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Publication AbstractsMefloquine versus doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis in intermittent exposures of Israeli Air Force aircrew in RwandaShamiss A, Atar E, Zohar L, Davidson B, Cain YAviat Space Environ Med 1996; 67:872-3 AbstractBackground: The issue of the best chemoprophylaxis agent for aircrew to use against malaria is still not settled. Method: We studied the patterns of use of both doxycycline and mefloquine in aviators and other aircrew for 2 mo during biweekly flights from Israel to Rwanda with a few hours visits. Some 28 aviators and 15 non- aviator aircrew were treated with doxycycline and mefloquine, respectively, less than 12 h before the first flight and up to 4 wk after the last return. Results: No case of malaria occurred within or after the operational period. Compliance was better for mefloquine than for doxycycline for the full period of the operation (100% vs. 75% respectively) The rate of side effects, mostly gastrointestinal, was higher for doxycycline (39% vs 13%, respectively) and was related mainly to the frequency of administration (daily vs. weekly). Conclusion: In situations involving frequent intermittent short-term visits to areas with substantial risk of acquiring malaria, we conclude that aircrew can safely take weekly mefloquine as prophylaxis.
Information on subscribing, and on obtaining copies of an article or of an entire issue. Table of Contents for Volume 67, Number 9 of the ASEM journal.
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