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Resurgence of Malaria in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, An Epidemic of Drug-Resistant Parasites

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Global Change and Human Health

Abstract

The recent spread of malaria in the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania has been blamed on climatic changes experienced during the 20th century. Here we suggest that recent changes in the pattern of malaria does not result so much from these changes as from changes in the use and efficacy of antimalarial drugs. The recent resurgence of malaria in this area corresponds with the rapid evolution of parasite strains resistant to chloroquine. The ineffectiveness of anti-malarial drugs may have left the people of the Usambaras at the same high risk of infection as they were before the introduction of modern medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory, Jægersborg All 1D, 2920, Charlottenlund, Denmark

    Ren Bødker

  2. National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga, Tanzania

    William Kisinza, Robert Malima & Hamisi Msangeni

  3. Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory, Jægersborg All 1D, 2920, Charlottenlund, Denmark

    Steve Lindsay

  4. Department of Biological Science, Durham, UK

    Steve Lindsay

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  1. Ren Bødker
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  5. Steve Lindsay
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Bødker, R., Kisinza, W., Malima, R. et al. Resurgence of Malaria in the Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, An Epidemic of Drug-Resistant Parasites. Global Change & Human Health 1, 134–153 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010077105257

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