One of the problems associated with malaria prophylaxis in travellers
is that there is a staggering lack of good clinical information on the
efficacy and side effects of antimalarials in travellers. Simply finding
studies that determine that chemoprohylaxis is of proven medical benefit
at allis surprisingly difficult; finding studies of more complexity such
as comparing the morbidity and mortality of chemoprophylaxis with early
standby treatment is impossible.
This simply reflects the cinderella status of this disease generally, but
in this era of travel is of especially serious concern. Tourism is one of
the largest income generators globally - research funding for studies
related to malaria and travel is proportionaltely miniscule.
Competing interests:
No competing interests
21 July 2000
Andrew Jamieson
Medical Director, British Airways Travel Clinics, South Africa
Rapid Response:
Evidence only serves to confuse
One of the problems associated with malaria prophylaxis in travellers
is that there is a staggering lack of good clinical information on the
efficacy and side effects of antimalarials in travellers. Simply finding
studies that determine that chemoprohylaxis is of proven medical benefit
at allis surprisingly difficult; finding studies of more complexity such
as comparing the morbidity and mortality of chemoprophylaxis with early
standby treatment is impossible.
This simply reflects the cinderella status of this disease generally, but
in this era of travel is of especially serious concern. Tourism is one of
the largest income generators globally - research funding for studies
related to malaria and travel is proportionaltely miniscule.
Competing interests: No competing interests