Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
those with G6PD deficiency. Development of a rapid, accurate and affordable
bedside test for G6PD deficiency is one of the highest priorities in the field
of vivax malaria research today (
Table 5.2
). Great priority must also be given
to identifying means of improving adherence to primaquine regimens such
as shortening the treatment course and direct observation of treatment.
Table 5.2
Future Research Priorities
Development of new, safe, slowly eliminated and effective hypnozoitocidal drugs
for preventing
P. vivax
relapses.
Assessment of short-course, high-dose primaquine regimens for improving
adherence.
Confirmation of the effectiveness of primaquine when prescribed with blood
schizontocides other than chloroquine and quinine.
Development of a rapid, cheap and accurate bedside test for glucose-
6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
Clarification of the threshold level of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
deficiency at which it is no longer safe to give standard courses of
primaquine.
Development of other means of improving adherence to primaquine regimens.
Clarification of the relapse pattern of endemic
P. vivax
strains in various
geographical locations.
Clarification of the total dose of primaquine required to prevent relapse in
various geographical locations.
Assessment of the public health significance of sub-patent
P. vivax
infections.
Development of rapid, cheap and accurate means of diagnosing low-density
P. vivax
infections both in the clinic and in the community.
Development of a single-dose blood-schizontocidal regimen that is effective
against both
P. falciparum
and
P. vivax
.
Assessment of the impact of a long period of post-treatment prophylaxis on
overall transmission of
P. vivax
in various geographical locations.
Debate and analysis of the risks and benefits of providing hypnozoitocidal
courses of primaquine to patients with falciparum malaria in regions with
Plasmodium
co-endemicity.
Mathematical modelling and epidemiological assessment of the most
effective dosing regimen for reducing transmission of
P. vivax
in mass drug
administration campaigns.
Mathematical modelling and epidemiological assessment of the most appropriate
target age groups for mass drug administration campaigns if resources do not
allow treatment of all individuals in a population.
Mathematical modelling and epidemiological assessment of the potential impact
of mass drug administration campaigns on emergence of drug-resistant
P. vivax
strains.
