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Woldesenbet D, Tegegne Y, Semaw M, Abebe W, Barasa S, Wubetie M, Tamene E, Anteneh M, Yimer A, Wolde D. Malaria Prevalence and Risk Factors in Outpatients at Teda Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Parasitol Res 2024; 2024:8919098. [PMID: 38774539 PMCID: PMC11108681 DOI: 10.1155/2024/8919098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite extensive efforts and achievements made in prevention and control, malaria is still a public health problem in Ethiopia. Currently, the case number has been climbing, even changing the epidemiology to the previously low-burden reporting locations. Therefore, our study is aimed at assessing malaria prevalence and associated risk factors in outpatients, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 318 malaria-suspected outpatients from October 22 to December 15, 2022, at Teda Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia. Sociodemographic characteristics and malaria risk factors were assessed by a face-to-face interview using a pretested questionnaire. Plasmodium parasites were detected by using microscopy on a blood film stained with 10% and 3% Giemsa stain. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25, and statistical significance was reported at a p value < 0.05. Results Of the 318 study participants, 124 (39.0%; 95%CI = 33.6% - 44.6%) tested positive for Plasmodium infection. Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, and mixed infections were identified in 71 (57.3%), 47 (37.9%), and 6 (4.8%), respectively, among positive study participants. Individuals above the age of 15 (AOR = 2.704, 95% CI 1.370-5.336) were more likely to be infected with Plasmodium than under-five-year-old individuals. Rural residents (AOR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.281-5.098), those who sleep or work outside at night (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.020-3.875), and individuals who did not use long-lasting insecticide-treated net (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI 1.633-6.499) and had a family member with a history of malaria (AOR = 2.902, 95%CI = 1.671 - 5.041) had higher odds of acquiring Plasmodium infection than their counterparts. Conclusion In our study area, malaria was a major health problem, with P. vivax being the dominant species. Multiple environmental and behavioural factors were associated with the infection acquisition. Therefore, urgent holistic intervention is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmawi Woldesenbet
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia
| | - Yalewayker Tegegne
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Semaw
- Medical Laboratory Unit, Sanja General Hospital, Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau, Sanja, Ethiopia
| | - Wagaw Abebe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Silesh Barasa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Menberu Wubetie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dire Dawa University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Elias Tamene
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia
| | - Marshet Anteneh
- Bahir Dar Blood Bank, Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Aschalew Yimer
- Medical Laboratory Unit, Teda Health Center, Amhara National Regional State Health Bureau, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Deneke Wolde
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wachemo University, Hossana, Ethiopia
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Sendor R, Banek K, Kashamuka MM, Mvuama N, Bala JA, Nkalani M, Kihuma G, Atibu J, Thwai KL, Svec WM, Goel V, Nseka T, Lin JT, Bailey JA, Emch M, Carrel M, Juliano JJ, Tshefu A, Parr JB. Epidemiology of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale spp. in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6618. [PMID: 37857597 PMCID: PMC10587068 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42190-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Reports suggest non-falciparum species are an underappreciated cause of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa but their epidemiology is ill-defined, particularly in highly malaria-endemic regions. We estimated incidence and prevalence of PCR-confirmed non-falciparum and Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections within a longitudinal study conducted in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between 2015-2017. Children and adults were sampled at biannual household surveys and routine clinic visits. Among 9,089 samples from 1,565 participants, incidences of P. malariae, P. ovale spp., and P. falciparum infections by 1-year were 7.8% (95% CI: 6.4%-9.1%), 4.8% (95% CI: 3.7%-5.9%) and 57.5% (95% CI: 54.4%-60.5%), respectively. Non-falciparum prevalences were higher in school-age children, rural and peri-urban sites, and P. falciparum co-infections. P. falciparum remains the primary driver of malaria in the DRC, though non-falciparum species also pose an infection risk. As P. falciparum interventions gain traction in high-burden settings, continued surveillance and improved understanding of non-falciparum infections are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sendor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Kristin Banek
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Melchior M Kashamuka
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Nono Mvuama
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph A Bala
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Marthe Nkalani
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Kihuma
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph Atibu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kyaw L Thwai
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - W Matthew Svec
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Varun Goel
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tommy Nseka
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jessica T Lin
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Michael Emch
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Margaret Carrel
- Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Antoinette Tshefu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jonathan B Parr
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Hasyim H, Dewi WC, Lestari RAF, Flora R, Novrikasari N, Liberty IA, Marini H, Elagali A, Herlinda S, Maharani FE. Risk factors of malaria transmission in mining workers in Muara Enim, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14755. [PMID: 37679466 PMCID: PMC10484942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Eliminating malaria by 2030 is stated as goal three in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, malaria still remains a significant public health problem. This study aims to identify the factors determining malaria transmission in artisanal or small-scale miner (ASM) communities in three villages: Tanjung Agung, Tanjung Lalang, and Penyandingan, located in the Tanjung Enim District, Muara Enim, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study involving 92 participants from the study area. They used a logistic regression model to investigate the risk factors related to malaria occurrence. The multivariable analysis revealed that age (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) = 7.989 with 95% CI 1.724-37.002) and mosquito breeding (APR = 7.685 with 95% CI 1.502-39.309) were risk factors for malaria. On the other hand, higher education (APR = 0.104 with 95% CI 0.027-0.403), the use of mosquito repellent (APR = 0.138 with 95% CI 0.035-0.549), and the condition of house walls (APR = 0.145 with 95% CI 0.0414-0.511) were identified as protective factors. The current study highlights age and mosquito breeding sites as risk factors for malaria. Additionally, higher education, insect repellent use, and the condition of house walls are protective factors against malaria. Therefore, reducing risk factors and increasing protective measures through effective communication, information, and education are highly recommended to eliminate malaria in mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamzah Hasyim
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
| | - Wita Citra Dewi
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
| | | | - Rostika Flora
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
| | | | - Iche Andriyani Liberty
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Heni Marini
- Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Ahmed Elagali
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Minderoo Foundation, Perth, Australia
| | - Siti Herlinda
- Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
- Research Center for Sub-Optimal Lands (PUR-PLSO), Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Fadhilah Eka Maharani
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Biology Department, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
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François R, Kashamuka MM, Banek K, Bala JA, Nkalani M, Kihuma G, Atibu J, Mahilu GE, Thwai KL, Assefa A, Bailey JA, Dinglasan RR, Juliano JJ, Tshefu AK, Parr JB. Plasmodium falciparum with pfhrp2/3 Deletion Not Detected in a 2018-2021 Malaria Longitudinal Cohort Study in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:273-276. [PMID: 37339759 PMCID: PMC10397445 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Histidine-rich protein 2- (HRP2-) based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used to detect Plasmodium falciparum in sub-Saharan Africa. Reports of parasites with pfhrp2 and/or pfhrp3 (pfhrp2/3) gene deletions in Africa raise concerns about the long-term viability of HRP2-based RDTs. We evaluated changes in pfhrp2/3 deletion prevalence over time using a 2018-2021 longitudinal study of 1,635 enrolled individuals in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Samples collected during biannual household visits with ≥ 100 parasites/µL by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were genotyped using a multiplex real-time PCR assay. Among 2,726 P. falciparum PCR-positive samples collected from 993 participants during the study period, 1,267 (46.5%) were genotyped. No pfhrp2/3 deletions or mixed pfhrp2/3-intact and -deleted infections were identified in our study. Pfhrp2/3-deleted parasites were not detected in Kinshasa Province; ongoing use of HRP2-based RDTs is appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruthly François
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Kristin Banek
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Joseph A. Bala
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Marthe Nkalani
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Kihuma
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph Atibu
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges E. Mahilu
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kyaw L. Thwai
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ashenafi Assefa
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jeffrey A. Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Rhoel R. Dinglasan
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Diallo AO, Banek K, Kashamuka MM, Bala JAM, Nkalani M, Kihuma G, Nseka TM, Atibu JL, Mahilu GE, McCormick L, White SJ, Sendor R, Sinai C, Keeler C, Herman C, Emch M, Sompwe E, Thwai KL, Dinglasan RR, Rogier E, Juliano JJ, Tshefu AK, Parr JB. Impact of malaria diagnostic choice on monitoring of Plasmodium falciparum prevalence estimates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and relevance to control programs in high-burden countries. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001375. [PMID: 37494361 PMCID: PMC10370698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Malaria programs rely upon a variety of diagnostic assays, including rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and bead-based immunoassays (BBA), to monitor malaria prevalence and support control and elimination efforts. Data comparing these assays are limited, especially from high-burden countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Using cross-sectional and routine data, we compared diagnostic performance and Plasmodium falciparum prevalence estimates across health areas of varying transmission intensity to illustrate the relevance of assay performance to malaria control programs. Data and samples were collected between March-June 2018 during a cross-sectional household survey across three health areas with low, moderate, and high transmission intensities within Kinshasa Province, DRC. Samples from 1,431 participants were evaluated using RDT, microscopy, PCR, and BBA. P. falciparum parasite prevalence varied between diagnostic methods across all health areas, with the highest prevalence estimates observed in Bu (57.4-72.4% across assays), followed by Kimpoko (32.6-53.2%), and Voix du Peuple (3.1-8.4%). Using latent class analysis to compare these diagnostic methods against an "alloyed gold standard," the most sensitive diagnostic method was BBA in Bu (high prevalence) and Voix du Peuple (low prevalence), while PCR diagnosis was most sensitive in Kimpoko (moderate prevalence). RDTs were consistently the most specific diagnostic method in all health areas. Among 9.0 million people residing in Kinshasa Province in 2018, the estimated P. falciparum prevalence by microscopy, PCR, and BBA were nearly double that of RDT. Comparison of malaria RDT, microscopy, PCR, and BBA results confirmed differences in sensitivity and specificity that varied by endemicity, with PCR and BBA performing best for detecting any P. falciparum infection. Prevalence estimates varied widely depending on assay type for parasite detection. Inherent differences in assay performance should be carefully considered when using community survey and surveillance data to guide policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alpha Oumar Diallo
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kristin Banek
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | | | - Marthe Nkalani
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Kihuma
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Tommy Mambulu Nseka
- Programme National de Lutte Contre Paludisme, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph Losoma Atibu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Emo Mahilu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Lauren McCormick
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Samuel J. White
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rachel Sendor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cyrus Sinai
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Corinna Keeler
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Camelia Herman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michael Emch
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Eric Sompwe
- Programme National de Lutte Contre Paludisme, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kyaw Lay Thwai
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Rhoel R. Dinglasan
- University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Infectious Diseases & Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Eric Rogier
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Antoinette Kitoto Tshefu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Sendor R, Banek K, Kashamuka MM, Mvuama N, Bala JA, Nkalani M, Kihuma G, Atibu J, Thwai KL, Svec WM, Goel V, Nseka T, Lin JT, Bailey JA, Emch M, Carrel M, Juliano JJ, Tshefu A, Parr JB. Epidemiology of Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale spp. in a highly malaria-endemic country: a longitudinal cohort study in Kinshasa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.04.20.23288826. [PMID: 37790376 PMCID: PMC10543032 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.20.23288826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Increasing reports suggest that non-falciparum species are an underappreciated cause of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, but their epidemiology is not well-defined. This is particularly true in regions of high P. falciparum endemicity such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where 12% of the world's malaria cases and 13% of deaths occur. Methods and Findings The cumulative incidence and prevalence of P. malariae and P. ovale spp. infection detected by real-time PCR were estimated among children and adults within a longitudinal study conducted in seven rural, peri-urban, and urban sites from 2015-2017 in Kinshasa Province, DRC. Participants were sampled at biannual household survey visits (asymptomatic) and during routine health facility visits (symptomatic). Participant-level characteristics associated with non-falciparum infections were estimated for single- and mixed-species infections. Among 9,089 samples collected from 1,565 participants over a 3-year period, the incidence of P. malariae and P. ovale spp. infection was 11% (95% CI: 9%-12%) and 7% (95% CI: 5%-8%) by one year, respectively, compared to a 67% (95% CI: 64%-70%) one-year cumulative incidence of P. falciparum infection. Incidence continued to rise in the second year of follow-up, reaching 26% and 15% in school-age children (5-14yo) for P. malariae and P. ovale spp., respectively. Prevalence of P. malariae, P. ovale spp., and P. falciparum infections during household visits were 3% (95% CI: 3%-4%), 1% (95% CI: 1%-2%), and 35% (95% CI: 33%-36%), respectively. Non-falciparum malaria was more prevalent in rural and peri-urban vs. urban sites, in school-age children, and among those with P. falciparum co-infection. A crude association was detected between P. malariae and any anemia in the symptomatic clinic population, although this association did not hold when stratified by anemia severity. No crude associations were detected between non-falciparum infection and fever prevalence. Conclusions P. falciparum remains the primary driver of malaria morbidity and mortality in the DRC. However, non-falciparum species also pose an infection risk across sites of varying urbanicity and malaria endemicity within Kinshasa, DRC, particularly among children under 15 years of age. As P. falciparum interventions gain traction in high-burden settings like the DRC, continued surveillance and improved understanding of non-falciparum infections are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sendor
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kristin Banek
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Nono Mvuama
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph A. Bala
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Marthe Nkalani
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Kihuma
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Joseph Atibu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Kyaw L. Thwai
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - W. Matthew Svec
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Varun Goel
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Tommy Nseka
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jessica T. Lin
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A. Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Michael Emch
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Margaret Carrel
- Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Antoinette Tshefu
- Ecole de Santé Publique, Faculté de Médecine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Noppert GA, Hegde ST, Kubale JT. Exposure, Susceptibility, and Recovery: A Framework for Examining the Intersection of the Social and Physical Environments and Infectious Disease Risk. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:475-482. [PMID: 36255177 PMCID: PMC10372867 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite well-documented evidence that structurally disadvantaged populations are disproportionately affected by infectious diseases, our understanding of the pathways that connect structural disadvantage to the burden of infectious diseases is limited. We propose a conceptual framework to facilitate more rigorous examination and testing of hypothesized mechanisms through which social and environmental factors shape the burden of infectious diseases and lead to persistent inequities. Drawing upon the principles laid out by Link and Phelan in their landmark paper on social conditions (J Health Soc Behav. 1995;(spec no.):80-94), we offer an explication of potential pathways through which structural disadvantage (e.g., racism, sexism, and economic deprivation) operates to produce infectious disease inequities. Specifically, we describe how the social environment affects an individual's risk of infectious disease by 1) increasing exposure to infectious pathogens and 2) increasing susceptibility to infection. This framework will facilitate both the systematic examination of the ways in which structural disadvantage shapes the burden of infectious disease and the design of interventions that can disrupt these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Noppert
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
| | - Sonia T Hegde
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University
| | - John T Kubale
- ICPSR, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan
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Malaria parasite prevalence in Sub-Saharan African migrants screened in Sweden: a cross-sectional study. Lancet Reg Health Eur 2023; 27:100581. [PMID: 37069854 PMCID: PMC10105256 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Asymptomatic infections with malaria parasites are common in populations in endemic areas. These infections may persist in migrants after arrival in a non-endemic area. Screening to find and clear these infections is generally not implemented in non-endemic countries, despite a potential negative health impact. We performed a study to evaluate the Plasmodium parasite prevalence in migrants living in Sweden. Methods Adults and children born in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) were invited in the study between April 2019 and June 2022 at 10 different sites, mainly as part of the national Migrant Health Assessment Program in Stockholm and Västerås, Sweden. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and real-time PCR were used to detect malaria parasites. Prevalence and test sensitivity were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate associations with PCR positivity. Findings In total, 789 individuals were screened for Plasmodium spp. of which 71 (9.0%) were positive by PCR and 18 (2.3%) also by RDT. When performed during the national screening program, 10.4% was PCR positive. A high prevalence was detected in migrants with Uganda as the country of last residence, 53/187 (28.3%), and in this group the prevalence was highest in children, 29/81 (35.8%). Among the PCR positive, 47/71 (66.2%) belonged to families with at least one other member testing positive (odds ratio [OR] 43.4 (95% CI 19.0-98.9), and the time lived in Sweden ranged between 6 and 386 days. Interpretation A high malaria parasite prevalence was found in migrants from SSA, particularly in children offered screening in Stockholm, Sweden during the study period. Awareness of asymptomatic malaria infection is needed and screening for malaria in migrants arriving from high endemic countries should be considered. Funding The Swedish Research Council, Stockholm County Council and Centre for Clinical Research, Västmanland, Sweden.
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Nundu SS, Simpson SV, Arima H, Muyembe JJ, Mita T, Ahuka S, Yamamoto T. It Is Time to Strengthen the Malaria Control Policy of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Include Schools and School-Age Children in Malaria Control Measures. Pathogens 2022; 11:729. [PMID: 35889975 PMCID: PMC9315856 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a decade of sustained malaria control, malaria remains a serious public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Children under five years of age and school-age children aged 5-15 years remain at high risk of symptomatic and asymptomatic malaria infections. The World Health Organization's malaria control, elimination, and eradication recommendations are still only partially implemented in DRC. For better malaria control and eventual elimination, the integration of all individuals into the national malaria control programme will strengthen malaria control and elimination strategies in the country. Thus, inclusion of schools and school-age children in DRC malaria control interventions is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabin S. Nundu
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (J.-J.M.); (S.A.)
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (S.V.S.); (T.Y.)
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
| | - Shirley V. Simpson
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (S.V.S.); (T.Y.)
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
| | - Hiroaki Arima
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
| | - Jean-Jacques Muyembe
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (J.-J.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Toshihiro Mita
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan;
| | - Steve Ahuka
- Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo; (J.-J.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Taro Yamamoto
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan; (S.V.S.); (T.Y.)
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan;
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