[Malaria prevention in international travel].
For travelers malaria represents the principal infectious risk of severe complications and death. Infection during traveling depends on the geographical area visited, the predominant species of parasite, the frequency of resistance to antimalarial agents, and whether preventive measures have been taken. Until a vaccine has been developed, prevention strategies consist of providing travelers with information, the use of barrier methods against vector bites, the correct use of chemoprophylaxis, and the possibility of self-diagnosis and treatment. The choice of chemoprophylaxis regimen should be individualized since no regimen guarantees 100% protection or is free of adverse effects or contraindications. The most effective drugs are doxycycline, atovaquone-proguanil and mefloquine while those producing severe adverse effects with the least frequency are atovaquone-proguanil and doxycycline.
Medicina Tropical y Parasitología Clínica. Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Servicio de Microbiología. Hospital Ramón y Cajal. Madrid. España. rlopezvelez@hrc.insalud.es
Rogelio
R
López-Vélez
D000818:Animals; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D004630:Emergencies; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009032:Mosquito Control; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012651:Self Medication; D014195:Travel; D014481:United States; D014944:World Health Organization
D000962:Antimalarials