Journal of Medical Sciences1682-44741812-5727Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/jms.2007.816.824®) in the Treatment of Uncomplicated Falciparum malaria in Ijede Community, Ikorodu LGA, Lagos State, Nigeria]]>AgomoP.U. MustaphaR.A.S. OmoloyeB.G. OkechukwuA.N. MafeA.G. IjaleS.I. OlukosiY. OkohH.I. AinaO.O. AgomoC.O. AkindeleS.K. AkinyeleM.O. AfolabiA.S. EgbunaK.N. IdikaN. EnyaV.N. EzeiruV.A. 5200775Artequin®, a combination of Artesunate and Mefloquine has been reported to be effective against multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria in other countries but not in Nigeria. We have now evaluated the efficacy and safety of this drug in the treatment of malaria in a high malaria transmission area. The WHO protocol was followed and the Health Centre of the Community was used. Out-patients having amongst other criteria, a pre-treatment parasite density of ≥1000 μL-1 of blood were enrolled for the study. Informed Consent was obtained and the drugs were given on days 0, 1 and 2. Each patient was followed up to day 28. Results showed that of the 1453 patients screened, 120 met the enrolment criteria but 115 (58 adults and 57 children) completed the trial. The success rates in adults on D1, D2, D3, D7, D14 and D28 were 53.4, 94.8, 100, 100, 100 and 98.3%, respectively. The success rates in children were 22.8, 98.25, 100, 100, 100 and 93.0%, respectively. Parasite clearance times in adults and children were 36.4 and 42.9 h, respectively. The mean fever clearance times were 11.75 and 12.25 h, respectively. Artequin® exhibited marked antigametocyte activity, with a gametocyte clearance time of 51.0 h. There were no major adverse reactions. The values of haematological and clinical indices of safety were within normal ranges. We conclude that Artequin® is efficacious, safe and well tolerated. Its use in the treatment of malaria is therefore recommended.]]>Ekanem, O.J., J.A. Weisfeld, L.A. Salako and B.L. Nahlen et al.,1990Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine in Nigerian children.]]>684552Falade, C., M. Makanga, Z. Premji, C. Ortmann, M. Stockmeyer and P. de Palacios,200599459467FMOH.,2004Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja World Health Organization, 1993: The Implementation of the Global Malaria Control Strategy.Karbwang, J. and N.J. White,199019264279Lee, S.H., S. Looareesuwan, J. Chan and S. Wilairatana et al.,199777289293Li, G.Q., X.B. Guo, L.C. Fu, H.x. Jean and X.H. Wang,199488 (suppl. 1)56Looaresuwan, S., C. Viravan, S. Vanijanonta and P. Pitisuttithum,199488131136Massousgbodji, A., D. Kone Kinde Gazard, A. same-Ekobo, N. Cambon and E.A. Mueller,2002Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Africa.]]>96655659Nosten, F., M. Van Vugt, R. Price, C. Luxemburger, K.L. Thway, A. Brockman, R. Mcgready and F. ter Kuile, S. Looaresuwan and N.J. White,2000Plasmodium falciparum malaria and mefloquine resistance in Western Thailand: A Prospective Study]]>356297302Okoye, J.N., L. Lege-Oguntoye, R.O. Ugbode and G.O. Ogunrinde,1997Plasmodium falciparum parasite to mefloquine in Nigerian children.]]>2319324Price, R.N., F. Nosten and G. Luxemburger,199791574577Salako, L.A. and A.F. Aderounmu,1987In vitro chloroquine and mefloquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum in Nigeria.]]>1572573Salako, L.A.,19971997pp: 13-21pp: 13-21Schwatt, B.,19862nd Edn.,Sowunmi, A., A.M.J. Oduola, Ilesanmi and L.A. Salako,1996Plasmodium falciparum hyperparasitaemia in children.]]>1659Sowunmi, A. and A.M.J. Oduola,1997Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Nigerian children.]]>91689693Steketee, R.W., J.J. Wirima, L. Slutsker, J.M. Roberts, C.O. Khoromana, D.L. Heymann and J.G. Breman,199655 (Suppl.)2432Teklehaimanot, A. and A. Bosman,19981998pp: 41: 335-338pp: 41: 335-338Von, Seidlein., S. Jaffar, M. Pinder, M. Haywood, G. Snounou, B. Gemberli, I. Gathmann and C. Royce, B. Greenwood,199717611131116White, N.J. and P.L. Olliaro,1998585456White, N.J.,199941301308White, N.J., F. Nosten, S. Leoreesuwan, M.M. Watkins and K. Marsh et al.,199935319651967WHO, 2003Falciparum Malaria.]]>