Efficacy of Artemether in Unresolving Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria

The emergence of possible resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria to artemisinin known for its immense benefit in malaria chemotherapy is worrisome. We report a case of unresolving Plasmodium falciparum malaria to Artesunate treatment in a 29- year old man in Enugu Nigeria. Plasmodium falciparum count of Giemsa stained blood films was 3000 parasites /il on the first day, and 2400 parasites /il on the 14 th day following treatment with oral Artesunate. On administering oral Artemether to the patient, the parasite count dropped from 2400 parasites /il to zero as at day 14 with normal body temperature and marked clinical improvement. The use of Artesunate as monotherapy against malaria infection is common practice in our community. Health care providers should have a re-think and use artemisinin based combination therapy Keywords: Malaria, Artesunate, Resistance Nigerian Medical Practitioner Vol. 62 No 5-6, 2012