Well-tolerated chemoprophylaxis uniformly prevented Swedish soldiers from Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Liberia, 2004-2006.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Between 2004 and 2006, 1,170 Swedish soldiers were deployed to Liberia. They were prescribed mefloquine or atovaquone/proguanil as malaria chemoprophylaxis. Our study aims were to estimate the chemoprophylaxis effectiveness and adverse events.

METHODS:

Cases of malaria were routinely reported during and after the mission. After return to Sweden, the soldiers filled in a questionnaire concerning type of accommodation, use of prophylaxis, and adverse events.

RESULTS:

No cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria were recorded during a total of approximately 7,000 person-months. Adverse events (AE) were reported by 57% in the mefloquine group and 34% in the atovaquone/proguanil group. In the mefloquine group, the soldiers reported more neuropsychological AE.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both drugs were safe and 100% effective as long-term prophylaxis for prevention of P. falciparum malaria. Atovaquone/ proguanil was better tolerated with respect to self-reported AE.

• Authors: Håkan Andersson, Helena H Askling, Björn Falck, Lars Rombo
• Journal: Military medicine (Mil Med) Vol. 173 Issue 12 Pg. 1194-8 (Dec 2008) ISSN: 0026-4075 [Print] England
• PMID: 19149338 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antimalarials
• Proguanil
• Mefloquine
• Atovaquone

Topics

• Animals
• Antimalarials (therapeutic use)
• Atovaquone (therapeutic use)
• Chemoprevention
• Female
• Humans
• Liberia (epidemiology)
• Malaria (epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Male
• Mefloquine (therapeutic use)
• Military Medicine
• Military Personnel
• Plasmodium falciparum (drug effects)
• Proguanil (therapeutic use)
• Retrospective Studies
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Sweden