Continuous oral chloroquine as a novel route for Plasmodium prophylaxis and cure in experimental murine models

BACKGROUND: Chloroquine (CQ) is utilized as both cure and prophylaxis to Plasmodium infection. In animal studies, CQ administration to experimental animals is via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a single dose that varies from daily to several times per week. Such daily administration can be distressing to the animals and provoke aggressive behaviors that may affect the immune responses of the animal and interfere with data read-outs. FINDINGS: We describe a novel, viable and efficacious prophylactic and curative administration route whereby chloroquine is continuously supplied in the drinking water to experimental animals. The prophylactic effect is robust and the curative effect against patent blood stage infection comparable to the traditional route of i.p. administration. Continuous drinking water administration may decrease animal stress responses and thus improve the reliability of experimental data.