Inadequate chemoprophylaxis and the risk of malaria
Massey, Peter, Durrheim, David N., and Speare, Rick (2007) Inadequate chemoprophylaxis and the risk of malaria. Australian Family Physician, 36 (12). pp. 1058-1060.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Malaria is an important disease for Australian travellers, particularly to Papua New Guinea. Travellers often seek health advice from their general practitioner before travel or if they develop illness after travel. METHOD: A retrospective cohort investigation into malaria risk in a group of adult Australians that trekked the Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea. RESULTS: Six of 38 group members were diagnosed with malaria on return from Papua New Guinea. None of the 12 individuals who took chemoprophylaxis for the recommended period post-travel developed malaria compared to 4/24 travellers who terminated prophylaxis prematurely or 2/2 who took no chemoprophylaxis. DISCUSSION: Chemoprophylaxis is effective if taken for the full recommended period following travel to a malaria endemic area; 4 weeks for doxycycline and mefloquine, and 7 days for atovaquone+proguanil. Malaria is a likely cause of illness in recently returned travellers from Papua New Guinea who develop a febrile illness.
| Item ID: | 2796 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 0300-8495 |
| Keywords: | malaria; prophylaxis; Kokoda trail |
| Additional Information: | Copyright to Australian Family Physician. Reproduced with permission. Permission to reproduce must be sought from the publisher, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners: www.afp.org.au |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Sep 2009 05:45 |
| FoR Codes: | 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1103 Clinical Sciences > 110309 Infectious Diseases @ 50% 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1108 Medical Microbiology > 110803 Medical Parasitology @ 50% |
| SEO Codes: | 92 HEALTH > 9299 Other Health > 929999 Health not elsewhere classified @ 51% 92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920412 Preventive Medicine @ 49% |
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