Efficacy and safety of malarial prophylaxis with mefloquine during pregnancy in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Kisangani is an area with intense malaria transmission and sulfadoxinepyrimethamine resistance. Alternative antimalaria prophylaxis medication and protocols are needed, particularly with pregnant individuals. In this study, we compare the tolerance and effectiveness of mefloquine regimen as a split dose with a meal vs.sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the intermittent preventive treatment in pregnant individuals in Kisangani.Methods: This study was conducted from 15 May to 30 November 2019 as a singleblind, randomized clinical trial comparing 2 regimens of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy. The first regimen consisted of 4 doses of sulfadoxinepyrimethamine, and the second of 2 doses of mefloquine taken as a split dose with meal.