Chloroquine Resistant Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Confirmed By In-Vitro Testing in a District Hospital

Abstract

The occurence of chloroquine resistant malaria in the Eastern Province of Zambia is reported. It was possible for a laboratory technician experienced in parasitology to undertake tests for chloroquine resistance in a District Hospital. It is, however, unlikely to become a labaratory routine, because of the costs and time factor. It has been suggested that a knowledge of the extent of chloroquine resistance in Zambia would be helpful in formulating a national policy on the treatment of malaria. 13 tests were performed in which schizonts failed to develop on nine occasions. These were technical failures. In 4 tests schizonts of Plasmodium falciparum did develop satisfactorily. The results for these tests are shown .