. Region-specific vaccinations will further reduce illness risk. An understanding of common travel-related illness signs and symptoms is helpful. Emerging pathogens that can cause a pandemic should be understood to avoid health care worker infection and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sandrock
- UC Davis School of Medicine, 4150 V street, Suite 3400, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Shahid R Aziz
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, 110 Bergen Street, Room B854, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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5
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Lingscheid T, Kurth F, Stegemann MS, Clerinx J, Calleri G, Rothe C, Angheben A, Gobbi F, Bisoffi Z, Hamer DH, Libman M, Hatz C, Zoller T. Outpatient treatment of imported uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: results from a survey among TropNet and GeoSentinel experts for tropical medicine. J Travel Med 2020; 27:5842102. [PMID: 32442249 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum malaria (P.f. malaria) is frequently imported to non-endemic countries. Recommendations on outpatient treatment differ largely due to differences in country-level guidelines and even between tropical medicine referral centres within the same country. METHODS This survey among experts from TropNet or GeoSentinel referral centres for tropical medicine outside malaria endemic areas investigated common practices in P.f. malaria management, selection criteria for outpatient management and diagnostic procedures as a first step for developing a future common and evidence-based approach. RESULTS A total of 44 referral centres participated. Most of the centres are located in Europe (n = 37). Overall, 27 centres (61%) treat uncomplicated P.f. malaria patients as outpatients, of which eight centres (18%) reported treating ≥75% of patients on an outpatient basis. Seventeen centres (39%) reported treating patients only as inpatients. No single criterion stands out for the decision regarding outpatient treatment, but three groups of factors were identified: (i) clinical criteria including laboratory parameters, clinical condition and tolerance of oral medication; (ii) factors such as patient compliance, reachability by phone and support at home and (iii) patient origin and place of residence as a proxy for possible underlying semi-immunity. The threshold parasitaemia for outpatient treatment varied from 0.1 to 5% with a median of 2%. A median of 0.5% of outpatients were admitted during follow-up. During the last 10 years, 33 complications were reported by nine of the 27 centres and three deaths by one centre. CONCLUSION This study gives insight into the heterogeneous management of P.f. malaria patients outside endemic regions. Although there is no consensus among experts, the majority of centres includes outpatient treatment in their clinical routine. However, the lack of evidence-based criteria and established safety for this approach shows the need for prospective studies to define and evaluate criteria and practices for safe outpatient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Lingscheid
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Kurth
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miriam S Stegemann
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Clerinx
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido Calleri
- Travel Medicine Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital-ASLTO2, Turin, Italy
| | - Camilla Rothe
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Centre of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Angheben
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health and Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Libman
- J.D. MacLean Centre for Tropical Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christoph Hatz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Zoller
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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6
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Epelboin L, Rapp C, Faucher JF, Méchaï F, Bottieau E, Matheron S, Malvy D, Caumes E. Management and treatment of uncomplicated imported malaria in adults. Update of the French malaria clinical guidelines. Med Mal Infect 2019; 50:194-212. [PMID: 31493957 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Epelboin
- Unité des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, centre hospitalier Andrée Rosemon, avenue des Flamboyants, 97300 Cayenne, French Guiana.
| | - C Rapp
- Hôpital Américain de Paris, 63, boulevard Victor Hugo, 92200 Neuilly, France; Hôpital d'instruction des armées Bégin, 69, avenue de Paris, 94163 Saint-Mandé, France
| | - J F Faucher
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales and UMR 1094, CHU Dupuytren 2, 87042 Limoges, France
| | - F Méchaï
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, hôpital Avicenne, 93000 Bobigny, France
| | - E Bottieau
- Institute of tropical medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - S Matheron
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU Bichat - Claude Bernard, 75018 Paris, France
| | - D Malvy
- Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, CHU Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux France
| | - E Caumes
- Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 43-87, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
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7
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Staines HM, Burrow R, Teo BHY, Chis Ster I, Kremsner PG, Krishna S. Clinical implications of Plasmodium resistance to atovaquone/proguanil: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 73:581-595. [PMID: 29237012 PMCID: PMC5890752 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atovaquone/proguanil, registered as Malarone®, is a fixed-dose combination recommended for first-line treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in non-endemic countries and its prevention in travellers. Mutations in the cytochrome bc1 complex are causally associated with atovaquone resistance. Methods This systematic review assesses the clinical efficacy of atovaquone/proguanil treatment of uncomplicated malaria and examines the extent to which codon 268 mutation in cytochrome b influences treatment failure and recrudescence based on published information. Results Data suggest that atovaquone/proguanil treatment efficacy is 89%–98% for P. falciparum malaria (from 27 studies including between 18 and 253 patients in each case) and 20%–26% for Plasmodium vivax malaria (from 1 study including 25 patients). The in vitro P. falciparum phenotype of atovaquone resistance is an IC50 value >28 nM. Case report analyses predict that recrudescence in a patient presenting with parasites carrying cytochrome b codon 268 mutation will occur on average at day 29 (95% CI: 22, 35), 19 (95% CI: 7, 30) days longer than if the mutation is absent. Conclusions Evidence suggests atovaquone/proguanil treatment for P. falciparum malaria is effective. Late treatment failure is likely to be associated with a codon 268 mutation in cytochrome b, though recent evidence from animal models suggests these mutations may not spread within the population. However, early treatment failure is likely to arise through alternative mechanisms, requiring further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Staines
- Centre for Diagnostics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Rebekah Burrow
- Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Beatrix Huei-Yi Teo
- Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Irina Chis Ster
- Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institut für Tropenmedizin Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Sanjeev Krishna
- Centre for Diagnostics and Antimicrobial Resistance, Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Institute for Infection & Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Institut für Tropenmedizin Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon.,St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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8
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Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Protocol for Malaria Drug Resistance Marker Surveillance. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.02474-17. [PMID: 29439965 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02474-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies provide a new and effective way of tracking malaria drug-resistant parasites. To take advantage of this technology, an end-to-end Illumina targeted amplicon deep sequencing (TADS) and bioinformatics pipeline for molecular surveillance of drug resistance in P. falciparum, called malaria resistance surveillance (MaRS), was developed. TADS relies on PCR enriching genomic regions, specifically target genes of interest, prior to deep sequencing. MaRS enables researchers to simultaneously collect data on allele frequencies of multiple full-length P. falciparum drug resistance genes (crt, mdr1, k13, dhfr, dhps, and the cytochrome b gene), as well as the mitochondrial genome. Information is captured at the individual patient level for both known and potential new single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with drug resistance. The MaRS pipeline was validated using 245 imported malaria cases that were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The chloroquine resistance crt CVIET genotype (mutations underlined) was observed in 42% of samples, the highly pyrimethamine-resistant dhpsIRN triple mutant in 92% of samples, and the sulfadoxine resistance dhps mutation SGEAA in 26% of samples. The mdr1 NFSND genotype was found in 40% of samples. With the exception of two cases imported from Cambodia, no artemisinin resistance k13 alleles were identified, and 99% of patients carried parasites susceptible to atovaquone-proguanil. Our goal is to implement MaRS at the CDC for routine surveillance of imported malaria cases in the United States and to aid in the adoption of this system at participating state public health laboratories, as well as by global partners.
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9
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Nakamura-Uchiyama F, Katanami Y, Kikuchi T, Takaya S, Kutsuna S, Kobayashi T, Mizuno Y, Hasegawa T, Koga M, Yoshimura Y, Hasegawa C, Kato Y, Kimura M, Maruyama H. Retrospective observational study of the use of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of malaria in Japan. Travel Med Infect Dis 2018; 22:40-45. [PMID: 29454051 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Research Group on Chemotherapy of Tropical Diseases, Japan, introduced artemether-lumefantrine (AL) in late 2002, mainly for treating uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Because AL was on the market in Japan in March 2017, the effectiveness and safety of AL were analyzed to help medical personnel use AL optimally. METHODS Case report forms submitted by the attending physicians were analyzed. When necessary, direct contact with the attending physicians was made to obtain detailed information. RESULTS Effectiveness analysis was performed for 62 cases and safety analysis was performed for 66 cases. In P. falciparum malaria, the overall cure rate was 91.1% (51/56), of which the cure rates for Japanese and non-Japanese patients were 82.1% (23/28) and 100% (28/28), respectively. The successfully treated cases included severe P. falciparum malaria, with parasite densities exceeding 500,000/μL. Adverse events were reported in 14 patients, including delayed hemolytic anemia which occurred in the top four highest parasitemic cases. CONCLUSIONS AL treatment failure in P. falciparum malaria may not be rare among non-immune individuals, including Japanese. The possibility of delayed hemolytic anemia, which occurs preferentially in high parasitemic cases, should be considered following AL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fukumi Nakamura-Uchiyama
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Corporation Ebara Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichi Katanami
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kikuchi
- Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saho Takaya
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kutsuna
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taiichiro Kobayashi
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Mizuno
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Hasegawa
- Department of Infectious Disease, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Michiko Koga
- Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yoshimura
- Department of Infectious Disease, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chihiro Hasegawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagoya City East Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kato
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikio Kimura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shin-Yamanote Hospital, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Maruyama
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan.
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Sondén K, Wyss K, Jovel I, Vieira da Silva A, Pohanka A, Asghar M, Homann MV, Gustafsson LL, Hellgren U, Färnert A. High Rate of Treatment Failures in Nonimmune Travelers Treated With Artemether-Lumefantrine for Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Sweden: Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Effectiveness and Case Series. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 64:199-206. [PMID: 27986683 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Since the introduction of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Sweden, treatment failures have been reported in adults. METHODS A retrospective comparative analysis of treatment regimen for P. falciparum malaria in adults in Stockholm during 2000-2015 was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of AL. Parasite genotyping and drug concentrations were investigated in the AL treatment failures. RESULTS Among the total 397 P. falciparum episodes, 310 were treated with oral regimen only (95 AL, 162 mefloquine, 36 atovaquone-proguanil [AP], and 17 others), and 87 were administered initial intravenous therapy (38 artesunate and 49 quinine) followed by oral treatments. Five late treatment failures were detected after AL and one slow response to AP. The effectiveness of AL alone was 94.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.1%-98.3%), compared with 99.5% for other oral regimens (P = .003). All AL failures occurred in European men and the effectiveness in this group was only 73.7% (95% CI, 48.8%-90.0%). Genotyping confirmed recrudescence of the initial parasite populations and drug resistance markers revealed no clinically significant resistance patterns. Lumefantrine concentrations suggested subtherapeutic concentrations in at least 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate a high rate of symptomatic late treatment failures after 6-dose AL regime in nonimmune adults, especially in men. Our report warrants the need to establish optimal dosing of AL in adults and to alert clinicians about the importance of informing patients regarding the risk of parasites reappearing weeks after AL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Sondén
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet;
| | - Katja Wyss
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna
| | - Irina Jovel
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet
| | | | - Anton Pohanka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Muhammad Asghar
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Manijeh Vafa Homann
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Lars L Gustafsson
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet
| | - Urban Hellgren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital; and.,Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Färnert
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital; and
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11
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Impact of using artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria from Plasmodium falciparum in a non-endemic zone. Malar J 2016; 15:339. [PMID: 27368160 PMCID: PMC4930579 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been adopted by the World Health Organization as a first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In endemic regions, it has proven more effective in treating the disease, and even in reducing its transmission. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of studies carried out in non-endemic areas on imported uncomplicated malaria. METHODS This is a retrospective, observational study performed on patients diagnosed and admitted with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria between 2004 and 2015. The objective was to compare the parasite clearance period and the average hospital length of stay for patients treated with ACT vs those receiving other treatment regimens. RESULTS Eighty-five patients were included in the study. Fifty-one received ACT treatment (dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine) and thirty-four patients were treated with quinine sulfate+doxycycline or atovaquone/proguanil. The parasite clearance period was shorter in the group of patients treated with ACT compared to those receiving other treatment types: 24 h (IQR 24) vs 48 h (IQR 48), p < 0.01. The average hospital stay was also shorter in the ACT group with respect to the second group: 2.67 days (IQR 1.08) vs 3.96 days (IQR 2.87), p < 0.001. A mild case of hepatitis was registered in the group treated with ACT. CONCLUSIONS ACT treatment of admitted hospital patients with imported uncomplicated malaria from P. falciparum reduced the days spent hospitalized as well as producing a more rapid parasite clearance compared to classic treatment. In spite of being treated with safe medications, one has to be alert to possible adverse effects such as hepatitis and delayed haemolytic anaemia.
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12
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Lalloo DG, Shingadia D, Bell DJ, Beeching NJ, Whitty CJM, Chiodini PL. UK malaria treatment guidelines 2016. J Infect 2016; 72:635-649. [PMID: 26880088 PMCID: PMC7132403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
1.Malaria is the tropical disease most commonly imported into the UK, with 1300-1800 cases reported each year, and 2-11 deaths. 2. Approximately three quarters of reported malaria cases in the UK are caused by Plasmodium falciparum, which is capable of invading a high proportion of red blood cells and rapidly leading to severe or life-threatening multi-organ disease. 3. Most non-falciparum malaria cases are caused by Plasmodium vivax; a few cases are caused by the other species of plasmodium: Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae or Plasmodium knowlesi. 4. Mixed infections with more than one species of parasite can occur; they commonly involve P. falciparum with the attendant risks of severe malaria. 5. There are no typical clinical features of malaria; even fever is not invariably present. Malaria in children (and sometimes in adults) may present with misleading symptoms such as gastrointestinal features, sore throat or lower respiratory complaints. 6. A diagnosis of malaria must always be sought in a feverish or sick child or adult who has visited malaria-endemic areas. Specific country information on malaria can be found at http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. P. falciparum infection rarely presents more than six months after exposure but presentation of other species can occur more than a year after exposure. 7. Management of malaria depends on awareness of the diagnosis and on performing the correct diagnostic tests: the diagnosis cannot be excluded until more than one blood specimen has been examined. Other travel related infections, especially viral haemorrhagic fevers, should also be considered. 8. The optimum diagnostic procedure is examination of thick and thin blood films by an expert to detect and speciate the malarial parasites. P. falciparum and P. vivax (depending upon the product) malaria can be diagnosed almost as accurately using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) which detect plasmodial antigens. RDTs for other Plasmodium species are not as reliable. 9. Most patients treated for P. falciparum malaria should be admitted to hospital for at least 24 h as patients can deteriorate suddenly, especially early in the course of treatment. In specialised units seeing large numbers of patients, outpatient treatment may be considered if specific protocols for patient selection and follow up are in place. 10. Uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria should be treated with an artemisinin combination therapy (Grade 1A). Artemether-lumefantrine (Riamet(®)) is the drug of choice (Grade 2C) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (Eurartesim(®)) is an alternative. Quinine or atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone(®)) can be used if an ACT is not available. Quinine is highly effective but poorly-tolerated in prolonged treatment and should be used in combination with an additional drug, usually oral doxycycline. 11. Severe falciparum malaria, or infections complicated by a relatively high parasite count (more than 2% of red blood cells parasitized) should be treated with intravenous therapy until the patient is well enough to continue with oral treatment. Severe malaria is a rare complication of P. vivax or P. knowlesi infection and also requires parenteral therapy. 12. The treatment of choice for severe or complicated malaria in adults and children is intravenous artesunate (Grade 1A). Intravenous artesunate is unlicensed in the EU but is available in many centres. The alternative is intravenous quinine, which should be started immediately if artesunate is not available (Grade 1A). Patients treated with intravenous quinine require careful monitoring for hypoglycemia. 13. Patients with severe or complicated malaria should be managed in a high-dependency or intensive care environment. They may require haemodynamic support and management of: acute respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute kidney injury, seizures, and severe intercurrent infections including Gram-negative bacteraemia/septicaemia. 14. Children with severe malaria should also be treated with empirical broad spectrum antibiotics until bacterial infection can be excluded (Grade 1B). 15. Haemolysis occurs in approximately 10-15% patients following intravenous artesunate treatment. Haemoglobin concentrations should be checked approximately 14 days following treatment in those treated with IV artemisinins (Grade 2C). 16. Falciparum malaria in pregnancy is more likely to be complicated: the placenta contains high levels of parasites, stillbirth or early delivery may occur and diagnosis can be difficult if parasites are concentrated in the placenta and scanty in the blood. 17. Uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the second and third trimester of pregnancy should be treated with artemether-lumefantrine (Grade 2B). Uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy should usually be treated with quinine and clindamycin but specialist advice should be sought. Severe malaria in any trimester of pregnancy should be treated as for any other patient with artesunate preferred over quinine (Grade 1C). 18. Children with uncomplicated malaria should be treated with an ACT (artemether-lumefantrine or dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine) as first line treatment (Grade 1A). Quinine with doxycycline or clindamycin, or atovaquone-proguanil at appropriate doses for weight can also be used. Doxycycline should not be given to children under 12 years. 19. Either an oral ACT or chloroquine can be used for the treatment of non-falciparum malaria. An oral ACT is preferred for a mixed infection, if there is uncertainty about the infecting species, or for P. vivax infection from areas where chloroquine resistance is common (Grade 1B). 20. Dormant parasites (hypnozoites) persist in the liver after treatment of P. vivax or P. ovale infection: the only currently effective drug for eradication of hypnozoites is primaquine (1A). Primaquine is more effective at preventing relapse if taken at the same time as chloroquine (Grade 1C). 21. Primaquine should be avoided or given with caution under expert supervision in patients with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), in whom it may cause severe haemolysis. 22. Primaquine (for eradication of P. vivax or P. ovale hypnozoites) is contraindicated in pregnancy and when breastfeeding (until the G6PD status of child is known); after initial treatment for these infections a pregnant woman should take weekly chloroquine prophylaxis until after delivery or cessation of breastfeeding when hypnozoite eradication can be considered. 23. An acute attack of malaria does not confer protection from future attacks: individuals who have had malaria should take effective anti-mosquito precautions and chemoprophylaxis during future visits to endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Lalloo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Delane Shingadia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - David J Bell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Nicholas J Beeching
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Christopher J M Whitty
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Mortimer Market Centre, Capper Street off Tottenham Court Road, London WC1E 6AU, UK
| | - Peter L Chiodini
- Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimalarial drugs are the primary weapon to treat parasite infection, save lives, and curtail further transmission. Accumulating data have indicated that at least some antimalarial drugs may contribute to severe neurological and/or psychiatric side effects which further complicates their use and limits the pool of available medications. AREAS COVERED In this review article, we summarize published scientific studies in search of evidence of the neuropsychiatric effects that may be attributed to the commonly used antimalarial drugs administered alone or in combination. Each individual drug was used as a search term in addition to keywords such as neuropsychiatric, adverse events, and neurotoxicity. EXPERT OPINION Accumulating data based on published reports over several decades have suggested that among the major commonly used antimalarial drugs, only mefloquine exhibited clear indications of serious neurological and/or psychiatric side effects. A more systematic approach to assess the neuropsychiatric adverse effects of new or repurposed antimalarial drugs on their safety, tolerability and efficacy phases of clinical studies and in post-marketing surveillance, is needed to ensure that these life-saving tools remain available and can be prescribed with appropriate caution and medical judgment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Grabias
- a Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases , Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration , Silver Spring , MD , USA
| | - Sanjai Kumar
- a Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases , Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration , Silver Spring , MD , USA
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14
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Sharma H, Sarker SJ, Lambourne JR, Fhogartaigh CN, Price NM, Klein JL. The selective outpatient treatment of adults with imported falciparum malaria: a prospective cohort study. QJM 2016; 109:181-6. [PMID: 26025694 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcv113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current UK malaria treatment guidelines recommend admission for all patients diagnosed with falciparum malaria. However, evidence suggests that certain patients are at lower risk of severe malaria and death and may be managed as outpatients. AIM To prospectively assess the risk of post-treatment severe falciparum malaria in selected cases managed as outpatients. The readmission rate and treatment tolerability were assessed as secondary outcomes. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS Adults (>15 years old) diagnosed with falciparum malaria between May 2008 and July 2012 were selected for outpatient treatment using locally defined clinical and laboratory indicators based on known risk factors for severity and death. Treatment outcomes were assessed in clinic or by telephone 4-6 weeks after treatment. RESULTS 269 adults were diagnosed with falciparum malaria on blood film between May 2008 and July 2012. Of 255 eligible participants, 106 patients were offered ambulatory treatment, of which 95 completed the study. The severe malaria rate was 0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0-3.8%) and the readmission rate was 5.3% (95% CI 1.7-11.9) in the outpatient group. In addition, 10.6% (95% CI 5.2-18.7%) of outpatients reported drug-related side effects. CONCLUSIONS The outpatient treatment of selected cases of falciparum malaria is effective in our high volume UK setting. We recommend adopting a similar approach to managing this infection in other non-endemic settings where immediate access to specialist advice is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sharma
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK and
| | - S-J Sarker
- Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Old Anatomy Building, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - J R Lambourne
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK and
| | - C N Fhogartaigh
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK and
| | - N M Price
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK and
| | - J L Klein
- From the Department of Infectious Diseases, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK and
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Toovey S, Nieforth K, Smith P, Schlagenhauf P, Adamcova M, Tatt I, Tomianovic D, Schnetzler G. Comparative benefit of malaria chemoprophylaxis modelled in United Kingdom travellers. Travel Med Infect Dis 2015; 12:726-32. [PMID: 25443997 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoprophylaxis against falciparum malaria is recommended for travellers from non-endemic countries to malarious destinations, but debate continues on benefit, especially with regard to mefloquine. Quantification of benefit for travellers from the United Kingdom (UK) was modelled to assist clinical and public health decision making. METHODS The model was constructed utilising: World Tourism Organization data showing total number of arrivals from the UK in countries with moderate or high malaria risk; data from a retrospective UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) drug utilisation study; additional information on chemoprophylaxis, case fatality and tolerability were derived from the travel medicine literature. Chemoprophylaxis with the following agents was considered: atovaquone-proguanil (AP), chloroquine with and without proguanil (C ± P), doxycycline (Dx), mefloquine (Mq). The model was validated for the most recent year with temporally matched datasets for UK travel destinations and imported malaria (2007) against UK Health Protection Agency data on imported malaria. RESULTS The median (mean) duration of chemoprophylaxis for each agent in weeks (CPRD) was: AP 3.3 (3.5), C ± P 9 (12.1), Dx 8 (10.3), Mq 9 (12.3): the maximum duration of use of all regimens was 52 weeks. The model correctly predicted falciparum malaria deaths and gave a robust estimate of total cases--model: 5 deaths from 1118 cases; UK Health Protection Agency: 5 deaths from 1153 cases. The number needed to take chemoprophylaxis (NNP) to prevent a case of malaria considered against the 'background' reported incidence in non-users of chemoprophylaxis deemed in need of chemoprophylaxis was: C ± P 272, Dx 269, Mq 260, AP 252; the NNP to prevent a UK traveller malaria death was: C ± P 62613, Dx 61923, Mq 59973, AP 58059; increasing the 'background' rate by 50% yielded NNPs of: C ± P 176, Dx 175, Mq 171, AP 168. The impact of substituting atovaquone-proguanil for all mefloquine usage resulted in a 2.3% decrease in estimated infections. The number of travellers experiencing moderate adverse events (AE) or those requiring medical attention or drug withdrawal per case prevented is as follows: C ± P 170, Mq 146, Dx 114, AP 103. CONCLUSIONS The model correctly predicted the number of malaria deaths, providing a robust and reliable estimate of the number of imported malaria cases in the UK, and giving a measure of benefit derived from chemoprophylaxis use against the likely adverse events generated. Overall numbers needed to prevent a malaria infection are comparable among the four options and are sensitive to changes in the background infection rates. Only a limited impact on the number of infections can be expected if Mq is substituted by AP.
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Djimde AA, Makanga M, Kuhen K, Hamed K. The emerging threat of artemisinin resistance in malaria: focus on artemether-lumefantrine. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 13:1031-45. [PMID: 26081265 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1052793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The development of artemisinin resistance in the Greater Mekong Subregion poses a significant threat to malaria elimination. Artemisinin-based combination therapies including artemether-lumefantrine (AL) are recommended by WHO as first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This article provides a comprehensive review of the existing and latest data as a basis for interpretation of observed variability in parasite sensitivity to AL over the last 5 years. Clinical efficacy and preclinical data from a range of endemic countries are summarized, including potential molecular markers of resistance. Overall, AL remains effective in the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in most regions. Establishing validated molecular markers for resistance and strict efficacy monitoring will reinforce timely updates of treatment policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoulaye A Djimde
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
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17
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Visser BJ, Wieten RW, Kroon D, Nagel IM, Bélard S, van Vugt M, Grobusch MP. Efficacy and safety of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) for non-falciparum malaria: a systematic review. Malar J 2014; 13:463. [PMID: 25428624 PMCID: PMC4258384 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is recommended as first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, whereas chloroquine is still commonly used for the treatment of non-falciparum species (Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae). A more simplified, more uniform treatment approach across all malaria species is worthwhile to be considered both in endemic areas and for malaria as an imported condition alike. Methods A PROSPERO-registered systematic review to determine the efficacy and safety of ACT for the treatment of non-falciparum malaria was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines. Without language restrictions, Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, LILACS, Biosis Previews and the African Index Medicus were searched for studies published up to November 2014. Results The literature search identified 986 reports; 40 publications were found eligible for inclusion, all of them on non-falciparum malaria in endemic areas. Most evidence was available for P. vivax (n = 35). Five clinical trials in total were identified evaluating ACT for P. ovale, P. malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi. Most ACT presentations have high efficacy against P. vivax parasites; artemisinin-based combinations have shorter parasite and fever clearance times compared to chloroquine. ACT is as effective as chloroquine in preventing recurrent parasitaemia before day 28. Artemisinin-based combinations with long half-lives show significantly fewer recurrent parasitaemia up to day 63. The limited evidence available supports both the use of chloroquine and an ACT for P. ovale and P. malariae. ACT seems to be preferable for optimal treatment of P. knowlesi. Conclusion ACT is at least equivalent to chloroquine in effectively treating non-falciparum malaria. These findings may facilitate development of simplified protocols for treating all forms of malaria with ACT, including returning travellers. Obtaining comprehensive efficacy and safety data on ACT use for non-falciparum species particularly for P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi should be a research priority. Trial registration CRD42014009103 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1475-2875-13-463) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin P Grobusch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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18
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Grynberg S, Lachish T, Kopel E, Meltzer E, Schwartz E. Artemether-lumefantrine compared to atovaquone-proguanil as a treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in travelers. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 92:13-7. [PMID: 25371188 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Atovaquone-proguanil (AP) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) are both treatments for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, but comparative clinical trials are lacking. We performed a retrospective analysis, comparing treatment failure and fever clearance time in non-immune travelers with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, treated with AP or AL. Sixty-nine patients were included during 2001-2013: 44 in the AP group and 25 in the AL group. Treatment failure was observed in 6 of 44 (13.6%) and 1 of 25 (4.0%) patients in the AP and AL groups, respectively. Six treatment failures were observed in travelers from West Africa. Fever clearance time was 44 ± 23 h in AL group versus 77 ± 28 h in AP group, (P < 0.001). Hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the AL group; 3.8 + 1.3 versus 5.1 + 2.8 days in the AP group (P = 0.04) In conclusion, travelers with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria recover faster on AL than on AP. The AL should probably be the drug of choice for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirly Grynberg
- The Center of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; The Infectious Diseases Unit, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Lachish
- The Center of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; The Infectious Diseases Unit, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Kopel
- The Center of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; The Infectious Diseases Unit, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eyal Meltzer
- The Center of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; The Infectious Diseases Unit, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eli Schwartz
- The Center of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; The Infectious Diseases Unit, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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19
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Tratamiento de la malaria en adultos en países no endémicos. Med Clin (Barc) 2014; 143:216-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chemotherapy of malaria has become a rapidly changing field. Less than two decades ago, treatment regimens were increasingly bound to fail due to emerging drug resistance against 4-aminoquinolines and sulfa compounds. By now, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) constitute the standard of care for uncomplicated falciparum malaria and are increasingly also taken into consideration for the treatment of non-falciparum malaria. AREAS COVERED This narrative review provides an overview of the state-of-art antimalarial drug therapy, highlights the global portfolio of current Phase III/IV clinical trials and summarizes current developments. EXPERT OPINION Malaria chemotherapy remains a dynamic field, with novel drugs and drug combinations continuing to emerge in order to outpace the development of large-scale drug resistance against the currently most important drug class, the artemisinin derivatives. More randomized controlled studies are urgently needed especially for the treatment of malaria in first trimester pregnant women. ACTs should be used for the treatment of imported malaria more consequently. Gaining sufficient efficacy and safety information on ACT use for non-falciparum species including Plasmodium ovale and malariae should be a research priority. Continuous investment into malaria drug development is a vital factor to combat artemisinin resistance and successfully improve malaria control toward the ultimate goal of elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Visser
- University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Centre, Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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21
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Plucinski MM, Huber CS, Akinyi S, Dalton W, Eschete M, Grady K, Silva-Flannery L, Mathison BA, Udhayakumar V, Arguin PM, Barnwell JW. Novel Mutation in Cytochrome B of Plasmodium falciparum in One of Two Atovaquone-Proguanil Treatment Failures in Travelers Returning From Same Site in Nigeria. Open Forum Infect Dis 2014; 1:ofu059. [PMID: 25734129 PMCID: PMC4281801 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofu059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atovaquone-proguanil (AP) is the most commonly used treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the United States. Apparent AP treatment failures were reported 7 months apart in 2 American travelers who stayed in the same compound for foreign workers in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods We analyzed pretreatment (day 0) and day of failure samples from both travelers for mutations in the P falciparum cytochrome B (pfcytb) and dihydrofolate reductase (pfdhfr) genes associated with resistance to atovaquone and cycloguanil, the active metabolite of proguanil, respectively. We genotyped the parasites and sequenced their mitochondrial genomes. Results On day 0, both travelers had proguanil-resistant genotypes but atovaquone-sensitive cytb sequences. Day of failure samples exhibited mutations in cytb for both travelers. One traveler had the common Y268S mutation, whereas the other traveler had a previously unreported mutation, I258M. The travelers had unrelated parasite genotypes and different mitochondrial genomes. Conclusions Despite the infections likely having been contracted in the same site, there is no evidence that the cases were related. The mutations likely arose independently during the acute infection or treatment. Our results highlight the importance of genotyping parasites and sequencing the full cytb and dhfr genes in AP failures to rule out transmission of AP-resistant strains and identify novel mechanisms of AP resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz M Plucinski
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health ; Epidemic Intelligence Service , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Curtis S Huber
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health
| | - Sheila Akinyi
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health
| | | | - Mary Eschete
- Terrebonne General Medical Center, Houma, Louisiana
| | - Katharine Grady
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health
| | | | - Blaine A Mathison
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health
| | | | - Paul M Arguin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health
| | - John W Barnwell
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health
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Esposito DH, Stich A, Epelboin L, Malvy D, Han PV, Bottieau E, da Silva A, Zanger P, Slesak G, van Genderen PJJ, Rosenthal BM, Cramer JP, Visser LG, Muñoz J, Drew CP, Goldsmith CS, Steiner F, Wagner N, Grobusch MP, Plier DA, Tappe D, Sotir MJ, Brown C, Brunette GW, Fayer R, von Sonnenburg F, Neumayr A, Kozarsky PE. Acute muscular sarcocystosis: an international investigation among ill travelers returning from Tioman Island, Malaysia, 2011-2012. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:1401-10. [PMID: 25091309 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciu622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Through 2 international traveler-focused surveillance networks (GeoSentinel and TropNet), we identified and investigated a large outbreak of acute muscular sarcocystosis (AMS), a rarely reported zoonosis caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Sarcocystis, associated with travel to Tioman Island, Malaysia, during 2011-2012. METHODS Clinicians reporting patients with suspected AMS to GeoSentinel submitted demographic, clinical, itinerary, and exposure data. We defined a probable case as travel to Tioman Island after 1 March 2011, eosinophilia (>5%), clinical or laboratory-supported myositis, and negative trichinellosis serology. Case confirmation required histologic observation of sarcocysts or isolation of Sarcocystis species DNA from muscle biopsy. RESULTS Sixty-eight patients met the case definition (62 probable and 6 confirmed). All but 2 resided in Europe; all were tourists and traveled mostly during the summer months. The most frequent symptoms reported were myalgia (100%), fatigue (91%), fever (82%), headache (59%), and arthralgia (29%); onset clustered during 2 distinct periods: "early" during the second and "late" during the sixth week after departure from the island. Blood eosinophilia and elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels were observed beginning during the fifth week after departure. Sarcocystis nesbitti DNA was recovered from 1 muscle biopsy. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians evaluating travelers returning ill from Malaysia with myalgia, with or without fever, should consider AMS, noting the apparent biphasic aspect of the disease, the later onset of elevated CPK and eosinophilia, and the possibility for relapses. The exact source of infection among travelers to Tioman Island remains unclear but needs to be determined to prevent future illnesses.
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Grobusch MP. Malaria chemoprophylaxis with atovaquone-proguanil: is a shorter regimen fully protective? J Travel Med 2014; 21:79-81. [PMID: 24593022 DOI: 10.1111/jtm.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin P Grobusch
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IIDMM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Centre de Récherches Médicales (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon; Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Cordel H, Cailhol J, Matheron S, Bloch M, Godineau N, Consigny PH, Gros H, Campa P, Bourée P, Fain O, Ralaimazava P, Bouchaud O. Atovaquone-proguanil in the treatment of imported uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a prospective observational study of 553 cases. Malar J 2013; 12:399. [PMID: 24200190 PMCID: PMC3831254 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Each year, thousands of cases of uncomplicated malaria are imported into Europe by travellers. Atovaquone-proguanil (AP) has been one of the first-line regimens used in France for uncomplicated malaria for almost ten years. While AP’s efficacy and tolerance were evaluated in several trials, its use in “real life” conditions has never been described. This study aimed to describe outcome and tolerance after AP treatment in a large cohort of travellers returning from endemic areas. Methods Between September 2002 and January 2007, uncomplicated malaria treated in nine French travel clinics with AP were followed for 30 days after AP initiation. Clinical and biological data were collected at admission and during the follow-up. Results A total of 553 patients were included. Eighty-eight percent of them were born in Africa, and 61.8% were infected in West Africa, whereas 0.5% were infected in Asia. Migrants visiting friends and relatives (VFR) constituted 77.9% of the patients, the remainder (32.1%) were backpackers. Three-hundred and sixty-four patients (66%) fulfilled follow-up at day 7 and 265 (48%) completed the study at day 30. Three patients had treatment failure. One-hundred and seventy-seven adverse drug reactions (ADR) were reported during the follow-up; 115 (77%) of them were digestive ADR. Backpackers were more likely to experiment digestive ADR compared to VFR (OR = 3.8; CI 95% [1.8-8.2]). Twenty patients had to be switched to another regimen due to ADR. Conclusion This study seems to be the largest in terms of number of imported uncomplicated malaria cases treated by AP. The high rate of reported digestive ADR is striking and should be taken into account in the follow-up of patients since it could affect their adherence to the treatment. Beside AP, artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is now recommended as first-line regimen. A comparison of AP and ACT, in terms of efficacy and tolerance, would be useful.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Olivier Bouchaud
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Hôpital Avicenne, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Bobigny, France.
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Jelinek T. Artemisinin based combination therapy in travel medicine. Travel Med Infect Dis 2013; 11:23-8. [PMID: 23465532 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 01/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A steadily increasing number of Western travellers are exposed to malaria. Also, numbers of migrants from malarious areas are increasing. Fast and effective treatment options are needed to ensure effective malaria treatment in these groups in the future. Artemisinin combinations are well tolerated and have shown high efficacy in malaria endemic areas. Since 2001, 42 malaria endemic countries, 23 of them in Africa, have adopted artemisinin based combination therapies recommended by WHO. An additional 14 countries are in the process of changing their malaria treatment policy. Studies in non-immune travellers confirm a rapid parasite clearance time and very low rate of side effects. Outpatient clinics and hospitals in non-endemic countries should have standard operating procedures for diagnosing and managing patients with malaria. In this setting, artemisinin combinations should be available for treatment of uncomplicated malaria as they are clearly superior to any other oral antimalarial in their fast reduction of parasite biomass and in decreasing clinical symptoms. Also, they are the drugs of choice for travellers who are advised to carry stand-by emergency treatment during their journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Jelinek
- Berlin Center for Travel & Tropical Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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Concomitant efavirenz reduces pharmacokinetic exposure to the antimalarial drug artemether-lumefantrine in healthy volunteers. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2013; 61:310-6. [PMID: 22918158 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31826ebb5c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antiretroviral drug efavirenz (EFV) and the antimalarial artemisinin-based combination therapy artemether-lumefantrine (AL) are commonly co-administered to treat HIV and malaria. EFV is a known inducer of cytochrome P450 3A4, which converts artemether to dihydroartemisinin (DHA) that is also active and metabolizes longer acting lumefantrine (LR). A study in healthy volunteers was completed to address the concern that EFV impacts AL pharmacokinetics (PKs). METHODS Adults received AL (80/480 mg twice daily) for 3-days before and during EFV co-administration (600 mg daily for 26 days) with intensive PK for artemether, DHA, and LR conducted after the last AL dose for each period. EFV PK was evaluated with and without AL. PK parameters were estimated using noncompartmental methods. RESULTS Twelve subjects completed the 2-period study. PK exposure for artemether, DHA, and LR [as estimated by the area under the concentration time curve (AUClast)] decreased or trended toward decrease with EFV, compared with when administered alone [-51% (P = 0.084), -46% (P = 0.005), and -21% (P = 0.102), respectively]. Day-7 LR levels, previously deemed predictive of treatment success, were 46% lower (P = 0.002) with EFV, but the LR half-life was unchanged. EFV PK exposure was minimally altered after AL co-administration [AUC0-24 hrs decreased by 17% (P = 0.034)]. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to DHA, but not LR, was significantly lower during EFV-AL co-administration compared with that during administration of AL alone. These findings may have implications for the treatment efficacy of AL, particularly in children. However, the observed modest changes probably do not warrant dosage adjustment during co-administration of AL with EFV.
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Esposito DH, Freedman DO, Neumayr A, Parola P. Ongoing outbreak of an acute muscular Sarcocystis-like illness among travellers returning from Tioman Island, Malaysia, 2011-2012. Euro Surveill 2012; 17:20310. [PMID: 23153473 PMCID: PMC4620707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As of 4 November, 2012, 100 patients with an acute muscular Sarcocystis-like illness associated with travel to Tioman Island, Malaysia, have been identified. Thirty-five travelled there mostly during July and August 2011 and 65 mostly during July and August 2012, suggesting an ongoing outbreak. Epidemiological investigations are ongoing. Public health agencies and practicing clinicians should be aware of this rarely-reported disease in humans and consider it as differential diagnosis in travellers returning from Tioman Island.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Esposito
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
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Askling HH, Bruneel F, Burchard G, Castelli F, Chiodini PL, Grobusch MP, Lopez-Vélez R, Paul M, Petersen E, Popescu C, Ramharter M, Schlagenhauf P. Management of imported malaria in Europe. Malar J 2012; 11:328. [PMID: 22985344 PMCID: PMC3489857 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-11-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this position paper, the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Study Group on Clinical Parasitology, summarizes main issues regarding the management of imported malaria cases. Malaria is a rare diagnosis in Europe, but it is a medical emergency. A travel history is the key to suspecting malaria and is mandatory in patients with fever. There are no specific clinical signs or symptoms of malaria although fever is seen in almost all non-immune patients. Migrants from malaria endemic areas may have few symptoms.Malaria diagnostics should be performed immediately on suspicion of malaria and the gold- standard is microscopy of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. A Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) may be used as an initial screening tool, but does not replace urgent microscopy which should be done in parallel. Delays in microscopy, however, should not lead to delayed initiation of appropriate treatment. Patients diagnosed with malaria should usually be hospitalized. If outpatient management is preferred, as is the practice in some European centres, patients must usually be followed closely (at least daily) until clinical and parasitological cure. Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria is either with oral artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) or with the combination atovaquone/proguanil. Two forms of ACT are available in Europe: artemether/lumefantrine and dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine. ACT is also effective against Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium knowlesi, but these species can be treated with chloroquine. Treatment of persistent liver forms in P. vivax and P. ovale with primaquine is indicated after excluding glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. There are modified schedules and drug options for the treatment of malaria in special patient groups, such as children and pregnant women. The potential for drug interactions and the role of food in the absorption of anti-malarials are important considerations in the choice of treatment.Complicated malaria is treated with intravenous artesunate resulting in a much more rapid decrease in parasite density compared to quinine. Patients treated with intravenous artesunate should be closely monitored for haemolysis for four weeks after treatment. There is a concern in some countries about the lack of artesunate produced according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena H Askling
- Department of Medicine Solna/Unit for Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fabrice Bruneel
- Intensive Care Unit, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Site André Mignot, 177 rue de Versailles, Le Chesnay 78150, France
| | - Gerd Burchard
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Francesco Castelli
- University Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili General Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Peter L Chiodini
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin P Grobusch
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rogelio Lopez-Vélez
- Tropical Medicine & Clinical Parasitology. Infectious Diseases Department.Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Margaret Paul
- Department and Clinic of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Eskild Petersen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Corneliu Popescu
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases "Dr.Victor Babes", University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Michael Ramharter
- Department. of Medicine I, Div. of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia Schlagenhauf
- University of Zürich, Centre for Travel Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Zürich, Switzerland
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