Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency Status Should be Screened in All Vivax Malaria Patients in Thailand Where Severe G6PD Deficiency is Predominant

Polrat Wilairatana, Noppado

Abstract

Since most G6PD deficiency in Thailand is G6PD Viangchan (which is severe G6PD deficiency), vivax malaria patients coming to seek treatment should be screened for G6PD deficiency before primaquine is given. Primaquine is contraindicated in vivax malaria treatment with severe G6PD deficiency since primaquine may cause massive hemolysis and even death.