STUDY OF ON-SITE METHODS OF IN VITRO DETERMINATION OF THE SENSITIVITY OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM TO A NEW ANTIMALARIAL COMPOUND OF DIHYDROARTEMISININ AND PIPERAQUINE

Objective To explore on-site methods for in vitro determination of the sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum to a new compound of the antimalarials dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine in order to guide drug sensitivity monitoring. Methods Referring to the Rieckmann micro in vitro assay recommended by the WHO,the sensitivity of P. falciparum to each drug was measured in combination and alone in plates coated with dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine. Results Sensitivity was determined at a success rate of 76.92% and 75.00% in single-drug plates and at a success rate of 76.92% in compound-coated plates. The drug compound had a markedly higher rate of inhibiting P. falciparum than single drugs. The inhibition rates of both single drugs and a compound of both increased in succession as their concentration increased. The compound significantly reduced drug dosage,and the synergy of the two drugs reduced the proportion of piperaquine. Conclusion Results suggested that these plates coated with dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine are stable,sensitive,provide good reproducibility,are simple and easy to use,and can encourage increased use on-site. P. falciparum has become increasingly resistant to single artemisinin derivatives and piperaquine. Drug dosage was significantly reduced when the two drugs were combined and may delay the emergence of drug resistance,so using the two in combination is vital. The optimal molar concentration ratio for concomitant use of dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine was 1:3.5-4.4.