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Al-Mutairat RMKF, Iqbal J, El Sayad MH, Farag HF, Kethireddy AV, Sher A, El-Taweel HA. Epidemiological characteristics and molecular identification of Plasmodium species among cases of imported malaria in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Parasit Dis 2024; 48:493-500. [PMID: 39145370 PMCID: PMC11319538 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-024-01686-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cases of imported malaria are reported each year in several malaria non-endemic countries, including Kuwait. PCR testing is the ideal method for identification of the infecting Plasmodium spp. The present study documented the epidemiologic characteristics of molecularly confirmed cases of imported malaria in Kuwait during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic. During the period from February 2020 to February 2021, 100 travelers with suspected malaria who had come from malaria-endemic countries of Africa (n = 60) and Asia (n = 40) were examined. Malaria diagnosis was made by microscopy of blood-stained smears and confirmed by a multiplex real-time PCR assay. Samples with discordant species identification results were sequenced. A total of 27 cases (27%) [P. falciparum, 14; P. vivax, 11; P. ovale, 1; mixed P. falciparum and P. malariae, 1] were detected, of whom 12 came to Kuwait for the first time and 15 were returning after visiting their home countries. Most of the returning travelers (12 out of 15 cases, 80%) had not received malaria chemoprophylaxis. Most cases of falciparum malaria (13/15) were Africans while most of the vivax cases (9/11) were Asians. Malaria was more common among subjects entering Kuwait for the first time (OR = 4.025, CI 1.07,15.1) and illiterates (OR = 13.8, CI 1.8,101.4). In conclusion, imported malaria caused mainly by P. falciparum and P. vivax was an ongoing problem during the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel history and education level were significant predictors of malaria among suspected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamshaid Iqbal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Mona Hassan El Sayad
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hoda Fahmy Farag
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ananthalakshmi V. Kethireddy
- OMICSRU-Research Core Facility, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
- MedGenome, 348 Hatch Drive, Foster City, CA USA
| | - Ali Sher
- Infectious Diseases Hospital Labs (IDHL), Al Jahra, Kuwait
| | - Hend Aly El-Taweel
- Department of Parasitology, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Li J, Shami GJ, Liffner B, Cho E, Braet F, Duraisingh MT, Absalon S, Dixon MWA, Tilley L. Disruption of Plasmodium falciparum kinetochore proteins destabilises the nexus between the centrosome equivalent and the mitotic apparatus. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5794. [PMID: 38987258 PMCID: PMC11237077 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50167-6] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of malaria and remains a pathogen of global importance. Asexual blood stage replication, via a process called schizogony, is an important target for the development of new antimalarials. Here we use ultrastructure-expansion microscopy to probe the organisation of the chromosome-capturing kinetochores in relation to the mitotic spindle, the centriolar plaque, the centromeres and the apical organelles during schizont development. Conditional disruption of the kinetochore components, PfNDC80 and PfNuf2, is associated with aberrant mitotic spindle organisation, disruption of the centromere marker, CENH3 and impaired karyokinesis. Surprisingly, kinetochore disruption also leads to disengagement of the centrosome equivalent from the nuclear envelope. Severing the connection between the nucleus and the apical complex leads to the formation of merozoites lacking nuclei. Here, we show that correct assembly of the kinetochore/spindle complex plays a previously unrecognised role in positioning the nascent apical complex in developing P. falciparum merozoites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gerald J Shami
- School of Medical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine) & Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Benjamin Liffner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ellie Cho
- Biological Optical Microscopy Platform, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Filip Braet
- School of Medical Sciences (Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine) & Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Manoj T Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sabrina Absalon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Matthew W A Dixon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Leann Tilley
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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Korsah MA, Johnston ST, Tiedje KE, Day KP, Flegg JA, Walker CR. Mathematical Assessment of the Role of Intervention Programs for Malaria Control. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:91. [PMID: 38888640 PMCID: PMC11189351 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01321-0] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Malaria remains a global health problem despite the many attempts to control and eradicate it. There is an urgent need to understand the current transmission dynamics of malaria and to determine the interventions necessary to control malaria. In this paper, we seek to develop a fit-for-purpose mathematical model to assess the interventions needed to control malaria in an endemic setting. To achieve this, we formulate a malaria transmission model to analyse the spread of malaria in the presence of interventions. A sensitivity analysis of the model is performed to determine the relative impact of the model parameters on disease transmission. We explore how existing variations in the recruitment and management of intervention strategies affect malaria transmission. Results obtained from the study imply that the discontinuation of existing interventions has a significant effect on malaria prevalence. Thus, the maintenance of interventions is imperative for malaria elimination and eradication. In a scenario study aimed at assessing the impact of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and localized individual measures, our findings indicate that increased LLINs utilization and extended IRS coverage (with longer-lasting insecticides) cause a more pronounced reduction in symptomatic malaria prevalence compared to a reduced LLINs utilization and shorter IRS coverage. Additionally, our study demonstrates the impact of localized preventive measures in mitigating the spread of malaria when compared to the absence of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maame Akua Korsah
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Stuart T Johnston
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kathryn E Tiedje
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Karen P Day
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bio21 Institute and Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Flegg
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Camelia R Walker
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Sohail A, Barry A, Auburn S, Cheng Q, Lau CL, Lee R, Price RN, Furuya-Kanamori L, Bareng P, McGuinness SL, Leder K. Imported malaria into Australia: surveillance insights and opportunities. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taad164. [PMID: 38127641 PMCID: PMC10998534 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria continues to pose a significant burden in endemic countries, many of which lack access to molecular surveillance. Insights from malaria cases in travellers returning to non-endemic areas can provide valuable data to inform endemic country programmes. To evaluate the potential for novel global insights into malaria, we examined epidemiological and molecular data from imported malaria cases to Australia. METHODS We analysed malaria cases reported in Australia from 2012 to 2022 using National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System data. Molecular data on imported malaria cases were obtained from literature searches. RESULTS Between 2012 and 2022, 3204 malaria cases were reported in Australia. Most cases (69%) were male and 44% occurred in young adults aged 20-39 years. Incidence rates initially declined between 2012 and 2015, then increased until 2019. During 2012-2019, the incidence in travellers ranged from 1.34 to 7.71 per 100 000 trips. Cases were primarily acquired in Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 1433; 45%), Oceania (n = 569; 18%) and Southern and Central Asia (n = 367; 12%). The most common countries of acquisition were Papua New Guinea (n = 474) and India (n = 277). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 58% (1871/3204) of cases and was predominantly acquired in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Plasmodium vivax accounted for 32% (1016/3204), predominantly from Oceania and Asia. Molecular studies of imported malaria cases to Australia identified genetic mutations and deletions associated with drug resistance and false-negative rapid diagnostic test results, and led to the establishment of reference genomes for P. vivax and Plasmodium malariae. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis highlights the continuing burden of imported malaria into Australia. Molecular studies have offered valuable insights into drug resistance and diagnostic limitations, and established reference genomes. Integrating molecular data into national surveillance systems could provide important infectious disease intelligence to optimize treatment guidelines for returning travellers and support endemic country surveillance programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Sohail
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Grampians Health, Ballarat 3350, Australia
| | - Alyssa Barry
- Institute for Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) and School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Sarah Auburn
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0800, Australia
| | - Qin Cheng
- Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane 4051, Australia
| | - Colleen L Lau
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Rogan Lee
- Parasitology Unit, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Sydney 2145, Australia
| | - Ric N Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin 0800, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Paolo Bareng
- Institute for Physical and Mental Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) and School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
| | - Sarah L McGuinness
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Karin Leder
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Melbourne Health, Melbourne 3052, Australia
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Gu J, Cao Y, Chai L, Xu E, Liu K, Chong Z, Zhang Y, Zou D, Xu Y, Wang J, Müller O, Cao J, Zhu G, Lu G. Delayed care-seeking in international migrant workers with imported malaria in China. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taae021. [PMID: 38335249 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imported malaria cases continue to pose major challenges in China as well as in other countries that have achieved elimination. Early diagnosis and treatment of each imported malaria case is the key to successfully maintaining malaria elimination success. This study aimed to build an easy-to-use predictive nomogram to predict and intervene against delayed care-seeking among international migrant workers with imported malaria. METHODS A prediction model was built based on cases with imported malaria from 2012 to 2019, in Jiangsu Province, China. Routine surveillance information (e.g. sex, age, symptoms, origin country and length of stay abroad), data on the place of initial care-seeking and the gross domestic product (GDP) of the destination city were extracted. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors and a nomogram was established to predict the risk of delayed care-seeking. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram was performed using area under the curve and calibration plots. In addition, four machine learning models were used to make a comparison. RESULTS Of 2255 patients with imported malaria, 636 (28.2%) sought care within 24 h after symptom onset, and 577 (25.6%) sought care 3 days after symptom onset. Development of symptoms before entry into China, initial care-seeking from superior healthcare facilities and a higher GDP level of the destination city were significantly associated with delayed care-seeking among migrant workers with imported malaria. Based on these independent risk factors, an easy-to-use and intuitive nomogram was established. The calibration curves of the nomogram showed good consistency. CONCLUSIONS The tool provides public health practitioners with a method for the early detection of delayed care-seeking risk among international migrant workers with imported malaria, which may be of significance in improving post-travel healthcare for labour migrants, reducing the risk of severe malaria, preventing malaria reintroduction and sustaining achievements in malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyue Gu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214064, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211166, China
| | - Liying Chai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Enyu Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Kaixuan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Zeyin Chong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Dandan Zou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
| | - Yuhui Xu
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225007, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Yangzhou Schistosomiasis and Parasitic Disease Control Office, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225007, China
| | - Olaf Müller
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, 69117, Germany
| | - Jun Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214064, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211166, China
| | - Guoding Zhu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, 214064, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211166, China
| | - Guangyu Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, 225009, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, China
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Erriah B, Shtukenberg AG, Aronin R, McCarthy D, Brázda P, Ward MD, Kahr B. ROY Crystallization on Poly(ethylene) Fibers, a Model for Bed Net Crystallography. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:2432-2440. [PMID: 38495899 PMCID: PMC10938503 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Many long-lasting insecticidal bed nets for protection against disease vectors consist of poly(ethylene) fibers in which insecticide is incorporated during manufacture. Insecticide molecules diffuse from within the supersaturated polymers to surfaces where they become bioavailable to insects and often crystallize, a process known as blooming. Recent studies revealed that contact insecticides can be highly polymorphic. Moreover, insecticidal activity is polymorph-dependent, with forms having a higher crystal free energy yielding faster insect knockdown and mortality. Consequently, the crystallographic characterization of insecticide crystals that form on fibers is critical to understanding net function and improving net performance. Structural characterization of insecticide crystals on bed net fiber surfaces, let alone their polymorphs, has been elusive owing to the minute size of the crystals, however. Using the highly polymorphous compound ROY (5-methyl-2-[(2-nitrophenyl)-amino]thiophene-3-carbonitrile) as a proxy for insecticide crystallization, we investigated blooming and crystal formation on the surface of extruded poly(ethylene) fibers containing ROY. The blooming rates, tracked from the time of extrusion, were determined by UV-vis spectroscopy after successive washes. Six crystalline polymorphs (of the 13 known) were observed on poly(ethylene) fiber surfaces, and they were identified and characterized by Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and 3D electron diffraction. These observations reveal that the crystallization and phase behavior of polymorphs forming on poly(ethylene) fibers is complex and dynamic. The characterization of blooming and microcrystals underscores the importance of bed net crystallography for the optimization of bed net performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Erriah
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Alexander G. Shtukenberg
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Reese Aronin
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Derik McCarthy
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Petr Brázda
- Department
of Structure Analysis, Institute of Physics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Na Slovance 2/1999, Prague 8 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Michael D. Ward
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
| | - Bart Kahr
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Design Institute, New York University, New York, 29 Washington Place, New York City, New York 10003, United States
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Zhang X, Li Y, Dai C, Chu Y, Luan C, Wang G. Safety and Efficacy of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases and Serum Antibody Changes Post-Omicron Variant Infection. Rheumatol Ther 2024; 11:191-200. [PMID: 38175331 PMCID: PMC10796895 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00630-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine has a similar effectiveness and safety profile in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS Between August 10, 2021 and September 30, 2021, 134 HCs and 269 patients with RMDs were recruited. All participants who tested negative for COVID-19 were vaccinated with SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine. Next, 150 patients with RMDs and 30 HCs infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant within the previous 12 weeks were recruited between February 20, 2023 and March 1, 2023. Serum samples were collected from each participant, and the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 were determined using a chemiluminescence assay. RESULTS No statistically significant difference was found in the titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies, or in the incidence of vaccination-related adverse events between the RMD and HC groups (P = 0.183, P = 0.903, and P = 0.27, respectively). Serum IgG titers of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were significantly higher in patients who received two or more doses of inactivated vaccine than in patients who were unvaccinated or had received one dose of vaccine (244.36 ± 109.79 vs. 66.20 ± 82.50; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccines have similar protective effects in HCs and patients with RMDs, with an appreciable safety profile. Fully vaccinated patients with RMDs infected with the Omicron variant were able to produce effective neutralizing antibody concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhang
- Anqing Medical Center, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, 352 Renmin Road, Anqing, Anhui, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Chunqing Dai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anqing Medical Center, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, Anhui, China
| | - Yaya Chu
- Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Chaoqi Luan
- Department of Laboratory, Anqing Medical Center, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, Anhui, China
| | - Guihong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anqing Medical Center, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, Anhui, China.
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Kalita T, Choudhury A, Shakya A, Ghosh SK, Singh UP, Bhat HR. A Review on Synthetic Thiazole Derivatives as an Antimalarial Agent. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2024; 21:e240124226141. [PMID: 38279721 DOI: 10.2174/0115701638276379231223101625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thiazole is a widely studied core structure in heterocyclic chemistry and has proven to be a valuable scaffold in medicinal chemistry. The presence of thiazole in both naturally occurring and synthetic pharmacologically active compounds demonstrates the adaptability of these derivatives. METHODS The current study attempted to review and compile the contributions of numerous researchers over the last 20 years to the medicinal importance of these scaffolds, with a primary focus on antimalarial activity. The review is based on an extensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and other renowned journal sites for a thorough literature survey involving various research and review articles. RESULTS A comprehensive review of the antimalarial activity of the thiazole scaffold revealed potential therapeutic targets in Plasmodium species. Furthermore, the correlation of structure-activity-relationship (SAR) studies from various articles suggests that the thiazole ring has therapeutic potential. CONCLUSION This article intends to point researchers in the right direction for developing potential thiazole-based compounds as antimalarial agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tutumoni Kalita
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Hatkhowapara, Azara, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Ankita Choudhury
- Department of Pharmacy, Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Anshul Shakya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
| | - Surajit Kumar Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
| | - Udaya Pratap Singh
- Drug Design & Discovery Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, 211007, India
| | - Hans Raj Bhat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India
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9
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Odhiambo JN, Dolan C, Malik AA, Tavel A. China's hidden role in malaria control and elimination in Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013349. [PMID: 38114239 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insufficient funding is hindering the achievement of malaria elimination targets in Africa, despite the pressing need for increased investment in malaria control. While Western donors attribute their inaction to financial constraints, the global health community has limited knowledge of China's expanding role in malaria prevention. This knowledge gap arises from the fact that China does not consistently report its foreign development assistance activities to established aid transparency initiatives. Our work focuses on identifying Chinese-funded malaria control projects throughout Africa and linking them to official data on malaria prevalence. By doing so, we aim to shed light on China's contributions to malaria control efforts, analysing their investments and assessing their impact. This would provide valuable insights into the development of effective financing mechanisms for future malaria control in Africa. METHODS Our research used AidData' s recently released Global Chinese Development Finance Dataset V.2.0 providing comprehensive coverage of all official sector Chinese development financing across Africa, from which we identify 224 Chinese-funded malaria projects in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) committed between 2002 and 2017. We conducted an analysis of the spending patterns by year, country and regions within Africa and compared it with data on population-adjusted malaria prevalence, sourced from the Malaria Atlas Project. RESULTS Chinese-financed malaria projects Africa mainly focused on three areas: the provision of medical supplies (72.32%), the construction of basic health infrastructure (17.86%) and the deployment of anti-malaria experts (3.57%). Moreover, nearly 39% of the initiatives were concentrated in just four countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Uganda and Liberia. Additionally, China's development financing amount showed a weak negative correlation (-0.2393) with population-weighted malaria prevalence. We concluded that the extent and direction of China's support are not adequately tailored to address malaria challenges in different countries. CONCLUSION With China's increasing engagement in global health, it is anticipated that malaria control will continue to be a prominent priority on its development assistance agenda. This is attributed to China's vast expertise in malaria elimination, coupled with its substantial contribution as a major producer of malaria diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Nyerere Odhiambo
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Carrie Dolan
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Ammar A Malik
- AidData, Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Aaron Tavel
- Ignite Global Health Research Lab, Global Research Institute, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
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Naik BR, Tyagi BK, Xue RD. Mosquito-borne diseases in India over the past 50 years and their Global Public Health Implications: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2023; 39:258-277. [PMID: 38108431 DOI: 10.2987/23-7131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) pose a significant public health concern globally, and India, with its unique eco-sociodemographic characteristics, is particularly vulnerable to these diseases. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth overview of MBDs in India, emphasizing their impact and potential implications for global health. The article explores distribution, epidemiology, control or elimination, and economic burden of the prevalent diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis, which collectively contribute to millions of cases annually. It sheds light on their profound effects on morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burdens and the potential for international transmission through travel and trade. The challenges and perspectives associated with controlling mosquito populations are highlighted, underscoring the importance of effective public health communication for prevention and early detection. The potential for these diseases to spread beyond national borders is recognized, necessitating a holistic approach to address the challenge. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, covering the past five decades (1972-2022), utilizing databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, in addition to in-person library consultations. The literature review analyzed 4,082 articles initially identified through various databases. After screening and eligibility assessment, 252 articles were included for analysis. The review focused on malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, and lymphatic filariasis. The included studies focused on MBDs occurrence in India, while those conducted outside India, lacking statistical analysis, or published before 1970 were excluded. This review provides valuable insights into the status of MBDs in India and underscores the need for concerted efforts to combat these diseases on both national and global scales through consilience.
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Bell D, Brown GW, Oyibo WA, Ouédraogo S, Tacheva B, Barbaud E, Kalk A, Ridde V, Paul E. COVAX - Time to reconsider the strategy and its target. HEALTH POLICY OPEN 2023; 4:100096. [PMID: 37073303 PMCID: PMC10098302 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpopen.2023.100096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
COVAX, the international initiative supporting COVID-19 vaccination campaigns globally, is budgeted to be the costliest public health initiative in low- and middle-income countries, with over 16 billion US dollars already committed. While some claim that the target of vaccinating 70% of people worldwide is justified on equity grounds, we argue that this rationale is wrong for two reasons. First, mass COVID-19 vaccination campaigns do not meet standard public health requirements for clear expected benefit, based on costs, disease burden and intervention effectiveness. Second, it constitutes a diversion of resources from more cost-effective and impactful public health programmes, thus reducing health equity. We conclude that the COVAX initiative warrants urgent review.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bell
- Independent Consultant, Lake Jackson, TX, USA
| | - Garrett W Brown
- Professor of Global Health Policy, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Wellington A Oyibo
- University of Lagos, College of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Samiratou Ouédraogo
- Observatoire national de la santé de la population (ONSP), Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Elena Barbaud
- University of Leeds, Global Health Research Unit, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Kalk
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Kinshasa Country Office, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Valéry Ridde
- Université Paris Cité, IRD, Inserm, Ceped, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Paul
- Université libre de Bruxelles, School of Public Health, Belgium
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12
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Abioye AI, Peter OJ, Ogunseye HA, Oguntolu FA, Ayoola TA, Oladapo AO. A fractional-order mathematical model for malaria and COVID-19 co-infection dynamics. HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 4:100210. [PMID: 37361719 PMCID: PMC10282943 DOI: 10.1016/j.health.2023.100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This study proposes a fractional-order mathematical model for malaria and COVID-19 co-infection using the Atangana-Baleanu Derivative. We explain the various stages of the diseases together in humans and mosquitoes, and we also establish the existence and uniqueness of the fractional order co-infection model solution using the fixed point theorem. We conduct the qualitative analysis along with an epidemic indicator, the basic reproduction number R0 of this model. We investigate the global stability at the disease and endemic free equilibrium of the malaria-only, COVID-19-only, and co-infection models. We run different simulations of the fractional-order co-infection model using a two-step Lagrange interpolation polynomial approximate method with the aid of the Maple software package. The results reveal that reducing the risk of malaria and COVID-19 by taking preventive measures will reduce the risk factor for getting COVID-19 after contracting malaria and will also reduce the risk factor for getting malaria after contracting COVID-19 even to the point of extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adesoye Idowu Abioye
- Department of Mathematics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
- Mathematics Unit, Department of General studies, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Olumuyiwa James Peter
- Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria
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Chalageri VH, Marinaik SB, Nath SN, Singhal R, Rawat S, Ravikumar K, Shariff M, Eapen A. Malaria control - lessons learned from trends of Malaria indices over three decades in Karnataka, India. Malar J 2023; 22:353. [PMID: 37978494 PMCID: PMC10655460 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04774-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Karnataka is one of the largest states in India and has a wide range of geographical terrains, ecotypes, and prevalence of malaria. It experiences a voluminous influx and efflux of people across the state that affects the spread of malaria. The state deployed focused intervention measures keeping the national objective of malaria elimination as the foremost priority. This brought down malaria cases below a thousand by the year 2021. Furthermore, the state is motivated toward malaria elimination by 2025. This study analyzes the trends in malaria indices over the past three decades in the state and highlights the key intervention measures that impacted the reduction in the malaria burden. METHODS Data from 1991 to 2021 at the district level was collected from the archives of Regional Office for Health & Family Welfare (ROH&FW), Bangalore. Time-tend analysis on this data was conducted after categorization into three decades. Sequence plots were then plotted on the moving average of Annual Parasite Index for all those three decades. Generalized estimating equation model with Poisson distribution were used to evaluate difference in these indicators with pre and post interventions like LLIN, RDT with ACT and Guppy and Gambusia fishes. RESULTS Malaria burden across the state has consistently declined over the last three decades with few years of exception. This has coincided with the mortality also steadily declining from 2006 and culminating in zero malaria deaths reported from 2011 to 2019. Morbidity had drastically reduced from the hundred-thousand (1993-2003) to ten thousand (2004-2016) thousands (2017-2020) of cases in this period and less than thousand cases were reported by 2021. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) model revealed significant difference of incidence risk ratio of malaria incidence and deaths, post introduction of interventions like LLIN, RDT with ACT and Guppy and Gambusia fishes, indicating these three as important interventions for reducing the malaria burden. Time trend analysis revealed a linear decreasing trend in malaria cases during 2011-2021 decade. CONCLUSIONS A linear decreasing trend in malaria cases was observed during 2011-2021 decade. LLIN, RDT with ACT and Guppy and Gambusia fish's interventions significantly helped in reducing the state malaria burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shrinivasa B Marinaik
- ICMR - National Institute of Malaria Research Field Unit, Bengaluru, 562110, Karnataka, India.
| | - Sujith N Nath
- ICMR - National Institute of Malaria Research Field Unit, Bengaluru, 562110, Karnataka, India
| | - Richa Singhal
- ICMR - National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Smita Rawat
- Regional Office for Health & Family Welfare (ROHFW), Chief Medical Officer, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Krishnappa Ravikumar
- Regional Office for Health & Family Welfare (ROHFW), Ex-Senior Regional Director, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahamood Shariff
- Deputy Director, NCVBDC, Directorate of Health & FW Services, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Alex Eapen
- ICMR- National Institute of Malaria Research Field Unit, Chennai, 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
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Hessou-Djossou D, Djègbè I, Loko YLE, Boukari MKYG, Nonfodji OM, Tchigossou G, Djouaka R, Akogbeto M. Attitudes and prevention towards malaria in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in urban community in Benin, West Africa. Malar J 2023; 22:228. [PMID: 37542257 PMCID: PMC10401850 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04663-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and its damages have severely impacted the global healthcare system even in countries with the best systems. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), it could worsen the malaria situation in endemic countries such as Benin. This study was conducted to describe the potential effects of the pandemic on urban dwellers attitudes, prevention and treatment against malaria in four major cities of Benin. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in Cotonou, Bohicon, Parakou and Natitingou, four urban cities of Benin. A total of 800 randomly selected households were interviewed. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practice. Descriptive statistics and binomial logistic regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS More than 90% of the participants interviewed had a good level of knowledge about the transmission and prevention of malaria in the cities surveyed. In contrast, low proportions of participants reported visiting health-care facilities when they suspected malaria. Compared to the proportions observed at Parakou and Natitingou, the low proportion of participants was statistically significant at Cotonou (Parakou: X2 = 31.345, df = 1, P < 0.0001; Natitingou: X2 = 17.471, df = 1, P < 0.0001). Among the reasons for not seeking care, these related to COVID-19 were the most mentioned. Moreover, the good education level of the participants was one of the factors associated with the non-use of healthcare facilities due to over-knowledgeable about Covid-19, which might have increased the fear to go to the health facilities. Finally, high proportions of self-medication practice were mentioned with high use of malaria drugs to treat both malaria and to protect against COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS The data show a negative impact of COVID-19 on visits to healthcare facilities for malarial treatment and malaria drugs usage by the population. It is, therefore, necessary to rebuild malaria programmes by integrating measures adapted to health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Hessou-Djossou
- Département des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Natitingou, UNSTIM, Natitingou, Bénin.
| | - Innocent Djègbè
- Département des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Natitingou, UNSTIM, Natitingou, Bénin
- Plateforme Agriculture Environnement Santé, Institut International d'Agriculture Tropicale (IITA-Bénin), Cotonou, Bénin
| | | | | | - Odilon M Nonfodji
- Département des Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Natitingou, UNSTIM, Natitingou, Bénin
- Laboratoire de Chimie de l'Eau et de l'Environnement (LCEE), Ecole Normale Supérieure de Natitingou, UNSTIM, Natitingou, Bénin
| | - Geneviève Tchigossou
- Plateforme Agriculture Environnement Santé, Institut International d'Agriculture Tropicale (IITA-Bénin), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Rousseau Djouaka
- Plateforme Agriculture Environnement Santé, Institut International d'Agriculture Tropicale (IITA-Bénin), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Martin Akogbeto
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Ministère de la Santé, Cotonou, Bénin
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15
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Azizi H, Davtalab Esmaeili E, Abbasi F. Availability of malaria diagnostic tests, anti-malarial drugs, and the correctness of treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J 2023; 22:127. [PMID: 37072759 PMCID: PMC10111310 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04555-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health facilities' availability of malaria diagnostic tests and anti-malarial drugs (AMDs), and the correctness of treatment are critical for the appropriate case management, and malaria surveillance programs. It is also reliable evidence for malaria elimination certification in low-transmission settings. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate summary proportions for the availability of malaria diagnostic tests, AMDs, and the correctness of treatment. METHODS The Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Embase, and Malaria Journal were systematically searched up to 30th January 2023. The study searched any records reporting the availability of diagnostic tests and AMDs and the correctness of malaria treatment. Eligibility and risk of bias assessment of studies were conducted independently in a blinded way by two reviewers. For the pooling of studies, meta-analysis using random effects model were carried out to estimate summary proportions of the availability of diagnostic tests, AMDs, and correctness of malaria treatment. RESULTS A total of 18 studies, incorporating 7,429 health facilities, 9,745 health workers, 41,856 febrile patients, and 15,398 malaria patients, and no study in low malaria transmission areas, were identified. The pooled proportion of the availability of malaria diagnostic tests, and the first-line AMDs in health facilities was 76% (95% CI 67-84); and 83% (95% CI 79-87), respectively. A pooled meta-analysis using random effects indicates the overall proportion of the correctness of malaria treatment 62% (95% CI 54-69). The appropriate malaria treatment was improved over time from 2009 to 2023. In the sub-group analysis, the correctness of treatment proportion was 53% (95% CI 50-63) for non-physicians health workers and 69% (95% CI 55-84) for physicians. CONCLUSION Findings of this review indicated that the correctness of malaria treatment and the availability of AMDs and diagnostic tests need improving to progress the malaria elimination stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hosein Azizi
- Research Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Fariba Abbasi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Diseases Control and Prevention, Vice-chancellor for Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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16
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Moin-Vaziri V, Badakhshan M. The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Arthropod-Related Diseases. J Arthropod Borne Dis 2023; 17:28-35. [PMID: 37609568 PMCID: PMC10440499 DOI: 10.18502/jad.v17i1.13199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Covid-19 pandemic that caused by the infection with the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has revealed individual and global vulnerabilities all over the world. Many countries that had been struggled with arthropod-borne diseases (VBDs) are now embroiled in another challenge caused by COVID-19 pandemic. The situation that poses major obstacles 1) by misdiagnosis 2) delay in early and appropriate treatment of VBDs 3) difficulties in applying regular strategy for vector control and prevention methods and finally 4) irregularity in financing supports. Given the possible scenario of syndemics, it is important to plan integrated and combined measurement with the maximum participation of the people and health authorities. Here, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on some major arthropod-related diseases will be discussed. Methods To access the collective data all related databases such as Science direct, PubMed, Elsevier, Google scholar, as well WHO web page were searched with key words "arthropoda-related diseases, COVID-19 with the name of each individual disease". Results The results showed that the management, control, and treatment of most important arthropod-related diseases could be delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Dealing with COVID-19, it is crucial to consider the other main killers such as malaria, dengue fever, etc. more especially in vulnerable populations by greater political, financial and global commitment. Continued surveillance will be essential to monitor for any possible changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahideh Moin-Vaziri
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Badakhshan
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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17
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Park J, Kang S, Seok D, Baek YJ, An SY, Lee J, Jun A, Kim SY. Barriers against and strategies for malaria control during the COVID-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review. Malar J 2023; 22:41. [PMID: 36737724 PMCID: PMC9896667 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted malaria control activities globally. Notably, high levels of excess malaria morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) were reported. Although it is crucial to systematically understand the main causes of the disruption to malaria control and synthesize strategies to prepare for future pandemics, such studies are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to better identify barriers against and strategies for malaria control. METHODS Following the PRISMA guidelines and through searches of electronic databases and Google Scholar, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies pertaining to malaria control published between January 2020 and December 2021. Only studies that discussed reported barriers and/or strategies related to malaria were included for the review. The Mixed Methods Quality Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date and Significance (AACODS) checklist were used for quality appraisal. Key information such as literature type, study design, setting and population, interventions, outcomes, barriers, and strategies were extracted. With an existing framework of four dimensions (accessibility, affordability, availability, and acceptability) further subdivided by the supply and demand sides, this study synthesized information on barriers and strategies related to malaria control and further categorized the strategies based on the time frame. RESULTS From the 30 selected studies, 27 barriers and 39 strategies were identified. The lockdown measures, which mainly threatened geographic accessibility and availability of malaria control services, were identified to be the main barrier hindering effective mobilization of community health workers and resources. Among the identified strategies, clear risk communication strategies would alleviate psychosocial barriers, which challenged acceptability. Some strategies that cross-cut points across all four dimensions would, require systems-level integration to enhance availability and affordability of malaria control. The strategies were distinguished between short-term, for instant response, and mid to long-term for future readiness. CONCLUSIONS The pandemic resulted in complex barriers to malaria control, particularly imposing a double burden on LMICs. Identifying strategies to overcome said barriers provides useful insights in the decision-making processes for the current and future pandemic. Cross-cutting strategies that integrate all dimensions need to be considered. Health system strengthening and resilience strategy appropriate for country-specific context is fundamental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwook Park
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Seungwoo Kang
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Dayoung Seok
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Yae Jee Baek
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea ,grid.412678.e0000 0004 0634 1623Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Young An
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Junga Lee
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Alina Jun
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Sun-Young Kim
- grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-Ro, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, 08826 South Korea ,grid.31501.360000 0004 0470 5905Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Carrión-Nessi FS, Mendoza-Millán DL, Omaña-Ávila ÓD, Romero SR, Moncada-Ortega A, Lopez-Perez M, Torres JR, Noya-González Ó, Forero-Peña DA. Plasmodium vivax and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection in Venezuelan pregnant women: a case series. Malar J 2023; 22:11. [PMID: 36611189 PMCID: PMC9825080 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria-endemic areas are not spared from the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to co-infection scenarios where overlapping symptoms impose serious diagnostic challenges. Current knowledge on Plasmodium spp. and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) co-infection in pregnant women remains limited, especially in Latin America, where Plasmodium vivax infection is highly prevalent. METHODS This is a case series of five pregnant women with P. vivax and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection hospitalized in two main malaria referral centers of the Capital District and Bolivar state, Venezuela between March 13, 2020 and December 31, 2021. RESULTS Clinical and laboratory data from five pregnant women with a mean age of 22 years were analyzed; three of them were in the third trimester of pregnancy. Comorbidities included obesity in two cases, hypertension in one, and asthma in one. Three out of five patients had severe to critical COVID-19 disease. Dry cough, fever, chills, and headache were the most frequent symptoms reported. Laboratory analyses showed elevated aspartate/alanine aminotransferase and creatinine levels, thrombocytopenia, and severe anemia as the most relevant abnormalities. The mean period between symptom onset and a positive molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 infection or positive microscopy for Plasmodium spp. was 4.8 ± 2.5 days and 2.8 ± 1.6 days, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 5.4 ± 7 days. Three women recovered and were discharged from the hospital. Two women died, one from cerebral malaria and one from respiratory failure. Three adverse fetal outcomes were registered, two miscarriages and one stillbirth. CONCLUSION This study documented a predominance of severe/critical COVID-19 disease and a high proportion of adverse maternal-fetal outcomes among pregnant women with malaria and COVID-19 co-infection. More comprehensive prospective cohort studies are warranted to explore the risk factors, management challenges, and clinical outcomes of pregnant women with this co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fhabián S. Carrión-Nessi
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela ,“Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta” Health Sciences School, University of Oriente – Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Daniela L. Mendoza-Millán
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela ,grid.8171.f0000 0001 2155 0982“Luis Razetti” School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Óscar D. Omaña-Ávila
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela ,grid.8171.f0000 0001 2155 0982“Luis Razetti” School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Sinibaldo R. Romero
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela ,grid.17635.360000000419368657Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD), University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Augusto Moncada-Ortega
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela ,grid.8171.f0000 0001 2155 0982“José María Vargas” School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Mary Lopez-Perez
- grid.5254.60000 0001 0674 042XCentre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jaime R. Torres
- grid.8171.f0000 0001 2155 0982Infectious Diseases Section, “Dr. Félix Pifano” Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Óscar Noya-González
- grid.8171.f0000 0001 2155 0982Infectious Diseases Section, “Dr. Félix Pifano” Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela ,Centro Para Estudios Sobre Malaria, “Dr. Arnoldo Gabaldón” High Studies Institute, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - David A. Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela ,grid.411226.2Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela
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19
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Tavares W, Morais J, Martins JF, Scalsky RJ, Stabler TC, Medeiros MM, Fortes FJ, Arez AP, Silva JC. Malaria in Angola: recent progress, challenges and future opportunities using parasite demography studies. Malar J 2022; 21:396. [PMID: 36577996 PMCID: PMC9795141 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04424-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, a considerable expansion of malaria interventions has occurred at the national level in Angola, together with cross-border initiatives and regional efforts in southern Africa. Currently, Angola aims to consolidate malaria control and to accelerate the transition from control to pre-elimination, along with other country members of the Elimination 8 initiative. However, the tremendous heterogeneity in malaria prevalence among Angolan provinces, as well as internal population movements and migration across borders, represent major challenges for the Angolan National Malaria Control Programme. This review aims to contribute to the understanding of factors underlying the complex malaria situation in Angola and to encourage future research studies on transmission dynamics and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum, important areas to complement host epidemiological information and to help reenergize the goal of malaria elimination in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Tavares
- grid.10772.330000000121511713Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Morais
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Em Saúde, INIS, Luanda, Angola
| | - José F. Martins
- Programa Nacional de Controlo da Malária, PNCM, Luanda, Angola
| | - Ryan J. Scalsky
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Thomas C. Stabler
- grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Márcia M. Medeiros
- grid.10772.330000000121511713Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomeno J. Fortes
- grid.10772.330000000121511713Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Arez
- grid.10772.330000000121511713Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Instituto de Higiene E Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana C. Silva
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA ,grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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20
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Martins LS, Kruger HG, Naicker T, Alves CN, Lameira J, Araújo Silva JR. Computational insights for predicting the binding and selectivity of peptidomimetic plasmepsin IV inhibitors against cathepsin D. RSC Adv 2022; 13:602-614. [PMID: 36605626 PMCID: PMC9773328 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra06246a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmepsins (Plms) are aspartic proteases involved in the degradation of human hemoglobin by P. falciparum and are essential for the survival and growth of the parasite. Therefore, Plm enzymes are reported as an important antimalarial drug target. Herein, we have applied molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and binding free energy with the Linear Interaction Energy (LIE) approach to investigate the binding of peptidomimetic PlmIV inhibitors with a particular focus on understanding their selectivity against the human Asp protease cathepsin D (CatD). The residual decomposition analysis results suggest that amino acid differences in the subsite S3 of PlmIV and CatD are responsible for the higher selectivity of the 5a inhibitor. These findings yield excellent agreement with experimental binding data and provide new details regarding van der Waals and electrostatic interactions of subsite residues as well as structural properties of the PlmIV and CatD systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Sousa Martins
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do ParáBelémPará 66075-110Brazil
| | | | - Tricia Naicker
- Catalysis and Peptide Research Unit, University of KwaZulu-NatalDurban 4000South Africa
| | - Cláudio Nahum Alves
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do ParáBelémPará 66075-110Brazil
| | - Jerônimo Lameira
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do ParáBelémPará 66075-110Brazil
| | - José Rogério Araújo Silva
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do ParáBelémPará 66075-110Brazil
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21
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Patrick SM, Cox SN, Guidera KE, Simon MJ, Kruger T, Bornman R. COVID-19 and the malaria elimination agenda in Africa: Re-shifting the focus. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3981-3992. [PMID: 36194811 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2129729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The global Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in public health, political, scientific and private sector response at an unprecedented scale. However, this shift in focus has caused widespread disruption to global health services and has the potential to reverse gains made in efforts to control malaria. If health systems are not able to maintain malaria control interventions while managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, malaria cases will increase, thereby placing even more strain on already overtaxed systems. Using a Narrative Review Approach, this commentary explores the impact of COVID-19 on progress made with malaria control and prevention strategies in Africa; and discusses possible mitigation steps to aid community resilience building, through proactive planning and implementation of integrated, inclusive and sustainable strategies to re-shift the focus to attain the malaria elimination goals. We propose strengthening community partnerships, where academia and communities should collaborate and these knowledge-sharing strategies be implemented in order for awareness and interventions to become more networked, inclusive, resilient and effective. Communities should be viewed as 'thought partners', who challenge conventional strategies and aid in developing innovative approaches to community resilience building.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Patrick
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sarah N Cox
- Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,One Sun Health Inc., New York, USA & Mpumalanga, ZA
| | | | | | - Taneshka Kruger
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Riana Bornman
- University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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22
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Tairou F, Nawaz S, Tahita MC, Herrera S, Faye B, Tine RCK. Malaria prevention knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among adolescents living in an area of persistent transmission in Senegal: Results from a cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274656. [PMID: 36454893 PMCID: PMC9714833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While malaria morbidity has sharply declined in several areas in Senegal, it remains an important problem in the southern part of the country, particularly among adolescents. Understanding adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, prevention and care-seeking practices is important to inform more targeted interventions aimed at optimizing adolescents' uptake of malaria prevention and control measures. This study assessed malaria-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among adolescents living in a highly persistent transmission area in Senegal. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 391 adolescents living in the Saraya health district. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select households. An electronic questionnaire developed on Open Data Kit (ODK), was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, household assets, adolescents' knowledge of malaria, as well as their attitudes with regards to malaria prevention, and care-seeking behaviors. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors associated with adolescents' KAP towards malaria. RESULTS Nearly, one-third of the participants had good knowledge of malaria (34.4%) and good practice in regards to malaria preventive measures (32.8%) while 59.0% had a positive attitude and 73.8% had good care-seeking behavior regarding malaria. Multivariate analysis revealed that a primary (aOR = 5.43, p = 0.002) or secondary level of education (aOR = 10.41, p = 0.000) was associated with good knowledge of malaria transmission, signs, and prevention measures. Male individuals had lower knowledge compared to female ones (aOR = 0.40, p = 0.001). Individuals belonging to households from the highest wealth quintile were more likely to have a positive attitude towards malaria compared to those from households in the lowest wealth quintile (aOR = 3.49, p = 0.004). The odds of positive attitude towards malaria decreased among participants with koranic and primary education level, respectively (aOR = 0.14, p = 0.005) and (aOR = 0.24, p = 0.019). A positive attitude was 1.89 more likely to be (aOR = 1.89, p = 0.026) associated with good practice of prevention measures compared to adolescents who demonstrated negative attitudes. Individuals from households in the fourth (aOR = 0.42, p = 0.024), middle (aOR = 0.34, P = 0.005), and second (aOR = 0.42, p = 0.027) wealth quintiles were less likely to use malaria prevention measures compared to those from households in the highest wealth quintile. CONCLUSION The study revealed that adolescents, generally have poor levels of malaria knowledge and low uptake of malaria prevention and control interventions. Targeted interventions for high-risk adolescents are needed, that focus on improving their knowledge of the disease and effective preventive measures, and on increasing their access to health care services and LLINs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fassiatou Tairou
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Saira Nawaz
- Primary Health Care, PATH, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Marc Christian Tahita
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Direction Régionale du Centre-Ouest de l’Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Samantha Herrera
- Malaria & Neglected Tropical Diseases Division, PATH, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Babacar Faye
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Roger C. K. Tine
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
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Cleary E, Hetzel MW, Clements ACA. A review of malaria epidemiology and control in Papua New Guinea 1900 to 2021: Progress made and future directions. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:980795. [PMID: 38455277 PMCID: PMC10910954 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2022.980795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The research and control of malaria has a long history in Papua New Guinea, sometimes resulting in substantial changes to the distribution of infection and transmission dynamics in the country. There have been four major periods of malaria control in PNG, with the current control programme having commenced in 2004. Each previous control programme was successful in reducing malaria burden in the country, but multiple factors led to programme failures and eventual breakdown. A comprehensive review of the literature dating from 1900 to 2021 was undertaken to summarize control strategies, epidemiology, vector ecology and environmental drivers of malaria transmission in PNG. Evaluations of historical control programs reveal poor planning and communication, and difficulty in sustaining financial investment once malaria burden had decreased as common themes in the breakdown of previous programs. Success of current and future malaria control programs in PNG is contingent on adequate planning and management of control programs, effective communication and engagement with at-risk populations, and cohesive targeted approaches to sub-national and national control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Cleary
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel W. Hetzel
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Archie C. A. Clements
- Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
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24
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DePina A, Barros H, Tiffany A, Stresman G. Sustaining surveillance as an intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic in Cabo Verde and implications for malaria elimination. Front Immunol 2022; 13:956864. [PMID: 36275761 PMCID: PMC9582766 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.956864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cabo Verde reported the first case of COVID-19 on March 19, 2020. Containment measures were quickly implemented and over 80,000 COVID-19 tests were performed in 2020 with 11,840 confirmed infections (2% of the population) and 154 deaths. In a setting where the last locally acquired malaria case was reported in January 2018, any interruptions to malaria care-seeking have the potential for infections to go untreated and transmission re-establishing. This work aims to determine whether there was any change in the number of people seeking care or being tested for malaria and, using an interrupted time series analysis, identify if any change was associated with implemented COVID-19 measures. Routinely collected surveillance data for outpatient visits, testing for malaria and COVID-19 were aggregated by month for each health facility (outpatient and malaria) or by municipality (COVID-19) from 2017 through 2020. The timeline of COVID-19 measures was generated based on when and where they were implemented. Results show that there was a marked shift in care-seeking in Cabo Verde. Overall, the mean number of observed outpatient visits decreased from 2,057 visits per month during 2017-2019 to 1,088 in 2020, an estimated 28% reduction. However, malaria testing rates per 1,000 outpatient visits after the pandemic began increased by 8% compared to expected trends. Results suggest that the pandemic impacted care-seeking but led to a non-significant increase in testing for malaria per 1,000 outpatient visits. With the cessation of international travel, the risk of imported infections seeding new transmission declined suggesting the risk of undetected transmission was low. It is important for countries to understand their specific malaria risks and vulnerabilities in order to ensure that any progress towards the interruption of malaria transmission can be sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adilson DePina
- Programa de Eliminação do Paludismo, CCS-SIDA, Ministério da Saúde, Praia, Cabo Verde
- Ecole Doctorale Sciences de la Vie, de la Santé et de l’Environnement - Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Helga Barros
- Unidade de Estatística, Delegacia de Saúde da Praia, Praia, Cabo Verde
| | - Amanda Tiffany
- Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gillian Stresman
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Epidemiology Department, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Gillian Stresman, ;
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Needle-free, spirulina-produced Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite vaccination provides sterile protection against pre-erythrocytic malaria in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:113. [PMID: 36195607 PMCID: PMC9532447 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies against the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) can block hepatocyte infection by sporozoites and protect against malaria. Needle-free vaccination strategies are desirable, yet most PfCSP-targeted vaccines like RTS,S require needle-based administration. Here, we evaluated the edible algae, Arthrospira platensis (commonly called 'spirulina') as a malaria vaccine platform. Spirulina were genetically engineered to express virus-like particles (VLPs) consisting of the woodchuck hepatitis B core capsid protein (WHcAg) displaying a (NANP)15 PfCSP antigen on its surface. PfCSP-spirulina administered to mice intranasally followed by oral PfCSP-spirulina boosters resulted in a strong, systemic anti-PfCSP immune response that was protective against subcutaneous challenge with PfCSP-expressing P. yoelii. Unlike male mice, female mice did not require Montanide adjuvant to reach high antibody titers or protection. The successful use of spirulina as a vaccine delivery system warrants further development of spirulina-based vaccines as a useful tool in addressing malaria and other diseases of global health importance.
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Baral S, Rao A, Rwema JOT, Lyons C, Cevik M, Kågesten AE, Diouf D, Sohn AH, Phaswana-Mafuya RN, Kamarulzaman A, Millett G, Marcus JL, Mishra S. Competing health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and early response: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273389. [PMID: 36037216 PMCID: PMC9423636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has rapidly emerged as a global public health threat with infections recorded in nearly every country. Responses to COVID-19 have varied in intensity and breadth, but generally have included domestic and international travel limitations, closure of non-essential businesses, and repurposing of health services. While these interventions have focused on testing, treatment, and mitigation of COVID-19, there have been reports of interruptions to diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services for other public health threats. OBJECTIVES We conducted a scoping review to characterize the early impact of COVID-19 on HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, sexual and reproductive health, and malnutrition. METHODS A scoping literature review was completed using searches of PubMed and preprint servers (medRxiv/bioRxiv) from November 1st, 2019 to October 31st, 2020, using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 and HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, sexual and reproductive health, and malnutrition. Empiric studies reporting original data collection or mathematical models were included, and available data synthesized by region. Studies were excluded if they were not written in English. RESULTS A total of 1604 published papers and 205 preprints were retrieved in the search. Overall, 8.0% (129/1604) of published studies and 10.2% (21/205) of preprints met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review: 7.3% (68/931) on HIV, 7.1% (24/339) on tuberculosis, 11.6% (26/224) on malaria, 7.8% (19/183) on sexual and reproductive health, and 9.8% (13/132) on malnutrition. Thematic results were similar across competing health risks, with substantial indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and response on diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, sexual and reproductive health, and malnutrition. DISCUSSION COVID-19 emerged in the context of existing public health threats that result in millions of deaths every year. Thus, effectively responding to COVID-19 while minimizing the negative impacts of COVID-19 necessitates innovation and integration of existing programs that are often siloed across health systems. Inequities have been a consistent driver of existing health threats; COVID-19 has worsened disparities, reinforcing the need for programs that address structural risks. The data reviewed here suggest that effective strengthening of health systems should include investment and planning focused on ensuring the continuity of care for both rapidly emergent and existing public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Amrita Rao
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jean Olivier Twahirwa Rwema
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Carrie Lyons
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Muge Cevik
- Division of Infection and Global Health Research, School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland
| | - Anna E. Kågesten
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Annette H. Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Refilwe Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya
- South African Medical Research Council/University of Johannesburg Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research Extramural Unit, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gregorio Millett
- Public Policy Office, amfAR, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Julia L. Marcus
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sharmistha Mishra
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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27
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Malaria Publications before and during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Bibliometric Analysis. PUBLICATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/publications10030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported to affect malaria intervention strategies, the suspension of malaria elimination programs, and the publication of malaria research. We compared differences in authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations between studies published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The searches were performed online using the Scopus database on 8 April 2022. The searches were limited to two periods: before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021). The information of authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations between studies published before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were compared using frequency and percentage. The relationships between the most productive authors, countries, affiliations, journals, and frequently used keywords were visualized using the VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) software. A total of 2965 articles were identified in two periods and, among those, 1291 relevant studies were included. There was no difference in malaria publications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (679 articles, 52.6% vs. 612 articles, 47.4%). Compared between the two periods, the preliminary trend of malaria publications in terms of authorship, affiliations, countries, funding sources, article types, keywords, languages, and citations were different. In conclusion, the current study showed the preliminary trends in malaria publications before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study would encourage researchers to perform a scoping review or systematic review to better understand the direction of malaria publications during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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28
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Barboza MFX, Monteiro KHDC, Rodrigues IR, Santos GL, Monteiro WM, Figueira EAG, Sampaio VDS, Lynn T, Endo PT. Prediction of malaria using deep learning models: A case study on city clusters in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, from 2003 to 2018. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2022; 55:e0420. [PMID: 35946631 PMCID: PMC9344950 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0420-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria is curable. Nonetheless, over 229 million cases of malaria were recorded in 2019, along with 409,000 deaths. Although over 42 million Brazilians are at risk of contracting malaria, 99% percent of all malaria cases in Brazil are located in or around the Amazon rainforest. Despite declining cases and deaths, malaria remains a major public health issue in Brazil. Accurate spatiotemporal prediction of malaria propagation may enable improved resource allocation to support efforts to eradicate the disease. Methods: In response to calls for novel research on malaria elimination strategies that suit local conditions, in this study, we propose machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models to predict the probability of malaria cases in the state of Amazonas. Using a dataset of approximately 6 million records (January 2003 to December 2018), we applied k-means clustering to group cities based on their similarity of malaria incidence. We evaluated random forest, long-short term memory (LSTM) and dated recurrent unit (GRU) models and compared their performance. Results: The LSTM architecture achieved better performance in clusters with less variability in the number of cases, whereas the GRU presents better results in clusters with high variability. Although Diebold-Mariano testing suggested that both the LSTM and GRU performed comparably, GRU can be trained significantly faster, which could prove advantageous in practice. Conclusions: All models showed satisfactory accuracy and strong performance in predicting new cases of malaria, and each could serve as a supplemental tool to support regional policies and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Guto Leoni Santos
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Informática, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM, Brasil
| | - Elder Augusto Guimaraes Figueira
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Medicina Tropical, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Vanderson de Souza Sampaio
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde Rosemary Costa Pinto, Manaus, AM, Brasil.,Instituto Todos pela Saúde, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Theo Lynn
- Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patricia Takako Endo
- Universidade de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia da Computação, Recife, PE, Brasil
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29
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Huang Q, Xu WJ, Wang XX, Zhang X, Pan KN, Zhang JQ, Chen HL, Ruan W, Yao LN. SARS-CoV-2 and Plasmodium falciparum Co-Infection in a Returning Traveler. Front Public Health 2022; 10:871374. [PMID: 35991037 PMCID: PMC9389161 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.871374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a non-neglectable context for the whole healthcare system. Under the background of COVID-19, the detection and diagnosis of malaria cases are under challenge. Here, we reported a COVID-19 and malaria co-infection traveler who has a long living history in Cameroon. The case was administered with dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine tablets for malaria, Lopinavir and Ritonavir tablets, Arbidol, recombinant human interferon α-2b and Compound Maxing Yifei mixture for COVID-19, and Zolpidem Tartrate tablets, Diazepam, Paroxetine Hydrochloride tablets, Thymosin α1, and Lianhua Qinwen Jiaonang during the second hospitalization of the patient since the patient has a certain level of anxiety and insomnia with no evidence of inflammatory reactions. After being tested negative two times for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 48 h, the patient met China's COVID-19 discharge standards and was discharged with stable vital signs and mental state. Since most countries in the sub-Saharan region have a fragile health system, co-infection for both Plasmodium and SARS-CoV-2 may not be uncommon, and raise a challenge in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for both diseases. We add to the literature on co-infection of P. falciparum malaria and COVID-19 and offer operational advice on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment for the co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou Xixi Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jie Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Xiao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke-Nu Pan
- Medical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Qi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua-Liang Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Ruan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Ruan
| | - Li-Nong Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
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30
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Scalisi M, Giordano S, Canduscio LA, Failla MC, Messina L, Sferrazza E, Rubino R, Siracusa L, Vanella V, Cascio A, Colomba C. MIS-C and co-infection with P. vivax and P. falciparum in a child: a clinical conundrum. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:130. [PMID: 35897103 PMCID: PMC9327400 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01311-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic represents an unprecedented global health challenge. Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to symptoms that can occur in other infections. Malaria should always be considered in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection returning from endemic areas. Case presentation We present the first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and Plasmodium vivax-falciparum and SARS-CoV2 coinfection in children. Despite clearance of parassitaemia and a negative COVID-19 nasopharyngeal PCR, the patient’s clinical conditions worsened. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to make the diagnosis of MIS-C. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and methylprednisolone was effective. Conclusions This case emphasizes the importance of considering malaria diagnosis in patients returning from endemic areas, even in the COVID 19 era. Malaria and SARS-CoV2 co-infection may increase the risk of MIS-C, for which early detection is critical for proper management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Scalisi
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giordano
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Maria Concetta Failla
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Messina
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisa Sferrazza
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Rubino
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucia Siracusa
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Vanella
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia Colomba
- Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, "G. Di Cristina" Hospital, ARNAS Civico, Palermo, Italy. .,Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Kerr G, Robinson LJ, Russell TL, Macdonald J. Lessons for improved COVID-19 surveillance from the scale-up of malaria testing strategies. Malar J 2022; 21:223. [PMID: 35858916 PMCID: PMC9296766 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04240-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective control of infectious diseases is facilitated by informed decisions that require accurate and timely diagnosis of disease. For malaria, improved access to malaria diagnostics has revolutionized malaria control and elimination programmes. However, for COVID-19, diagnosis currently remains largely centralized and puts many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) at a disadvantage. Malaria and COVID-19 are infectious diseases that share overlapping symptoms. While the strategic responses to disease control for malaria and COVID-19 are dependent on the disease ecologies of each disease, the fundamental need for accurate and timely testing remains paramount to inform accurate responses. This review highlights how the roll-out of rapid diagnostic tests has been fundamental in the fight against malaria, primarily within the Asia Pacific and along the Greater Mekong Subregion. By learning from the successful elements of malaria control programmes, it is clear that improving access to point-of-care testing strategies for COVID-19 will provide a suitable framework for COVID-19 diagnosis in not only the Asia Pacific, but all malarious countries. In malaria-endemic countries, an integrated approach to point-of-care testing for COVID-19 and malaria would provide bi-directional benefits for COVID-19 and malaria control, particularly due to their paralleled likeness of symptoms, infection control strategies and at-risk individuals. This is especially important, as previous disease pandemics have disrupted malaria control infrastructure, resulting in malaria re-emergence and halting elimination progress. Understanding and combining strategies may help to both limit disruptions to malaria control and support COVID-19 control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Kerr
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia
| | | | - Tanya L Russell
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.
| | - Joanne Macdonald
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, 4556, Australia.
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
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Lu G, Cao Y, Chen Q, Zhu G, Müller O, Cao J. Care-seeking delay of imported malaria to China: implications for improving post-travel healthcare for migrant workers. J Travel Med 2022; 29:6377256. [PMID: 34581417 PMCID: PMC9282091 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Imported malaria cases continue to pose major challenges in China as well as in other countries having achieved elimination. Our study aims to identify the factors influencing the timing of care-seeking after symptom onset among migrant workers with imported malaria, in order to develop innovative interventions to improve access and provision of post-travel healthcare for returning migrants. METHODS We analysed the timing and types of healthcare service utilization after symptom onset among patients with imported malaria between 2012 and 2019 in Jiangsu Province, China. Moreover, decision tree models were used to explore the factors influencing the care-seeking timing after symptom onset among patients with imported malaria. RESULTS A total of 2255 cases of imported malaria were identified from 1 June 2012 through 31 December 2019. Patients with malaria imported into China were mainly male migrant labourers returning from sub-Saharan Africa (96.8%). A substantial number of patients with imported malaria sought healthcare >3 days after symptom onset, which clearly represented delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour. According to the decision tree analysis, initial healthcare seeking from healthcare facilities at higher administrative levels, infection with Plasmodium vivax and absence of malaria infection history were significantly associated with delayed healthcare seeking in patients with imported malaria. CONCLUSION The delay in seeking of medical care among migrant workers with imported malaria should be considered and addressed by specific interventions. In addition to increasing awareness about these issues among health care professionals, improved access to healthcare facilities at higher administrative levels as well as improved diagnostic capacity of healthcare facilities at lower administrative levels should be developed. Moreover, education programs targeting populations at risk of malaria importation and delayed healthcare seeking should be improved to facilitate early healthcare seeking and service use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Lu
- School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guoding Zhu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Olaf Müller
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jun Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Lu G, Cao Y, Zhang D, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Lu Y, Chen Q, Zhu G, Yan J, Müller O, Cao J. Implementation and challenges to preventing the re-establishment of malaria in China in the COVID-19 era. Global Health 2022; 18:64. [PMID: 35729642 PMCID: PMC9210339 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00858-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid emergence and global spread of COVID-19 have caused substantial global disruptions that have impacted malaria programs worldwide. Innovative strategies to enable countries aiming to eliminate malaria as well as those that are already certified as malaria-free, are needed to address malaria importation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. China was certified as malaria-free in 2021 and now aims to prevent the malaria re-establishment. Nonpharmaceutical interventions such as entry screening, quarantining, and health education for individuals returning from international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic present both opportunities and challenges to the management of imported malaria. This study aimed to describe and analyze the operational challenges associated with an integrated surveillance and case management program in which malaria re-establishment prevention measures were incorporated into the COVID-19 program in China. METHODS After the integration of malaria re-establishment prevention activities into the COVID-19 program for 10 months in Jiangsu Province, China, a focus-group discussion of public health workers working on preventing malaria re-establishment and controlling COVID-19 was held in June 2021, aiming to explore the operational challenges and lessons learned from the integrated approach. RESULTS From 01 August 2020 to 31 May 2021, 8,947 overseas travelers with Yangzhou as the final destination underwent 14-day managed quarantine and 14-day home isolation. Of these travelers, 5,562 were from malaria-endemic regions. A total of 26,026 education booklets and materials were distributed to expand malaria-related knowledge. Twenty-two patients with unknown fever were screened for malaria with rapid diagnostic tests, and one patient was confirmed to have imported malaria. The challenges associated with the implementation of the integrated malaria surveillance and case management program include neglect of malaria due to COVID-19, lack of a standard operating procedure for malaria screening, mobility of public health providers, and difficulties in respecting the timeline of the "1-3-7" surveillance strategy. CONCLUSIONS China's experience highlights the feasibility of integrated case surveillance and management of existing infectious diseases and new emerging infections. It also demonstrates the importance of a sound public health infrastructure with adequate, trained field staff for screening, testing, contact tracing, and providing health education, all of which are crucial for the success of both malaria re-establishment prevention program and the effective control of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Lu
- School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China
| | - Dongying Zhang
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuying Zhang
- School of Public Health, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Xu
- Yangzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Nanjing Health and Customs Quarantine Office, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guoding Zhu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China. .,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jun Yan
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Olaf Müller
- Institute of Global Health, Medical School, Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jun Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory On Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Abstract
"The Primate Malarias" book has been a uniquely important resource for multiple generations of scientists, since its debut in 1971, and remains pertinent to the present day. Indeed, nonhuman primates (NHPs) have been instrumental for major breakthroughs in basic and pre-clinical research on malaria for over 50 years. Research involving NHPs have provided critical insights and data that have been essential for malaria research on many parasite species, drugs, vaccines, pathogenesis, and transmission, leading to improved clinical care and advancing research goals for malaria control, elimination, and eradication. Whilst most malaria scientists over the decades have been studying Plasmodium falciparum, with NHP infections, in clinical studies with humans, or using in vitro culture or rodent model systems, others have been dedicated to advancing research on Plasmodium vivax, as well as on phylogenetically related simian species, including Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium coatneyi, and Plasmodium knowlesi. In-depth study of these four phylogenetically related species over the years has spawned the design of NHP longitudinal infection strategies for gathering information about ongoing infections, which can be related to human infections. These Plasmodium-NHP infection model systems are reviewed here, with emphasis on modern systems biological approaches to studying longitudinal infections, pathogenesis, immunity, and vaccines. Recent discoveries capitalizing on NHP longitudinal infections include an advanced understanding of chronic infections, relapses, anaemia, and immune memory. With quickly emerging new technological advances, more in-depth research and mechanistic discoveries can be anticipated on these and additional critical topics, including hypnozoite biology, antigenic variation, gametocyte transmission, bone marrow dysfunction, and loss of uninfected RBCs. New strategies and insights published by the Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center (MaHPIC) are recapped here along with a vision that stresses the importance of educating future experts well trained in utilizing NHP infection model systems for the pursuit of innovative, effective interventions against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Galinski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory National Primate Research Center (Yerkes National Primate Research Center), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Gilmour B, Alene KA, Clements A. The prevalence of tuberculosis and malaria in minority indigenous populations of South- East Asia and the Western Pacific Region: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pathog Glob Health 2022; 116:201-219. [PMID: 34904538 PMCID: PMC9132423 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2021.2011579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases have been shown to disproportionately affect indigenous populations. Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria continue to impose a significant burden on humanity and are among the infectious diseases targeted within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A systematic review and meta-analyses were undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of TB and malaria infections within minority indigenous populations of the South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions. The review was undertaken in accordance with The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines following a published protocol. A random effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of TB and malaria. A meta-regression analysis was applied to quantify associations with study covariates and a sub-group analysis undertaken where studies provided comparative data between minority indigenous and other population groups. From the 3,275 unique publications identified, 24 on TB, and 39 on malaria were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of TB was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.7, 2.9) and the pooled prevalence of malaria was 19.9% (95% CI: 15.9, 24.2). There was significant (p = 0.000) heterogeneity (I2) between studies. Significant difference was not observed in TB and malaria prevalence between minority indigenous and other population groups, although the odds ratio of malaria infection in minority indigenous populations was 1.15 (95% CI 0.99, 1.34: p-value 0.06) compared to other population groups. The review identified a paucity of data on TB and malaria in minority indigenous populations despite the significant prevalence and burden of these diseases within these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Gilmour
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kefyalew Addis Alene
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
- Geospatial Health & Development, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Archie Clements
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia
- Geospatial Health & Development, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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Wang P, Ni J, Chu YY, Chen QQ, Wu GC, Fang Y, Chen C, Zhang RD, Jiang LQ, Zhao Y, Fang X, He J, Wang DG, Wang GH, Pan HF. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and vaccination-related adverse events in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112997. [PMID: 35486976 PMCID: PMC9040458 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the seroreactivity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and its adverse events among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and healthy controls (HCs). Methods A total of 60 SLE patients, 70 RA patients and 35 HCs, who received a complete inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (Vero cells) regimen, were recruited in the current study. Serum IgG and IgM antibodies against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were determined by using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Results There were no significant differences regarding the seroprevalences of IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and the self-reported vaccination-related adverse events among SLE patients, RA patients and HCs. The inactivated COVID-19 vaccines appeared to be well-tolerated and moderately immunogenic. In addition, case-only analysis indicated that in SLE patients, the disease manifestation of rash and anti-SSA autoantibody were associated with seroprevalence of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2, whereas the uses of ciclosporin and leflunomide had influence on the seroprevalence of IgM antibody against SARS-CoV-2. In RA patients, rheumatoid factor (RF) appeared to be associated with the seroprevalence of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion Our study reveals that the seroprevalences of IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and vaccination-related adverse effects are similar among SLE, RA and HCs, suggesting that COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for SLE and RA patients to prevent from the pandemic of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016 Anhui, China
| | - Jing Ni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016, Anhui, China
| | - Ya-Ya Chu
- Wannan Medical College, 22 Wenchang West Road, Wuhu, 241002 Anhui, China
| | - Qing-Qing Chen
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fanhua Avenue, 12560 Hefei, China
| | - Guo-Cui Wu
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, 15 Feicui Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016 Anhui, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016 Anhui, China
| | - Ruo-Di Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016 Anhui, China
| | - Ling-Qiong Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016 Anhui, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016 Anhui, China
| | - Xi Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016 Anhui, China
| | - Jun He
- Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fanhua Avenue, 12560 Hefei, China; Public Health Research Institute of Anhui Province, Fanhua Avenue, 12560 Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - De-Guang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Gui-Hong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Anqing Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, 352 Renmin Road, Anqing, Anhui 246004, China.
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016, Anhui, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230016 Anhui, China.
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Heuschen AK, Abdul-Mumin A, Adokiya M, Lu G, Jahn A, Razum O, Winkler V, Müller O. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria cases in health facilities in northern Ghana: a retrospective analysis of routine surveillance data. Malar J 2022; 21:149. [PMID: 35570272 PMCID: PMC9107588 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04154-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic and its collateral damage severely impact health systems globally and risk to worsen the malaria situation in endemic countries. Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana. This study aims to describe the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on malaria cases observed in health facilities in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods Monthly routine data from the District Health Information Management System II (DHIMS2) of the Northern Region of Ghana were analysed. Overall outpatient department visits (OPD) and malaria case rates from the years 2015–2019 were compared to the corresponding data of the year 2020. Results Compared to the corresponding periods of the years 2015–2019, overall visits and malaria cases in paediatric and adult OPDs in northern Ghana decreased in March and April 2020, when major movement and social restrictions were implemented in response to the pandemic. Cases slightly rebounded afterwards in 2020, but stayed below the average of the previous years. Malaria data from inpatient departments showed a similar but more pronounced trend when compared to OPDs. In pregnant women, however, malaria cases in OPDs increased after the first COVID-19 wave. Conclusions The findings from this study show that the COVID-19 pandemic affects the malaria burden in health facilities of northern Ghana, with declines in inpatient and outpatient rates except for pregnant women. They may have experienced reduced access to insecticide-treated nets and intermittent preventive malaria treatment in pregnancy, resulting in subsequent higher malaria morbidity. Further data, particularly from community-based studies and ideally complemented by qualitative research, are needed to fully determine the impact of the pandemic on the malaria situation in Africa.
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38
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A broader perspective on the economics of malaria prevention and the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2676. [PMID: 35562336 PMCID: PMC9106743 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30273-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Douglas NM, Burkot TR, Price RN. Malaria eradication revisited. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:382-392. [PMID: 34918106 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyab259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Douglas
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Division of Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Thomas R Burkot
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Ric N Price
- Division of Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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40
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Tadesse Boltena M, El-Khatib Z, Kebede AS, Asamoah BO, Yaw ASC, Kamara K, Constant Assogba P, Tadesse Boltena A, Adane HT, Hailemeskel E, Biru M. Malaria and Helminthic Co-Infection during Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5444. [PMID: 35564842 PMCID: PMC9101176 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Malaria and helminthic co-infection during pregnancy causes fetomaternal haemorrhage and foetal growth retardation. This study determined the pooled burden of pregnancy malaria and helminthic co-infection in sub-Saharan Africa. CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used to retrieve data from the literature, without restricting language and publication year. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool for prevalence studies was used for quality assessment. STATA Version 14.0 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. The I2 statistics and Egger's test were used to test heterogeneity and publication bias. The random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence at a 95% confidence interval (CI). The review protocol has been registered in PROSPERO, with the number CRD42019144812. In total, 24 studies (n = 14,087 participants) were identified in this study. The pooled analysis revealed that 20% of pregnant women were co-infected by malaria and helminths in sub-Saharan Africa. The pooled prevalence of malaria and helminths were 33% and 35%, respectively. The most prevalent helminths were Hookworm (48%), Ascaris lumbricoides (37%), and Trichuris trichiura (15%). Significantly higher malaria and helminthic co-infection during pregnancy were observed. Health systems in sub-Saharan Africa must implement home-grown innovative solutions to underpin context-specific policies for the early initiation of effective intermittent preventive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyahil Tadesse Boltena
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Ziad El-Khatib
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- World Health Programme, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada
| | | | - Benedict Oppong Asamoah
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (B.O.A.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Appiah Seth Christopher Yaw
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi 101, Ghana;
| | - Kassim Kamara
- Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown 00232, Sierra Leone;
| | - Phénix Constant Assogba
- Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi 526, Benin;
| | - Andualem Tadesse Boltena
- Social Medicine and Global Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; (B.O.A.); (A.T.B.)
| | - Hawult Taye Adane
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
| | - Elifaged Hailemeskel
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mulatu Biru
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa 1005, Ethiopia; (H.T.A.); (E.H.); (M.B.)
- Child and Family Health, Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
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Oyegoke OO, Maharaj L, Akoniyon OP, Kwoji I, Roux AT, Adewumi TS, Maharaj R, Oyebola BT, Adeleke MA, Okpeku M. Malaria diagnostic methods with the elimination goal in view. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1867-1885. [PMID: 35460369 PMCID: PMC9033523 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07512-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria control measures have been in use for years but have not completely curbed the spread of infection. Ultimately, global elimination is the goal. A major playmaker in the various approaches to reaching the goal is the issue of proper diagnosis. Various diagnostic techniques were adopted in different regions and geographical locations over the decades, and these have invariably produced diverse outcomes. In this review, we looked at the various approaches used in malaria diagnostics with a focus on methods favorably used during pre-elimination and elimination phases as well as in endemic regions. Microscopy, rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are common methods applied depending on prevailing factors, each with its strengths and limitations. As the drive toward the elimination goal intensifies, the search for ideal, simple, fast, and reliable point-of-care diagnostic tools is needed more than ever before to be used in conjunction with a functional surveillance system supported by the ideal vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olukunle O Oyegoke
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leah Maharaj
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Oluwasegun P Akoniyon
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Illiya Kwoji
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alexandra T Roux
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Taiye S Adewumi
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajendra Maharaj
- Office of Malaria Research, Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Matthew A Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban, South Africa.
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Carlson CJ, Colwell R, Hossain MS, Rahman MM, Robock A, Ryan SJ, Alam MS, Trisos CH. Solar geoengineering could redistribute malaria risk in developing countries. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2150. [PMID: 35444178 PMCID: PMC9021229 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29613-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Solar geoengineering is often framed as a stopgap measure to decrease the magnitude, impacts, and injustice of climate change. However, the benefits or costs of geoengineering for human health are largely unknown. We project how geoengineering could impact malaria risk by comparing current transmission suitability and populations-at-risk under moderate and high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5) with and without geoengineering. We show that if geoengineering deployment cools the tropics, it could help protect high elevation populations in eastern Africa from malaria encroachment, but could increase transmission in lowland sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia. Compared to extreme warming, we find that by 2070, geoengineering would nullify a projected reduction of nearly one billion people at risk of malaria. Our results indicate that geoengineering strategies designed to offset warming are not guaranteed to unilaterally improve health outcomes, and could produce regional trade-offs among Global South countries that are often excluded from geoengineering conversations. Solar geoengineering, an emergency climate intervention, could shift one billion people back into areas of malaria risk. Regional tradeoffs and potential adverse outcomes point to the need for health sector planning with Global South leadership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Carlson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA. .,Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Rita Colwell
- University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mohammad Sharif Hossain
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Mofizur Rahman
- Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alan Robock
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Sadie J Ryan
- Quantitative Disease Ecology and Conservation (QDEC) Lab Group, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4041, South Africa
| | - Mohammad Shafiul Alam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christopher H Trisos
- African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Centre for Statistics in Ecology, the Environment and Conservation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Prabhu SR, Ware AP, Saadi AV, Brand A, Ghosh SK, Kamath A, Satyamoorthy K. Malaria Epidemiology and COVID-19 Pandemic: Are They Interrelated? OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2022; 26:179-188. [PMID: 35404686 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic disease, impacting multiple organs in the human body. But COVID-19 also impacts other diseases of relevance to public and planetary health. To understand and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need an intersectional conceptual lens and systems thinking. For example, the strain on health care systems due to COVID-19 has adversely impacted global malaria elimination programs. With many epidemiological, clinical, and biological parallels documented, we examined in this study the scenario of malaria and COVID-19 syndemic in India. The disruptive influence of COVID-19 on the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), impact of unintended chemoprophylaxis, population genetic influences, and the shifting patterns of epidemiology are compared. Importantly, a time series analysis forecasted the burden of malaria increasing in the upcoming years. Although reported malaria cases showed a decline in 2020 compared to the previous years, an increase in cases was documented in 2021, with nine states reporting an increase up to July 2021. Pandemics often cause crosscutting disruptions in health care. Reshaping the priorities of the malaria elimination program and a diligent implementation of the priorities in the NFME would, therefore, be well-advised: (1) vector control, (2) antimalarial therapy recommendations, (3) monitoring drug resistance, (4) prevention of the spread of asymptomatic disease-causing low-density transmission, and (5) large-scale testing measures. In conclusion, the findings from the present study inform future comparative studies in other world regions to better understand the broader, systemic, temporal, and spatial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on existing and future diseases across public health systems and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya R Prabhu
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Akshay P Ware
- Department of Bioinformatics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Abdul Vahab Saadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Angela Brand
- United Nations University-Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health Genomics, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
- Department of International Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Susanta K Ghosh
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Asha Kamath
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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Li H, Ling F, Zhang S, Liu Y, Wang C, Lin H, Sun J, Wu Y. Comparison of 19 major infectious diseases during COVID-19 epidemic and previous years in Zhejiang, implications for prevention measures. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:296. [PMID: 35346101 PMCID: PMC8958816 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07301-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has attracted great public health efforts across the world. Few studies, however, have described the potential impact of these measures on other important infectious diseases. METHODS The incidence of 19 major infectious diseases in Zhejiang Province was collected from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System from January 2017 to October 2020. The entire epidemic control phase was divided into three stages. The government deployed the first level response from 24 January to 2 March (the most rigorous measures). When the outbreak of COVID-19 was under control, the response level changed to the second level from 3 to 23 March, and then the third level response was implemented after 24 March. We compared the epidemiological characteristics of 19 major infectious diseases during different periods of the COVID-19 epidemic and previous years. RESULTS A total of 1,814,881 cases of 19 infectious diseases were reported in Zhejiang from January 2017 to October 2020, resulting in an incidence rate of 8088.30 cases per 1,000,000 person-years. After the non-pharmaceutical intervention, the incidence of 19 infectious diseases dropped by 70.84%, from 9436.32 cases per 1,000,000 person-years to 2751.51 cases per 1,000,000 person-years, with the large decrease in the first response period of influenza. However, we observed that the daily incidence of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and leptospirosis increased slightly (from 1.11 cases per 1,000,000 person-years to 1.82 cases per 1,000,000 person-years for SFTS and 0.30 cases per 1,000,000 person-years to 1.24 cases per 1,000,000 person-years for leptospirosis). There was no significant difference in the distribution of epidemiological characteristic of most infectious diseases before and during the implementation of COVID-19 control measures. CONCLUSION Our study summarizes the epidemiological characteristics of 19 infectious diseases and indicates that the rigorous control measures for COVID-19 are also effective for majority of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haopeng Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Feng Ling
- Key Laboratory of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chongjian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hualiang Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jimin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Vaccine, Prevention and Control of Infectious Disease of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yinglin Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Irabuena C, Scarone L, de Souza GE, Aguiar ACC, Mendes GR, Guido RVC, Serra G. Synthesis and antiplasmodial assessment of nitazoxanide and analogs as new antimalarial candidates. Med Chem Res 2022; 31:426-435. [PMID: 35106047 PMCID: PMC8794615 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-021-02843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
During the last years, the progression to control malaria disease seems to be slowed and WHO (World Health Organization) reported a modeling analysis with the prediction of the increase in malaria morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. A rapid way to the discovery of new drugs could be carried out by performing investigations to identify drugs based on repurposing of "old" drugs. The 5-nitrothiazole drug, Nitazoxanide was shown to be active against intestinal protozoa, human helminths, anaerobic bacteria, viruses, etc. In this work, Nitazoxanide and analogs were prepared using two methodologies and evaluated against P. falciparum 3D7. A bithiazole analog, showed attractive inhibitory activity with an EC50 value of 5.9 μM, low propensity to show toxic effect against HepG2 cells at 25 μM, and no cross-resistance with standard antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Irabuena
- Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, CC1157 Montevideo, Uruguay
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laura Scarone
- Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, CC1157 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Guilherme Eduardo de Souza
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone, 1100, São Carlos, São Paulo 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Anna Caroline Campos Aguiar
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone, 1100, São Carlos, São Paulo 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Giovana Rossi Mendes
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone, 1100, São Carlos, São Paulo 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Rafael Victorio Carvalho Guido
- São Carlos Institute of Physics, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida João Dagnone, 1100, São Carlos, São Paulo 13563-120 Brazil
| | - Gloria Serra
- Química Farmacéutica, Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, CC1157 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Pellegrino J, Tapera O, Mberikunashe J, Kanyangarara M. Malaria service provision in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe during the coronavirus pandemic: a cross-sectional survey of health facilities. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.29392/001c.31597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Oscar Tapera
- SADTAP Health Research Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Sebastião CS, Gaston C, Paixão JP, Sacomboio ENM, Neto Z, de Vasconcelos JN, Morais J. Coinfection between SARS-CoV-2 and vector-borne diseases in Luanda, Angola. J Med Virol 2022; 94:366-371. [PMID: 34546584 PMCID: PMC8662186 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Co-epidemics happening simultaneously can generate a burden on healthcare systems. The co-occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 with vector-borne diseases (VBD), such as malaria and dengue in resource-limited settings represents an additional challenge to the healthcare systems. Herein, we assessed the coinfection rate between SARS-CoV-2 and VBD to highlight the need to carry out an accurate diagnosis and promote timely measures for these infections in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 105 subjects tested for the SARS-CoV-2 and VBD with a rapid detection test in April 2021. The participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (3.80%), malaria (13.3%), and dengue (27.6%). Low odds related to testing positivity to SARS-CoV-2 or VBD were observed in participants above or equal to 40 years (odds ratio [OR]: 0.60, p = 0.536), while higher odds were observed in male (OR: 1.44, p = 0.392) and urbanized areas (OR: 3.78, p = 0.223). The overall co-infection rate between SARS-CoV-2 and VBD was 11.4%. Our findings showed a coinfection between SARS-CoV-2 with malaria and dengue, which could indicate the need to integrate the screening for VBD in the SARS-CoV-2 testing algorithm and the adjustment of treatment protocols. Further studies are warranted to better elucidate the relationship between COVID-19 and VBD in Angola.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cruz S. Sebastião
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS)LuandaAngola
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA)CaxitoAngola
- Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde (ISCISA)Universidade Agostinho Neto (UAN)LuandaAngola
| | | | | | - Euclides N. M. Sacomboio
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS)LuandaAngola
- Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde (ISCISA)Universidade Agostinho Neto (UAN)LuandaAngola
| | - Zoraima Neto
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS)LuandaAngola
| | - Jocelyne Neto de Vasconcelos
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS)LuandaAngola
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA)CaxitoAngola
| | - Joana Morais
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação em Saúde (INIS)LuandaAngola
- Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade Agostinho NetoLuandaAngola
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Shrivastava S, Shrivastava P. Exploring the impact of coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic on malaria and identifying the strategies for the containment of twin infections. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE NURSING 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jin.jin_59_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Burgert L, Reiker T, Golumbeanu M, Möhrle JJ, Penny MA. Model-informed target product profiles of long-acting-injectables for use as seasonal malaria prevention. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000211. [PMID: 36962305 PMCID: PMC10021282 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) has proven highly efficacious in reducing malaria incidence. However, the continued success of SMC is threatened by the spread of resistance against one of its main preventive ingredients, Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP), operational challenges in delivery, and incomplete adherence to the regimens. Via a simulation study with an individual-based model of malaria dynamics, we provide quantitative evidence to assess long-acting injectables (LAIs) as potential alternatives to SMC. We explored the predicted impact of a range of novel preventive LAIs as a seasonal prevention tool in children aged three months to five years old during late-stage clinical trials and at implementation. LAIs were co-administered with a blood-stage clearing drug once at the beginning of the transmission season. We found the establishment of non-inferiority of LAIs to standard 3 or 4 rounds of SMC with SP-amodiaquine was challenging in clinical trial stages due to high intervention deployment coverage. However, our analysis of implementation settings where the achievable SMC coverage was much lower, show LAIs with fewer visits per season are potential suitable replacements to SMC. Suitability as a replacement with higher impact is possible if the duration of protection of LAIs covered the duration of the transmission season. Furthermore, optimising LAIs coverage and protective efficacy half-life via simulation analysis in settings with an SMC coverage of 60% revealed important trade-offs between protective efficacy decay and deployment coverage. Our analysis additionally highlights that for seasonal deployment for LAIs, it will be necessary to investigate the protective efficacy decay as early as possible during clinical development to ensure a well-informed candidate selection process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Burgert
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Reiker
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monica Golumbeanu
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg J Möhrle
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Melissa A Penny
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Malaria, HIV and Malnutrition among Internally Displaced People in Mozambique During COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from a Community-Based Intervention. Ann Glob Health 2022; 88:106. [PMID: 36561539 PMCID: PMC9733147 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spread of COVID-19 poses an unprecedented challenge to care delivery in post-disaster and conflict situations. In Mozambique, the 2019 cyclone Idai and the violence by Non-State-Armed-Groups devastated the province of Sofala and Cabo Delgado respectively and led to the displacement of thousands of people living in poor and overcrowded conditions. The pandemic has further aggravated the situation. Doctors with Africa CUAMM (University college for aspiring missionary doctors) implemented surveillance activities in these regions between October 2020 and September 2021. The aim of this study is to give an overview of the prevalence of malaria, malnutrition, COVID-19 related symptoms and access to HIV testing. Methods Data were collected in targeted internally displaced people (IDP) sites in Sofala and Cabo Delgado province between 31st January and 25th September 2021. The tool used enabled to assess COVID-19 symptoms, risk of HIV infection, malaria cases and malnutrition in children under five. Results The project reached 93 503 people. During the study period, 13.6% people reported at least one symptom suggestive of COVID-19 infection. Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) were administered to 86% of the recruited people (n = ?), with a positive diagnosis in the 4.5% of them (n = ?). Among the recruited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), 23.1% were considered eligible for HIV screening, but only 1.4% were referred for testing. Acute malnutrition was found in 6.3% of children screened and, among these, a higher prevalence of concurrent COVID-19 symptoms was reported. Discussion Our study highlights the importance of mass clinical screening for COVID-19 infection in this target population to enact prevention behavior, although this may not be enough, due to the pivotal role played by asymptomatic transmissions. Considering the overlap of the symptoms of COVID-19 and malaria, a combined diagnostic algorithm is urgently needed to avoid underdiagnosing malaria. Moreover, the high prevalence of respiratory symptoms in malnourished children confirmed the known correlation between malnutrition and respiratory infection. Finally, access to HIV screening needs to be implemented, given the high prevalence of people with HIV risk factors to avoid diagnostic delay. Conclusions Population-specific needs make necessary to develop new screening methods that respond to the specific characteristics of the target population.
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