[Epidemiological peculiarities of pernicious attacks by Plasmodium falciparum in the context of a malaria epidemic. Vanuatu, 1975-1985].

A retrospective study of the cerebral malaria cases occurred in five hospitals from 1975 to 1985 was conducted in the Republic of Vanuatu (ex-New Hébrides). The situation in this archipelago since 1980 of the epidemic type, with a dramatic increase in Plasmodium falciparum incidence and prevalence. A considerable increase of the incidence of cerebral malaria has been evidenced in the whole group, in parallel with that of the P. falciparum incidence. Moreover, an unusual age distribution has been noted, with a maximum incidence in the adult age group, and a minimum in the infant one. The most evident misleading factors have been excluded, and possible explanations for this particular distribution are discussed. Finally, this increase in cerebral malaria incidence did not appear to be directly due to the concomitant spread of chloroquine resistant P. falciparum over the country, but rather to the resulting increasing incidence of this parasite.