Gametocyte carriage was lower following artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine
than following sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2–1.0 on day 7 and RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2–
1.1 on day 14). Mild diarrhea, rash, and itching resolved without treatment. Combined artesunate plus sulfadoxinepyrimethamine
resulted in more rapid fever and parasite clearance, was well tolerated, reduced risk of treatment
failure, and lowered gametocyte carriage.