V Balasubramaniam’s scientific contributions

Due to large scale resurgence of malaria in some parts of Karnataka state, it has become difficult to administer radical treatment (RT) to all malaria parasite positive cases. Many cases therefore receive only presumptive treatment (PT) with 600 mg base of chloroquine (adult dose). The result that could be expected from this single dose was investigated on 674 P. vivax and 391 P. falciparum cases which were followed up at an interval of 7-10 days. Persistance of parasites of the respective species was noted in 1.18 and 0.25% of P. vivax and P. falciparum cases respectively for the entire State but in individual localities vivax ranged from 0 to 4.2%. There was only 1 case of falciparum. It was concluded that the purpose of giving presumptive treatment was being served fairly well. It has been suggested that where radical treatment is not possible, another single dose of chloroquine should be given and the younger age group in particular is likely to derive good benefit from this.