Chapter 8 Antiparasitic Drug Therapy
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Antiparasitic Therapy Millions of people worldwide are infected with protozoal organisms. Protozoa: a single-celled microorganism
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Protozoal Illnesses Protozoal diseases are prevalent in tropical regions and in immuno- compromised hosts Exposure: international travel and immigration from areas where such infections are endemic
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Malaria Malaria causes high morbidity and mortality Protozoa called Plasmodium Resides in the red blood cell of humans Signs and symptoms Fever, prostration, and recurrent chills
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Transmission of Malaria Malaria is transmitted by the bite of a female mosquito. Malaria is also transmitted via infected blood during blood transfusions. Has become more common in the United States
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Treating Malaria Humans: antimalarial agents work during the asexual cycle of the parasite Mosquito: antimalarial agents do not work during the sexual cycle
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Antimalarial Agents Quinine sulfate: action is still unknown Declining in use because of toxic effects Mefloquine (Lariam): synthetic analogue of quinine sulfate Used as preventive therapy and has fewer side effects (continues)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Antimalarial Agents Chloroquine (Aralen): safe and effective Used for acute treatment Fewer side effects Given orally and intramuscularly (continued)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Treatment with Antimalarials Clients Take antimalarial agents 1 to 2 weeks before travel to designated geographic areas Lab follow-up: monitor for low WBC Note reduction in neutrophils Administer with food; causes GI irritation
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Other Protozoal Infections Amebiasis Entamoeba histolytica Contaminated food and drink Signs and symptoms: diarrhea Treatment: metronidazole (Flagyl) Trichomoniasis Sexually transmitted disease of the vagina Treatment: metronidazole (Flagyl)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved Antiprotozoal Agents Metronidazole (Flagyl): bactericidal, amebicidal, and trichomonacidal; it also kills some anerobic bacteria Adverse effects: N&V, convulsions, peripheral neuropathy, blurred vision, metallic taste, diarrhea, darkened urine, bone marrow depression, and rash