Mental health articles

malaria chemoprophylaxis definition Synonyms
Medicinal prophylaxis of malaria; Prophylactic therapy
of malaria; Malaria suppression; Suppressive therapy of
malaria chemoprophylaxis definition 
Chemoprophylaxis of malaria aims at the destruction
of plasmodia, which are transmitted by the bite of
an infected mosquito, thus preventing an outbreak of
malaria. Prophylactic therapy is recommended for journeys
into endemic regions that are at high risk of malaria,
but not for long-term stays. Chemoprophylaxis has
to be started 1 to 3 weeks before the onset of the
journey and has to be continued for at least 4 weeks
after leaving the endemic region. For medicinal prophylaxis
 chloroquin (Resochin®, Aralen®),  mefloquin
(Lariam®,Mephaquin®), atovaquon + proguanil
(Malarone®) and doxycycline can be used. Before prophylaxis
is carried out, the pros and cons have to be considered.
On the one hand, the regional risk of a malaria
infection has to be judged, on the other hand, possible
side effects and long-term toxicity have to be taken
into account. Special problems arise during pregnancy,
especially when resistances against chloroquine are
present. If it can be avoided, a pregnant woman should
not travel to regions with a high risk of malaria.

Tags: chemoprophylaxis, malaria