Artesunate misuse and Plasmodium falciparum malaria in traveler returning from Africa

Emerg Infect Dis. 2010 Oct;16(10):1608-10. doi: 10.3201/eid1610.100116.

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum malaria developed in an African-born traveler who returned to Canada after visiting Nigeria. While there, she took artesunate prophylactically. Isolates had an elevated 50% inhibitory concentration to artemisinin, artesunate, and artemether, compared with that of other African isolates. Inappropriate use of artemisinin derivatives can reduce P. falciparum susceptibility.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa
  • Antimalarials / administration & dosage
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use*
  • Artemisinins / administration & dosage
  • Artemisinins / pharmacology
  • Artemisinins / therapeutic use*
  • Artesunate
  • Canada
  • Chemoprevention*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inhibitory Concentration 50
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Malaria, Falciparum / prevention & control*
  • Nigeria
  • Parasitic Sensitivity Tests
  • Plasmodium falciparum / drug effects*
  • Self Medication / adverse effects*
  • Travel*

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Artemisinins
  • Artesunate