Pharmacotherapy of Chloroquine-Sensitive and Resistant *P. falciparum* and Treatment of *P. vivax*
Pharmacotherapy of Chloroquine-Sensitive and Chloroquine-Resistant *P. falciparum*
Chloroquine-Sensitive *P. falciparum*
Chloroquine remains the first-line treatment for chloroquine-sensitive *P. falciparum*. It works by inhibiting the detoxification of heme, leading to parasite death.
Chloroquine-Resistant *P. falciparum*
In cases of resistance, alternative therapies are necessary, including Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), Mefloquine, and Quinine. ACTs are the most effective treatment.
Why *P. falciparum* is Dangerous
*P. falciparum* is the most dangerous malaria parasite due to its potential to cause severe complications like:
- Cerebral malaria
- Severe anemia
- Multi-organ failure
- Increased risk in pregnant women and children
Radical Cure
A radical cure targets both the blood-stage and liver-stage parasites, ensuring a complete eradication of the infection. It is primarily relevant in the treatment of *Plasmodium vivax* and *Plasmodium ovale*.
Treatment of *P. vivax* Infection
1. Blood-Stage Treatment
The first step in treating *P. vivax* is clearing the blood-stage infection using Chloroquine.
2. Radical Cure (Liver-Stage Treatment)
To prevent relapse, Primaquine is administered after blood-stage treatment to target the dormant liver stages (hypnozoites).
Note: Patients with G6PD deficiency should be monitored when using Primaquine.
