Chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria among British Service Personnel in West Malaysia and Singapore

Abstract 

An outline is given of an investigation into the incidence of chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria amongst British Service personnel in Far East Land Forces between 1 March 1968 and 30 June 1969.

Of 72 patients with falciparum malaria investigated, 36 (50%) were shown to have chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria: 19 cases were in 27 British servicemen (70%), 10 in 21 Gurkha soldiers (48%) and 7 in 24 Malay soldiers (29%).

Resistance was of RI grading in 35 patients. 1 patient was of RII/III grading. Resistance was confirmed in 2 patients by inoculation studies.

Presence of a new focus of chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria in the State of Johore and in Trengganu was established. Other new areas with chloroquine-resistant falciparum malaria were defined throughout West Malaysia and in the Republic of Singapore.

Use of chloroquine is discussed and emphasis placed upon urgent need for new anti-malarial drugs.

The importance of eradication of malaria and the prevention of malaria is stressed.

All medical practitioners in the United Kingdom and elsewhere should be made aware of the possibility of malaria occurring in persons returning from the Far East and being resistant to chloroquine.

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