Malaria in Drug Addicts

Abstract

To the Editor.— We have recently observed eight cases of malaria due to the use of needles in common by heroin addicts. All eight were cases ofPlasmodium vivaxinfection. Three of these were related as man, wife, and sister; the other five have not admitted to a common pathway, but have acknowledged the use of heroin intravenously during a six-week period. All eight of these individuals gave a history of longterm heroin use, and all have complained of chills and fever of approximately four weeks' duration. Two of these patients were admitted as cases of fever of unknown orign (FUO), one to a psychiatric ward for observation, one as a patient with hepatitis, and four as known contacts. The patient with hepatitis and one of the patients with FUO demonstrated a positive Australia antigen by latex particle fixation. The other patients were negative for Australia antigen. Present studies are