Malaria during a multinational military deployment: the comparative experience of the Italian, British and Australian Armed Forces in East Timor

Abstract

Although their efficacy has been shown to be similar in south-east Asia, doxycycline was less effective than mefloquine for malaria chemoprophylaxis in East Timor. Lower adherence, higher incidence of adverse effects and reduced bioavailability of doxycycline may have been possible causes. Mefloquine seems therefore preferable in arduous and prolonged field conditions.