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Markwalter CF, Lapp Z, Abel L, Kimachas E, Omollo E, Freedman E, Chepkwony T, Amunga M, McCormick T, Bérubé S, Mangeni JN, Wesolowski A, Obala AA, Taylor SM, Prudhomme O'Meara W. Plasmodium falciparum infection in humans and mosquitoes influence natural Anopheline biting behavior and transmission. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4626. [PMID: 38816383 PMCID: PMC11139876 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49080-9] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The human infectious reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum is governed by transmission efficiency during vector-human contact and mosquito biting preferences. Understanding biting bias in a natural setting can help target interventions to interrupt transmission. In a 15-month cohort in western Kenya, we detected P. falciparum in indoor-resting Anopheles and human blood samples by qPCR and matched mosquito bloodmeals to cohort participants using short-tandem repeat genotyping. Using risk factor analyses and discrete choice models, we assessed mosquito biting behavior with respect to parasite transmission. Biting was highly unequal; 20% of people received 86% of bites. Biting rates were higher on males (biting rate ratio (BRR): 1.68; CI: 1.28-2.19), children 5-15 years (BRR: 1.49; CI: 1.13-1.98), and P. falciparum-infected individuals (BRR: 1.25; CI: 1.01-1.55). In aggregate, P. falciparum-infected school-age (5-15 years) boys accounted for 50% of bites potentially leading to onward transmission and had an entomological inoculation rate 6.4x higher than any other group. Additionally, infectious mosquitoes were nearly 3x more likely than non-infectious mosquitoes to bite P. falciparum-infected individuals (relative risk ratio 2.76, 95% CI 1.65-4.61). Thus, persistent P. falciparum transmission was characterized by disproportionate onward transmission from school-age boys and by the preference of infected mosquitoes to feed upon infected people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zena Lapp
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lucy Abel
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Emmah Kimachas
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Elizabeth Freedman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tabitha Chepkwony
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Mark Amunga
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Tyler McCormick
- Departments of Statistics & Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sophie Bérubé
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Judith N Mangeni
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Amy Wesolowski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew A Obala
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Steve M Taylor
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Wendy Prudhomme O'Meara
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Badiane AS, Ngom B, Ndiaye T, Cunningham D, Campbell J, Gaye A, Sène A, Sy M, Ndiaye D, Nwakanma D, Langhorne J. Evidence of Plasmodium vivax circulation in western and eastern regions of Senegal: implications for malaria control. Malar J 2024; 23:149. [PMID: 38750583 PMCID: PMC11097470 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04932-z] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria elimination in Senegal requires accurate diagnosis of all Plasmodium species. Plasmodium falciparum is the most prevalent species in Senegal, although Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and recently Plasmodium vivax have also been reported. Nonetheless, most malaria control tools, such as Histidine Rich Protein 2 rapid diagnosis test (PfHRP2-RDT,) can only diagnose P. falciparum. Thus, PfHRP2-RDT misses non-falciparum species and P. falciparum infections that fall below the limit of detection. These limitations can be addressed using highly sensitive Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This study assesses the burden of the four different Plasmodium species in western and eastern regions of Senegal using targeted PCR amplicon sequencing. METHODS Three thousand samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in 2021 from three sites in Senegal (Sessene, Diourbel region; Parcelles Assainies, Kaolack region; Gabou, Tambacounda region) were collected. All samples were tested using PfHRP2-RDT and photoinduced electron transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR), which detects all Plasmodium species. Targeted sequencing of the nuclear 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome B genes was performed on PET-PCR positive samples. RESULTS Malaria prevalence by PfHRP2-RDT showed 9.4% (94/1000) and 0.2% (2/1000) in Diourbel (DBL) and Kaolack (KL), respectively. In Tambacounda (TAM) patients who had malaria symptoms and had a negative PfHRP2-RDT were enrolled. The PET-PCR had a positivity rate of 23.5% (295/1255) overall. The PET-PCR positivity rate was 37.6%, 12.3%, and 22.8% in Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, respectively. Successful sequencing of 121/295 positive samples detected P. falciparum (93%), P. vivax (2.6%), P. malariae (4.4%), and P. ovale wallikeri (0.9%). Plasmodium vivax was co-identified with P. falciparum in thirteen samples. Sequencing also detected two PfHRP2-RDT-negative mono-infections of P. vivax in Tambacounda and Kaolack. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the circulation of P. vivax in western and eastern Senegal, highlighting the need for improved malaria control strategies and accurate diagnostic tools to better understand the prevalence of non-falciparum species countrywide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida S Badiane
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Darkar, Sénégal.
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal.
| | - Bassirou Ngom
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Tolla Ndiaye
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Deirdre Cunningham
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James Campbell
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platforms (STP), The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Amy Gaye
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Aita Sène
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Mouhamad Sy
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Daouda Ndiaye
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Darkar, Sénégal
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Davis Nwakanma
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, P.O Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Jean Langhorne
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
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Jeang B, Zhong D, Lee MC, Atieli H, Yewhalaw D, Yan G. Molecular surveillance of Kelch 13 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Kenya and Ethiopia. Malar J 2024; 23:36. [PMID: 38287365 PMCID: PMC10823687 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04812-y] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely molecular surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13 (k13) gene mutations is essential for monitoring the emergence and stemming the spread of artemisinin resistance. Widespread artemisinin resistance, as observed in Southeast Asia, would reverse significant gains that have been made against the malaria burden in Africa. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of k13 polymorphisms in western Kenya and Ethiopia at sites representing varying transmission intensities between 2018 and 2022. METHODS Dried blood spot samples collected through ongoing passive surveillance and malaria epidemiological studies, respectively, were investigated. The k13 gene was genotyped in P. falciparum isolates with high parasitaemia: 775 isolates from four sites in western Kenya (Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kisii, and Kombewa) and 319 isolates from five sites across Ethiopia (Arjo, Awash, Gambella, Dire Dawa, and Semera). DNA sequence variation and neutrality were analysed within each study site where mutant alleles were detected. RESULTS Sixteen Kelch13 haplotypes were detected in this study. Prevalence of nonsynonymous k13 mutations was low in both western Kenya (25/783, 3.19%) and Ethiopia (5/319, 1.57%) across the study period. Two WHO-validated mutations were detected: A675V in three isolates from Kenya and R622I in four isolates from Ethiopia. Seventeen samples from Kenya carried synonymous mutations (2.17%). No synonymous mutations were detected in Ethiopia. Genetic variation analyses and tests of neutrality further suggest an excess of low frequency polymorphisms in each study site. Fu and Li's F test statistic in Semera was 0.48 (P > 0.05), suggesting potential population selection of R622I, which appeared at a relatively high frequency (3/22, 13.04%). CONCLUSIONS This study presents an updated report on the low frequency of k13 mutations in western Kenya and Ethiopia. The WHO-validated R622I mutation, which has previously only been reported along the north-west border of Ethiopia, appeared in four isolates collected from eastern Ethiopia. The rapid expansion of R622I across Ethiopia signals the need for enhanced monitoring of the spread of drug-resistant P. falciparum parasites in East Africa. Although ACT remains currently efficacious in the study areas, continued surveillance is necessary to detect early indicators of artemisinin partial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brook Jeang
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Harrysone Atieli
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
- International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Tom Mboya University College, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Getachew H, Demissew A, Abossie A, Habtamu K, Wang X, Zhong D, Zhou G, Lee MC, Hemming-Schroeder E, Bradley L, Degefa T, Hawaria D, Tsegaye A, W Kazura J, Koepfli C, Yan G, Yewhalaw D. Asymptomatic and submicroscopic malaria infections in sugar cane and rice development areas of Ethiopia. Malar J 2023; 22:341. [PMID: 37940948 PMCID: PMC10634149 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04762-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Water resource development projects, such as dams and irrigation schemes, have a positive impact on food security and poverty reduction. However, such projects could increase prevalence of vector borne disease, such as malaria. This study investigate the impact of different agroecosystems and prevalence of malaria infection in Southwest Ethiopia. METHODS Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the dry and wet seasons in irrigated and non-irrigated clusters of Arjo sugarcane and Gambella rice development areas of Ethiopia in 2019. A total of 4464 and 2176 study participants from 1449 households in Arjo and 546 households in Gambella enrolled in the study and blood samples were collected, respectively. All blood samples were microscopically examined and a subset of microscopy negative blood samples (n = 2244) were analysed by qPCR. Mixed effect logistic regression and generalized estimating equation were used to determine microscopic and submicroscopic malaria infection and the associated risk factors, respectively. RESULTS Prevalence by microscopy was 2.0% (88/4464) in Arjo and 6.1% (133/2176) in Gambella. In Gambella, prevalence was significantly higher in irrigated clusters (10.4% vs 3.6%) than in non-irrigated clusters (p < 0.001), but no difference was found in Arjo (2.0% vs 2.0%; p = 0.993). On the other hand, of the 1713 and 531 samples analysed by qPCR from Arjo and Gambella the presence of submicroscopic infection was 1.2% and 12.8%, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale were identified by qPCR in both sites. Irrigation was a risk factor for submicroscopic infection in both Arjo and Gambella. Irrigation, being a migrant worker, outdoor job, < 6 months length of stay in the area were risk factors for microscopic infection in Gambella. Moreover, school-age children and length of stay in the area for 1-3 years were significant predictors for submicroscopic malaria in Gambella. However, no ITN utilization was a predictor for both submicroscopic and microscopic infection in Arjo. Season was also a risk factor for microscopic infection in Arjo. CONCLUSION The study highlighted the potential importance of different irrigation practices impacting on submicroscopic malaria transmission. Moreover, microscopic and submicroscopic infections coupled with population movement may contribute to residual malaria transmission and could hinder malaria control and elimination programmes in the country. Therefore, strengthening malaria surveillance and control by using highly sensitive diagnostic tools to detect low-density parasites, screening migrant workers upon arrival and departure, ensuring adequate coverage and proper utilization of vector control tools, and health education for at-risk groups residing or working in such development corridors is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallelujah Getachew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Arbaminch College of Health Sciences, Arbaminch, Ethiopia.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Assalif Demissew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ashenafi Abossie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Arbaminch University, Arbaminch, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Habtamu
- Menelik II Medical & Health Science College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbial, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hemming-Schroeder
- Center for Vector Born Infectious Diseases (CVID), Department of Microbiology Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Lauren Bradley
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - Teshome Degefa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Hawaria
- School of Environmental Health, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Arega Tsegaye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Science, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - James W Kazura
- Biomedical Research Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for Global Health & Disease School of Medicine Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Cristian Koepfli
- Department of Biological Sciences 319 Galvin Life Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, USA
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA92697, USA
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Zerdo Z, Bastiaens H, Anthierens S, Massebo F, Masne M, Biresaw G, Shewangizaw M, Tunje A, Chisha Y, Yohannes T, Van Geertruyden JP. Effect of malaria prevention education on bed net utilization, incidence of malaria and treatment seeking among school-aged children in Southern Ethiopia; cluster randomized controlled trial. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:486. [PMID: 37474930 PMCID: PMC10360348 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08464-w] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School-aged children (SAC) have an increased risk to contract malaria and play a major role in its transmission dynamics. However, their malaria prevention experience is poor. Thus, the effect of malaria prevention education (MPE) on bed net utilization, treatment seeking from a health facility and cumulative incidence of malaria was evaluated in Southern Ethiopia. METHODS A two arm cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted by recruiting 2038 SAC from 32 schools. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, economic, bed net ownership, bed net utilization, whether the participated child suffered from malaria and has got treatment from a health facility. Generalized mixed effect logistic regression using school as random variable was used to assess the effect of the intervention on the outcome variables. RESULTS The ownership of bed net in households of the control and intervention schools was similar respectively with 84.6 and 88.6% (Crude Odds Ratio (COR): 1.5; 95%CI: 0.5-4.8). The percentage of SAC slept under the bed net the night before the survey was also similar (55.1% versus 54.0%); COR:1.04; 95%CI: 0.5-2.4). Bed net utilization was affected by household size to the bed net ratio ≤ 2 (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.6; 95%CI:1.3-2.1), bed net utilization at baseline of the study (AOR = 2.3; 95%CI:1.5-3.6), and history of malaria attack in the last twelve months (AOR = 1.3; 95%CI:1.01-1.8). Reported cumulative incidence of malaria and treatment seeking from a health facility by SAC was similar between intervention and control arms: -2.1% (COR = 0.8; 95%CI: 0.5-1.5) and 9.6% (COR = 1.4; 95%CI: 0.4-4.3) respectively. The reported incidence of malaria was affected by altitude (AOR = 0.5; 95%CI: 0.3-0.8), low and medium wealth index (AOR = 0.7; 95%CI: 0.5-0.96 and AOR = 0.7; 95%CI: 0.5-0.98), adequate bed net number for household members (AOR = 0.7; 95%CI:0.5-0.9) and bed net utilization (AOR = 1.3; 95%CI:1.1-1.8). CONCLUSIONS MPE had no significant effect on the use of malaria prevention measures considered, treatment seeking from a health facility and reported cumulative incidence of malaria though bed net use was associated with malaria incidence. Before organizing any health education program, sustainable implementation efforts have to be warranted especially in SAC, a neglected but relevant vulnerable and reservoirs. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202001837195738, registered 21/01/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerihun Zerdo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
- Global Health Institute, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Hilde Bastiaens
- Department of family medicine and population health, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of family medicine and population health, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Fekadu Massebo
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Matewos Masne
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Gelila Biresaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Misgun Shewangizaw
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Abayneh Tunje
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Yilma Chisha
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegaye Yohannes
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
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Mbewe RB, Keven JB, Mangani C, Wilson ML, Mzilahowa T, Mathanga DP, Valim C, Laufer MK, Walker ED, Cohee LM. Genotyping of Anopheles mosquito blood meals reveals nonrandom human host selection: implications for human-to-mosquito Plasmodium falciparum transmission. Malar J 2023; 22:115. [PMID: 37029433 PMCID: PMC10080529 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04541-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control of malaria parasite transmission can be enhanced by understanding which human demographic groups serve as the infectious reservoirs. Because vector biting can be heterogeneous, some infected individuals may contribute more to human-to-mosquito transmission than others. Infection prevalence peaks in school-age children, but it is not known how often they are fed upon. Genotypic profiling of human blood permits identification of individual humans who were bitten. The present investigation used this method to estimate which human demographic groups were most responsible for transmitting malaria parasites to Anopheles mosquitoes. It was hypothesized that school-age children contribute more than other demographic groups to human-to-mosquito malaria transmission. METHODS In a region of moderate-to-high malaria incidence in southeastern Malawi, randomly selected households were surveyed to collect human demographic information and blood samples. Blood-fed, female Anopheles mosquitoes were sampled indoors from the same houses. Genomic DNA from human blood samples and mosquito blood meals of human origin was genotyped using 24 microsatellite loci. The resultant genotypes were matched to identify which individual humans were sources of blood meals. In addition, Plasmodium falciparum DNA in mosquito abdomens was detected with polymerase chain reaction. The combined results were used to identify which humans were most frequently bitten, and the P. falciparum infection prevalence in mosquitoes that resulted from these blood meals. RESULTS Anopheles females selected human hosts non-randomly and fed on more than one human in 9% of the blood meals. Few humans contributed most of the blood meals to the Anopheles vector population. Children ≤ 5 years old were under-represented in mosquito blood meals while older males (31-75 years old) were over-represented. However, the largest number of malaria-infected blood meals was from school age children (6-15 years old). CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that humans aged 6-15 years are the most important demographic group contributing to the transmission of P. falciparum to the Anopheles mosquito vectors. This conclusion suggests that malaria control and prevention programmes should enhance efforts targeting school-age children and males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex B Mbewe
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
- Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - John B Keven
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Charles Mangani
- Malaria Alert Center, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Themba Mzilahowa
- Malaria Alert Center, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Clarissa Valim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edward D Walker
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Malaria Research Program, Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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7
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Getachew H, Demissew A, Abossie A, Habtamu K, Wang X, Zhong D, Zhou G, Lee MC, Hemming-Schroeder E, Bradley L, Degefa T, Hawaria D, Tsegaye A, Kazura JW, Koepfli C, Yan G, Yewhalaw D. Asymptomatic and submicroscopic malaria infections in sugar cane and rice development areas of Ethiopia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2692688. [PMID: 36993196 PMCID: PMC10055656 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2692688/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Water resource development projects such as dams and irrigation schemes have a positive impact on food security and poverty reduction but might result in increased prevalence of malaria. Methods Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the dry and wet seasons in irrigated and non-irrigated clusters of Arjo sugarcane and Gambella rice development areas of Ethiopia in 2019. A total of 4464 and 2176 blood samples were collected from Arjo and Gambella. A subset of 2244 microscopy negative blood samples were analyzed by PCR. Results Prevalence by microscopy was 2.0% (88/4464) in Arjo and 6.1% (133/2176) in Gambella. In Gambella, prevalence was significantly higher in irrigated clusters (10.4% vs 3.6%) than in non-irrigated clusters (p < 0.001), but no difference was found in Arjo (2.0% vs 2.0%; p = 0.993). Level of education was an individual risk factors associated with infection in Arjo [AOR: 3.2; 95%CI (1.27-8.16)] and in Gambella [AOR: 1.7; 95%CI (1.06-2.82)]. While duration of stay in the area for < 6 months [AOR: 4.7; 95%CI (1.84-12.15)] and being a migrant worker [AOR: 4.7; 95%CI (3.01-7.17)] were risk factors in Gambella. Season [AOR: 15.9; 95%CI (6.01-42.04)], no ITN utilization [AOR: 22.3; 95%CI (7.74-64.34)] were risk factors in Arjo, and irrigation [AOR: 2.4; 95%CI (1.45-4.07)] and family size [AOR: 2.3; 95%CI (1.30-4.09)] risk factors in Gambella. Of the 1713 and 531 randomly selected smear negative samples from Arjo and Gambella and analyzed by PCR the presence of Plasmodium infection was 1.2% and 12.8%, respectively. P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. ovale were identified by PCR in both sites. Conclusion Strengthening malaria surveillance and control in project development areas and proper health education for at-risk groups residing or working in such development corridors is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallelujah Getachew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Arbaminch College of Health Sciences, Arbaminch
| | - Assalif Demissew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo
| | - Ashenafi Abossie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Arbaminch University, Arbaminch
| | | | - Xiaoming Wang
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Elizabeth Hemming-Schroeder
- Center for Vector Born Infectious Diseases (CVID), Department of Microbiology Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University
| | - Lauren Bradley
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Teshome Degefa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma
| | - Dawit Hawaria
- Hawassa University, School of Environmental Health, Hawassa
| | - Arega Tsegaye
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Science, Jimma University
| | - James W Kazura
- Biomedical Research Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Cristian Koepfli
- Department of Biological Sciences 319 Galvin Life Sciences, Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma
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8
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Oduma CO, Ombok M, Zhao X, Huwe T, Ondigo BN, Kazura JW, Grieco J, Achee N, Liu F, Ochomo E, Koepfli C. Altitude, not potential larval habitat availability, explains pronounced variation in Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence in the western Kenya highlands. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001505. [PMID: 37068071 PMCID: PMC10109483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Progress in malaria control has stalled over the recent years. Knowledge on main drivers of transmission explaining small-scale variation in prevalence can inform targeted control measures. We collected finger-prick blood samples from 3061 individuals irrespective of clinical symptoms in 20 clusters in Busia in western Kenya and screened for Plasmodium falciparum parasites using qPCR and microscopy. Clusters spanned an altitude range of 207 meters (1077-1284 m). We mapped potential mosquito larval habitats and determined their number within 250 m of a household and distances to households using ArcMap. Across all clusters, P. falciparum parasites were detected in 49.8% (1524/3061) of individuals by qPCR and 19.5% (596/3061) by microscopy. Across the clusters, prevalence ranged from 26% to 70% by qPCR. Three to 34 larval habitats per cluster and 0-17 habitats within a 250m radius around households were observed. Using a generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM), a 5% decrease in the odds of getting infected per each 10m increase in altitude was observed, while the number of larval habitats and their proximity to households were not statistically significant predictors for prevalence. Kitchen located indoors, open eaves, a lower level of education of the household head, older age, and being male were significantly associated with higher prevalence. Pronounced variation in prevalence at small scales was observed and needs to be taken into account for malaria surveillance and control. Potential larval habitat frequency had no direct impact on prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colins O Oduma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Maurice Ombok
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Xingyuan Zhao
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Tiffany Huwe
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Bartholomew N Ondigo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James W Kazura
- Case Western Reserve University, Center for Global Health and Diseases, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - John Grieco
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Nicole Achee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
| | - Eric Ochomo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Cristian Koepfli
- Department of Biological Sciences and Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States of America
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9
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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] [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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10
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Abate A, Kedir S, Bose M, Hassen J, Dembele L, Golassa L. Infectivity of Symptomatic Patients and Their Contribution for Infectiousness of Mosquitoes following a Membrane Feeding Assay in Ethiopia. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0062822. [PMID: 36066239 PMCID: PMC9602676 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00628-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane feeding assay is widely used to evaluate the efficacy of transmission-blocking interventions (TBIs) and identify the reservoir of malaria. This study aimed to determine the infectivity of blood meals from symptomatic Plasmodium-infected patients to an Anopheles arabiensis colony in Ethiopia. A membrane feeding assay was conducted on a total of 63 Plasmodium falciparum- and/or Plasmodium vivax-infected clinical patients in East Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. Detection of P. falciparum and P. vivax in blood samples was done using microscopy. Mosquito infection rates were determined by dissection of mosquitoes' midguts, while mosquito infectiousness was observed by dissection of their salivary glands. The proportion of infectious symptomatic patients was 68.3% (43/63). Using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test, the oocyst infection levels were higher among patients infected with P. vivax, females, and rural residents. Nearly 57% (56.7%, 17/30) of assays produced sporozoites in the salivary glands of mosquitoes. Both oocyst and sporozoite infection rates had positive correlations with parasitemia and gametocytemia. High infectiousness of symptomatic patients was observed, with a greater proportion of infectious mosquitoes per assay. Demonstrating oocyst infection in the mosquitoes might confirm estimates of the infectiousness of mosquitoes, although some of the oocyst-infected mosquitoes failed to produce sporozoites. IMPORTANCE Malaria remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases globally, and transmission-blocking activities are needed. Plasmodium transmission from human to mosquitoes is poorly studied, particularly in endemic countries, and the membrane feeding assay allows it to be determined. In this study, we demonstrated human infectious reservoirs of malaria. Moreover, the effect of Plasmodium-infected patients on the infectiousness of mosquitoes was also observed. These findings are therefore important for designing future evaluation of transmission-blocking interventions that will support the malaria elimination program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andargie Abate
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Soriya Kedir
- Adama Regional Laboratory, Oromia Region Health Bureau, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Mitiku Bose
- Adama Regional Laboratory, Oromia Region Health Bureau, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Jifar Hassen
- Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Laurent Dembele
- Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Bamako, Mali
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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11
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Cohee LM, Peterson I, Buchwald AG, Coalson JE, Valim C, Chilombe M, Ngwira A, Bauleni A, Schaffer-DeRoo S, Seydel KB, Wilson ML, Taylor TE, Mathanga DP, Laufer MK. School-Based Malaria Screening and Treatment Reduces Plasmodium falciparum Infection and Anemia Prevalence in Two Transmission Settings in Malawi. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:138-146. [PMID: 35290461 PMCID: PMC9373151 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In areas highly endemic for malaria, Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence peaks in school-age children, adversely affecting health and education. School-based intermittent preventive treatment reduces this burden but concerns about cost and widespread use of antimalarial drugs limit enthusiasm for this approach. School-based screening and treatment is an attractive alternative. In a prospective cohort study, we evaluated the impact of school-based screening and treatment on the prevalence of P. falciparum infection and anemia in 2 transmission settings. METHODS We screened 704 students in 4 Malawian primary schools for P. falciparum infection using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and treated students who tested positive with artemether-lumefantrine. We determined P. falciparum infection by microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and hemoglobin concentrations over 6 weeks in all students. RESULTS Prevalence of infection by RDT screening was 37% (9%-64% among schools). An additional 9% of students had infections detected by qPCR. Following the intervention, significant reductions in infections were detected by microscopy (adjusted relative reduction [aRR], 48.8%; P < .0001) and qPCR (aRR, 24.5%; P < .0001), and in anemia prevalence (aRR, 30.8%; P = .003). Intervention impact was reduced by infections not detected by RDT and new infections following treatment. CONCLUSIONS School-based screening and treatment reduced P. falciparum infection and anemia. This approach could be enhanced by repeating screening, using more-sensitive screening tests, and providing longer-acting drugs. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04858087.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ingrid Peterson
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea G Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jenna E Coalson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Clarissa Valim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Moses Chilombe
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrew Ngwira
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andy Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Karl B Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Centre, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Tairou F, Diallo A, Sy O, Kone A, Manga IA, Sylla K, Lelo S, Fall CB, Sow D, Ndiaye M, Faye B, Tine RCK. Malaria-associated risk factors among adolescents living in areas with persistent transmission in Senegal: a case-control study. Malar J 2022; 21:193. [PMID: 35725475 PMCID: PMC9208171 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04212-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Senegal, malaria morbidity has sharply decreased over these past years. However, malaria epidemiology remains heterogeneous with persistent transmission in the southeastern part of the country and many cases among older children and adolescents. Little is known about factors associated with clinical malaria among this group. A better understanding of malaria transmission among this newly emerging vulnerable group will guide future interventions targeting this population group. This study aimed to identify factors associated with clinical malaria among adolescents in Senegal. METHODS A case-control study was conducted from November to December 2020 in four health posts located in the Saraya district. Cases were defined as adolescents (10-19 years) with an uncomplicated malaria episode with fever (temperature > 37.5°) or a history of fever and positive malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Controls were from the same age group, living in the neighbourhood of the case, presenting a negative RDT. A standardized, pre-tested questionnaire was administered to each study participant followed by a home visit to assess the participant's living conditions. Factors associated with clinical malaria were assessed using stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS In total, 492 individuals were recruited (246 cases and 246 controls). In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with clinical malaria included non-use of long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) (aOR = 2.65; 95% CI 1.58-4.45), non-use of other preventive measures (aOR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.53-4.11) and indoor sleeping (aOR = 3.22; 95% CI 1.66-6.23). Protective factors included 15-19 years of age (aOR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.23-0.62), absence of stagnant water around the house (aOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.16-0.44), having a female as head of household (aOR = 0.47; 95% CI 0.25-0.90), occupation such as apprentice (OR = 0.24; 95% CI 0.11-0.52). CONCLUSIONS The study revealed that environmental factors and non-use of malaria preventive measures are the main determinants of malaria transmission among adolescents living in areas with persistent malaria transmission in Senegal. Strategies aimed at improving disease awareness and access to healthcare interventions, such as LLINs, are needed to improve malaria control and prevention among these vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fassiatou Tairou
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal.
| | | | - Ousmane Sy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Aminatou Kone
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal.,Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Isaac Akhenaton Manga
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Khadim Sylla
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Souleye Lelo
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Cheikh Binetou Fall
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Doudou Sow
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Magatte Ndiaye
- Department of Medical Parasitology, University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - 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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13
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Madumla EP, Moore SJ, Moore J, Mbuba E, Mbeyela EM, Kibondo UA, C S, Mmbaga, Kobe D, Baraka J, Msellemu D, Swai JK, Mboma ZM, Odufuwa OG. "In starvation, a bone can also be meat": a mixed methods evaluation of factors associated with discarding of long-lasting insecticidal nets in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. Malar J 2022; 21:101. [PMID: 35331242 PMCID: PMC8944021 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04126-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Between 2000 and 2019, more than 1.8 billion long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) were distributed in Africa. While the insecticidal durability of LLINs is around 3 years, nets are commonly discarded 2 years post distribution. This study investigated the factors associated with the decision of users to discard LLINs. Methods A mixed-method sequential explanatory approach using a structured questionnaire followed by focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect information on experiences, views, reasons, how and when LLINs are discarded. Out of 6,526 households that responded to the questionnaire of LLINs durability trial, 160 households were randomly selected from the households in four villages in Bagamoyo Tanzania for FGDs but only 155 households participated in the FGDs. Five of the household representatives couldn’t participate due to unexpected circumstances. A total of sixteen FGDs each comprising of 8–10 adults were conducted; older women (40–60 years), older men (40–60 years), younger women (18–39 years), younger men (18–39 years). During the FGDs, participants visually inspected seven samples of LLINs that were “too-torn” based on Proportionate Hole Index recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on LLIN testing, the nets were brought to the discussion and participants had to determine if such LLINs were to be kept or discarded. The study assessed responses from the same participants that attended FGD and also responded to the structured questionnaire, 117 participants fulfilled the criteria, thus data from only 117 participants are analysed in this study. Results In FGDs, integrity of LLIN influenced the decision to discard or keep a net. Those of older age, women, and householders with lower income were more likely to classify a WHO “too-torn” net as “good”. The common methods used to discard LLINs were burning and burying. The findings were seen in the quantitative analysis. For every additional hole, the odds of discarding a WHO “too-torn” LLIN increased [OR = 1.05 (95%CI (1.04–1.07)), p < 0.001]. Younger age group [OR = 4.97 (95%CI (3.25–7.32)), p < 0.001], male-headed households [OR = 6.85 (95%CI (4.44 –10.59)), p < 0.001], and wealthy households [OR = 3.88 (95%CI (2.33–6.46)), p < 0.001] were more likely to discard LLINs. Conclusion Integrity of LLIN was the main determinant for discarding or keeping LLINs and the decision to discard the net is associated with socioeconomic status of the household, and the age and gender of respondents. WHO “too torn” nets are encouraged to be used instead of none until replacement, and disposal of nets should be based on recommendation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04126-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith P Madumla
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania. .,Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Sarah J Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.,Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania.,Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, St. Petersplatz 1, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jason Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.,Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Mbuba
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.,Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, St. Petersplatz 1, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edgar M Mbeyela
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Ummi A Kibondo
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | | | - Mmbaga
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Dickson Kobe
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Jitihada Baraka
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Daniel Msellemu
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.,Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, St. Petersplatz 1, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johnson K Swai
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Zawadi M Mboma
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Olukayode G Odufuwa
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.,Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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14
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Runge M, Thawer SG, Molteni F, Chacky F, Mkude S, Mandike R, Snow RW, Lengeler C, Mohamed A, Pothin E. Sub-national tailoring of malaria interventions in Mainland Tanzania: simulation of the impact of strata-specific intervention combinations using modelling. Malar J 2022; 21:92. [PMID: 35300707 PMCID: PMC8929286 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To accelerate progress against malaria in high burden countries, a strategic reorientation of resources at the sub-national level is needed. This paper describes how mathematical modelling was used in mainland Tanzania to support the strategic revision that followed the mid-term review of the 2015–2020 national malaria strategic plan (NMSP) and the epidemiological risk stratification at the council level in 2018. Methods Intervention mixes, selected by the National Malaria Control Programme, were simulated for each malaria risk strata per council. Intervention mixes included combinations of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN), indoor residual spraying, larval source management, and intermittent preventive therapies for school children (IPTsc). Effective case management was either based on estimates from the malaria indicator survey in 2016 or set to a hypothetical target of 85%. A previously calibrated mathematical model in OpenMalaria was used to compare intervention impact predictions for prevalence and incidence between 2016 and 2020, or 2022. Results For each malaria risk stratum four to ten intervention mixes were explored. In the low-risk and urban strata, the scenario without a ITN mass campaign in 2019, predicted high increase in prevalence by 2020 and 2022, while in the very-low strata the target prevalence of less than 1% was maintained at low pre-intervention transmission intensity and high case management. In the moderate and high strata, IPTsc in addition to existing vector control was predicted to reduce the incidence by an additional 15% and prevalence by 22%. In the high-risk strata, all interventions together reached a maximum reduction of 76%, with around 70% of that reduction attributable to high case management and ITNs. Overall, the simulated revised NMSP was predicted to achieve a slightly lower prevalence in 2020 compared to the 2015–2020 NMSP (5.3% vs 6.3%). Conclusion Modelling supported the choice of intervention per malaria risk strata by providing impact comparisons of various alternative intervention mixes to address specific questions relevant to the country. The use of a council-calibrated model, that reproduces local malaria trends, represents a useful tool for compiling available evidence into a single analytical platform, that complement other evidence, to aid national programmes with decision-making processes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04099-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Runge
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Sumaiyya G Thawer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Molteni
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frank Chacky
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sigsbert Mkude
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Renata Mandike
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Robert W Snow
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christian Lengeler
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ally Mohamed
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania.,Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Emilie Pothin
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,CHAI, Clinton Health Access Initiative, New York, USA.
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15
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Koepfli C, Nguitragool W, de Almeida ACG, Kuehn A, Waltmann A, Kattenberg E, Ome-Kaius M, Rarau P, Obadia T, Kazura J, Monteiro W, Darcy AW, Wini L, Bassat Q, Felger I, Sattabongkot J, Robinson LJ, Lacerda M, Mueller I. Identification of the asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax gametocyte reservoir under different transmission intensities. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009672. [PMID: 34449764 PMCID: PMC8428688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding epidemiological variables affecting gametocyte carriage and density is essential to design interventions that most effectively reduce malaria human-to-mosquito transmission. Methodology/Principal findings Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax parasites and gametocytes were quantified by qPCR and RT-qPCR assays using the same methodologies in 5 cross-sectional surveys involving 16,493 individuals in Brazil, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands. The proportion of infections with detectable gametocytes per survey ranged from 44–94% for P. falciparum and from 23–72% for P. vivax. Blood-stage parasite density was the most important predictor of the probability to detect gametocytes. In moderate transmission settings (prevalence by qPCR>5%), parasite density decreased with age and the majority of gametocyte carriers were children. In low transmission settings (prevalence<5%), >65% of gametocyte carriers were adults. Per survey, 37–100% of all individuals positive for gametocytes by RT-qPCR were positive by light microscopy for asexual stages or gametocytes (overall: P. falciparum 178/348, P. vivax 235/398). Conclusions/Significance Interventions to reduce human-to-mosquito malaria transmission in moderate-high endemicity settings will have the greatest impact when children are targeted. In contrast, all age groups need to be included in control activities in low endemicity settings to achieve elimination. Detection of infections by light microscopy is a valuable tool to identify asymptomatic blood stage infections that likely contribute most to ongoing transmission at the time of sampling. Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum cause the vast majority of all human malaria cases. Across all transmission settings, a large proportion of infections of the two species remain asymptomatic. These infections are not diagnosed and treated by control programs focusing on clinical cases. They can carry gametocytes, the sexual stage of the parasite that establishes infections in mosquitos, thus asymptomatic infections contribute to transmission. In order to determine who is likely to contribute to transmission, gametocyte densities were measured by sensitive molecular methods in afebrile individuals in four countries. The proportion of infections with gametocytes varied greatly among surveys, and was higher in regions that had experienced low transmission for extended periods of time. In moderate-high transmission settings, gametocyte densities were particularly high in children below six years, highlighting the importance that interventions to reduce transmission include this age group. The majority of gametocyte carriers was positive by light microscopy. The comprehensive data on gametocyte carriage presented here lays the foundation for the development of more effective screen and treat activities to reduce malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Koepfli
- Population Health & Immunity Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- University of Notre Dame, Eck Institute for Global Health, Department of Biological Sciences, Notre Dame, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anne Cristine Gomes de Almeida
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Andrea Kuehn
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreea Waltmann
- Population Health & Immunity Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Eline Kattenberg
- Population Health & Immunity Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Maria Ome-Kaius
- Population Health & Immunity Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Patricia Rarau
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Thomas Obadia
- Hub de Bioinformatique et Biostatistique, Département Biologie Computationnelle, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Unité Malaria: parasites et Hôtes, Département Parasites et Insectes Vecteurs, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - James Kazura
- Centre for Global Health & Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Wuelton Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | - Andrew W. Darcy
- National Health Training and Research Institute, Ministry of Health, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - Lyndes Wini
- Vector Borne Diseases Program, Ministry of Health, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic—Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Pediatrics Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (University of Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ingrid Felger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Leanne J. Robinson
- Population Health & Immunity Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Marcus Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Population Health & Immunity Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Unité Malaria: parasites et Hôtes, Département Parasites et Insectes Vecteurs, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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16
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Botwe AK, Oppong FB, Gyaase S, Owusu-Agyei S, Asghar M, Asante KP, Färnert A, Osier F. Determinants of the varied profiles of Plasmodium falciparum infections among infants living in Kintampo, Ghana. Malar J 2021; 20:240. [PMID: 34051822 PMCID: PMC8164218 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03752-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding why some infants tolerate infections, remaining asymptomatic while others succumb to repeated symptomatic malaria is beneficial for studies of naturally acquired immunity and can guide control interventions. This study compared demographic, host and maternal factors associated with being either parasite negative or having asymptomatic infections versus developing symptomatic malaria in the first year of life. Methods A birth cohort (n = 1264) was monitored longitudinally over two years for malaria infections in Kintampo, Ghana. Symptomatic and asymptomatic infections were detected actively through monthly home visits, complemented by passive case detection. Light microscopy was used to detect parasitaemia. Based on data from a minimum of eight monthly visits within the first year of life, infants were classified into one of four groups: “parasite negative”, “only-asymptomatic”, “only-symptomatic” or “alternating” i.e., sometimes symptomatic and other times asymptomatic. The host and maternal characteristics and demographic factors in relation to these four groups were compared. Results The parasite negative group formed 36% of the cohort, whilst the only-symptomatic were 35%. The alternating group were 22% and the only-asymptomatic were 7% of the cohort. There were significant associations between residence, socio-economic status (SES), parity, IPTp doses, delivery place of infant and having or not having malaria parasites. Maternal factors such as early commencement and frequency of ante-natal care (ANC) were significantly higher in the parasite negative group compared to all others. ITN use in pregnancy increased the odds of infant having only asymptomatic infections (“protected against disease”). Placental malaria was more common in the groups of infants with symptomatic malaria. Urban residence was significantly higher in the parasite negative group, while birth in the malaria transmission season were significantly more common in the alternating and parasite negative groups. Risk factors for infants with symptomatic malaria included low SES, birth in private maternity homes, sickle cell normal variant, lower MUAC, reported intake of anti-malarials and increased morbidity before the first microscopic infection was detected. Conclusion Strengthening ANC by encouraging early and regular attendance, the use of IPTp, maternal bed nets and improving the nourishment of infants help reduce the frequency of symptomatic malaria over the first year of life. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03752-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akua Kyerewaa Botwe
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | | | - Stephaney Gyaase
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Seth Owusu-Agyei
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana.,Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Muhammad Asghar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kwaku Poku Asante
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Anna Färnert
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Kintampo, Ghana.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Faith Osier
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya.,Centre for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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Touray AO, Mobegi VA, Wamunyokoli F, Butungi H, Herren JK. Prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum gametocyte carriage among school children in Mbita, Western Kenya and assessment of the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection and mosquito infection prevalence. Wellcome Open Res 2021; 5:259. [PMID: 33959684 PMCID: PMC8078214 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16299.2] [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] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers are reservoirs for sustaining transmission in malaria endemic regions. Gametocyte presence in the host peripheral blood is a predictor of capacity to transmit malaria. However, it does not always directly translate to mosquito infectivity. Factors that affect mosquito infectivity include, gametocyte sex-ratio and density, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and host and vector anti-parasite immunity. We assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren in Western Kenya and to further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infection prevalence. Methods: P. falciparum parasite infections were detected by RDT (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and microscopy among schoolchildren (5-15 years old). Blood from 37 microscopy positive gametocyte carriers offered to laboratory reared An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes. A total of 3395 fully fed mosquitoes were screened for Plasmodium sporozoites by ELISA. P. falciparum was genotyped using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The association between MOI and gametocyte density and mosquito infection prevalence was investigated. Results: A significantly higher prevalence of P. falciparum infection was found in males 31.54% (764/2422) ( p-value < 0.001) compared to females 26.72% (657/2459). The microscopic gametocyte prevalence among the study population was 2% (84/4881). Children aged 5-9 years have a higher prevalence of gametocyte carriage (odds ratios = 2.1 [95% CI = 1.3-3.4], P = 0.002) as compared to children aged 10-15 years. After offering gametocyte positive blood to An. gambiae s.l. by membrane feeding assay, our results indicated that 68.1% of the variation in mosquito infection prevalence was accounted for by gametocyte density and MOI (R-SQR. = 0.681, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We observed a higher risk of gametocyte carriage among the younger children (5-9 years). Gametocyte density and MOI significantly predicted mosquito infection prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoulie O. Touray
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Pan African University (PAUSTI), Nairobi, Kenya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Victor A. Mobegi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fred Wamunyokoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Butungi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jeremy K. Herren
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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18
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Mboma ZM, Festo C, Lorenz LM, Massue DJ, Kisinza WN, Bradley J, Moore JD, Mandike R, Akim I, Lines J, Overgaard HJ, Moore SJ. The consequences of declining population access to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) on net use patterns and physical degradation of nets after 22 months of ownership. Malar J 2021; 20:171. [PMID: 33781261 PMCID: PMC8008556 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03686-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) wear out and are disposed, some household members are prioritized to use remaining ITNs. This study assessed how nets are allocated within households to individuals of different age categories as ITNs are lost or damaged and as new ITNs are obtained. The study also explored how ITN allocation affects ITN durability. Methods A cross-sectional household survey and ITN durability study was conducted among 2,875 households across Tanzania to determine the proportion of nets that remain protective (serviceable) 22 months after net distribution aiming for universal coverage. Allocation of study nets within houses, and re-allocation of ITNs when new universal replacement campaign (URC) nets arrived in study households in Musoma District, was also assessed. Results Some 57.0% (95% CI 53.9–60.1%) of households had sufficient ITNs for every household member, while 84.4% (95% CI 82.4–86.4%) of the population had access to an ITN within their household (assuming 1 net covers every 2 members). In households with sufficient nets, 77.5% of members slept under ITNs. In households without sufficient nets, pregnant women (54.6%), children < 5 years (45.8%) and adults (42.1%) were prioritized, with fewer school-age children 5–14 years (35.9%), youths 15–24 years (28.1%) and seniors > 65 years (32.6%) sleeping under ITNs. Crowding (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\ge$$\end{document}≥ 3 people sleeping under nets) was twice as common among people residing in houses without sufficient nets for all age groups, apart from children < 5. Nets were less likely to be serviceable if: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$\ge$$\end{document}≥ 3 people slept under them (OR 0.50 (95% CI 0.40–0.63)), or if nets were used by school-age children (OR 0.72 (95% CI 0.56–0.93)), or if the net product was Olyset®. One month after the URC, only 23.6% (95% CI 16.7–30.6%) of the population had access to a URC ITN in Musoma district. Householders in Musoma district continued the use of old ITNs even with the arrival of new URC nets. Conclusion Users determined the useful life of ITNs and prioritized pregnant women and children < 5 to serviceable ITNs. When household net access declines, users adjust by crowding under remaining nets, which further reduces ITN lifespan. School-age children that commonly harbour gametocytes that mediate malaria transmission are compelled to sleep under unserviceable nets, crowd under nets or remain uncovered. However, they were accommodated by the arrival of new nets. More frequent ITN delivery through the school net programme in combination with mass distribution campaigns is essential to maximize ITN effectiveness. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03686-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zawadi M Mboma
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. .,Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | | | - Lena M Lorenz
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.,College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Dennis J Massue
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Institute of Tropical and Public Health, Soccinstrase 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Dar Es Salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, Box 608, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - William N Kisinza
- National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Research Centre, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - John Bradley
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Jason D Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Institute of Tropical and Public Health, Soccinstrase 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Renata Mandike
- Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Malaria Control Programme, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ikupa Akim
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Institute of Tropical and Public Health, Soccinstrase 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jo Lines
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Hans J Overgaard
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sarah J Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania.,Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Institute of Tropical and Public Health, Soccinstrase 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Cohee LM, Valim C, Coalson JE, Nyambalo A, Chilombe M, Ngwira A, Bauleni A, Seydel KB, Wilson ML, Taylor TE, Mathanga DP, Laufer MK. School-based screening and treatment may reduce P. falciparum transmission. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6905. [PMID: 33767384 PMCID: PMC7994823 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In areas where malaria remains entrenched, novel transmission-reducing interventions are essential for malaria elimination. We report the impact screening-and-treatment of asymptomatic Malawian schoolchildren (n = 364 in the rainy season and 341 in the dry season) had on gametocyte-the parasite stage responsible for human-to-mosquito transmission-carriage. We used concomitant household-based surveys to predict the potential reduction in transmission in the surrounding community. Among 253 students with P. falciparum infections at screening, 179 (71%) had infections containing gametocytes detected by Pfs25 qRT-PCR. 84% of gametocyte-containing infections were detected by malaria rapid diagnostic test. While the gametocyte prevalence remained constant in untreated children, treatment with artemether-lumefantrine reduced the gametocyte prevalence (p < 0.0001) from 51.8 to 9.7% and geometric mean gametocyte density (p = 0.008) from 0.52 to 0.05 gametocytes/microliter. In community surveys, 46% of all gametocyte-containing infections were in school-age children, who comprised only 35% of the population. Based on these estimates six weeks after the intervention, the gametocyte burden in the community could be reduced by 25-55% depending on the season and the measure used to characterize gametocyte carriage. Thus, school-based interventions to treat asymptomatic infections may be a high-yield approach to not only improve the health of schoolchildren, but also decrease malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Clarissa Valim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenna E Coalson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Andrew Nyambalo
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Moses Chilombe
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrew Ngwira
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andy Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Karl B Seydel
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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20
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Omondi BR, Muthui MK, Muasya WI, Orindi B, Mwakubambanya RS, Bousema T, Drakeley C, Marsh K, Bejon P, Kapulu MC. Antibody Responses to Crude Gametocyte Extract Predict Plasmodium falciparum Gametocyte Carriage in Kenya. Front Immunol 2021; 11:609474. [PMID: 33633729 PMCID: PMC7902058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.609474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum remains a serious global public health challenge especially in Africa. Interventions that aim to reduce malaria transmission by targeting the gametocyte reservoir are key to malaria elimination and/or eradication. However, factors that are associated with gametocyte carriage have not been fully explored. Consequently, identifying predictors of the infectious reservoir is fundamental in the elimination campaign. Methods We cultured P. falciparum NF54 gametocytes (to stage V) and prepared crude gametocyte extract. Samples from a total of 687 participants (aged 6 months to 67 years) representing two cross-sectional study cohorts in Kilifi, Kenya were used to assess IgG antibody responses by ELISA. We also analyzed IgG antibody responses to the blood-stage antigen AMA1 as a marker of asexual parasite exposure. Gametocytemia and asexual parasitemia data quantified by microscopy and molecular detection (QT-NASBA) were used to determine the relationship with antibody responses, season, age, and transmission setting. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to study the association between antibody responses and gametocyte carriage. The predictive power of the models was tested using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that IgG antibody response to crude gametocyte extract predicted both microscopic (OR=1.81 95% CI: 1.06-3.07, p=0.028) and molecular (OR=1.91, 95% CI: 1.11-3.29, p=0.019) P. falciparum gametocyte carriage. Antibody responses to AMA1 were also associated with both microscopic (OR=1.61 95% CI: 1.08-2.42, p=0.020) and molecular (OR=3.73 95% CI: 2.03-6.74, p<0.001) gametocytemia. ROC analysis showed that molecular (AUC=0.897, 95% CI: 0.868-0.926) and microscopic (AUC=0.812, 95% CI: 0.758-0.865) multivariable models adjusted for gametocyte extract showed very high predictive power. Molecular (AUC=0.917, 95% CI: 0.891-0.943) and microscopic (AUC=0.806, 95% CI: 0.755-0.858) multivariable models adjusted for AMA1 were equally highly predictive. Conclusion In our study, it appears that IgG responses to crude gametocyte extract are not an independent predictor of gametocyte carriage after adjusting for AMA1 responses but may predict gametocyte carriage as a proxy marker of exposure to parasites. Serological responses to AMA1 or to gametocyte extract may facilitate identification of individuals within populations who contribute to malaria transmission and support implementation of transmission-blocking interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. Omondi
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
| | - Michelle K. Muthui
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - William I. Muasya
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Benedict Orindi
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Bejon
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa C. Kapulu
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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21
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Mathematical assessment of the impact of human-antibodies on sporogony during the within-mosquito dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum parasites. J Theor Biol 2020; 515:110562. [PMID: 33359209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We develop and analyze a deterministic ordinary differential equation mathematical model for the within-mosquito dynamics of the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite. Our model takes into account the action and effect of blood resident human-antibodies, ingested by the mosquito during a blood meal from humans, in inhibiting gamete fertilization. The model also captures subsequent developmental processes that lead to the different forms of the parasite within the mosquito. Continuous functions are used to model the switching transition from oocyst to sporozoites as well as human antibody density variations within the mosquito gut are proposed and used. In sum, our model integrates the developmental stages of the parasite within the mosquito such as gametogenesis, fertilization and sporogenesis culminating in the formation of sporozoites. Quantitative and qualitative analyses including a sensitivity analysis for influential parameters are performed. We quantify the average sporozoite load produced at the end of the within-mosquito malaria parasite's developmental stages. Our analysis shows that an increase in the efficiency of the ingested human antibodies in inhibiting fertilization within the mosquito's gut results in lowering the density of oocysts and hence sporozoites that are eventually produced by each mosquito vector. So, it is possible to control and limit oocysts development and hence sporozoites development within a mosquito by boosting the efficiency of antibodies as a pathway to the development of transmission-blocking vaccines which could potentially reduce oocysts prevalence among mosquitoes and hence reduce the transmission potential from mosquitoes to human.
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McCann RS, Cohee LM, Goupeyou-Youmsi J, Laufer MK. Maximizing Impact: Can Interventions to Prevent Clinical Malaria Reduce Parasite Transmission? Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:906-913. [PMID: 32917511 PMCID: PMC7581555 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Malaria interventions may reduce the burden of clinical malaria disease, the transmission of malaria parasites, or both. As malaria interventions are developed and evaluated, including those interventions primarily targeted at reducing disease, they may also impact parasite transmission. Achieving global malaria eradication will require optimizing the transmission-reducing potential of all available interventions. Herein, we discuss the relationship between malaria parasite transmission and disease, including mechanisms by which disease-targeting interventions might also impact parasite transmission. We then focus on three malaria interventions with strong evidence for reducing the burden of clinical malaria disease and examine their potential for also reducing malaria parasite transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S McCann
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jessy Goupeyou-Youmsi
- MAC Communicable Diseases Action Centre, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Touray AO, Mobegi VA, Wamunyokoli F, Butungi H, Herren JK. Prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum gametocyte carriage in schoolchildren and assessment of the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection and mosquito infection prevalence. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 5:259. [PMID: 33959684 PMCID: PMC8078214 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16299.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Malaria is a major public health threat in sub-Saharan Africa. Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriers are potential infectious reservoirs for sustaining transmission in many malaria endemic regions. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of gametocyte carriage and some of its associated risk factors among asymptomatic schoolchildren in Western Kenya and further analyse the association between gametocyte density, multiplicity of infection (MOI) and mosquito infection prevalence. Methods: Rapid diagnostic tests were used to screen for P. falciparum parasite infection among schoolchildren (5-15 years old) and the results were verified using microscopy. Microscopy positive gametocyte carriers were selected to feed laboratory reared An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes using membrane feeding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from dry blood spot samples and P. falciparum populations were genotyped using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Assessment of the association between MOI and gametocyte density and mosquito infection prevalence was conducted. Results: A significantly higher prevalence of P. falciparum infection was found in males 31.54% (764/2422) ( p-value < 0.001) compared to females 26.72% (657/2459). The microscopy gametocyte prevalence among the study population was 2% (84/4881). Children aged 5-9 years have a higher prevalence of gametocyte carriage (odds ratios = 2.1 [95% CI = 1.3-3.4], P = 0.002) as compared to children aged 10-15 years. After challenging An. gambiae s.l. by membrane feeding assay on gametocyte positive patient blood, our results indicate that 68.1% of the variation in mosquito infection prevalence is accounted for by gametocyte density and MOI (R-SQR. = 0.681, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Age was a significant risk factor for gametocyte carriage, as indicated by the higher risk of gametocyte carriage among the younger children (5-9 years). Gametocyte density and MOI statistically significantly predicted mosquito infection prevalence. Both of the variables added significantly to the prediction ( p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoulie O. Touray
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Pan African University (PAUSTI), Nairobi, Kenya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Victor A. Mobegi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Fred Wamunyokoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Butungi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jeremy K. Herren
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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Profiles of Plasmodium falciparum infections detected by microscopy through the first year of life in Kintampo a high transmission area of Ghana. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240814. [PMID: 33075074 PMCID: PMC7571695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although malaria mortality among children under five years of age is high, the characteristics of their infection patterns are not well described. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal sequence pattern of Plasmodium falciparum infections in the first year of life within a birth cohort in Kintampo, Ghana (N = 1855). Infants were monitored at home with monthly sampling and also at the clinic for any febrile illness between 2008 and 2011. Light microscopy was performed on monthly scheduled visits and febrile ill visits over twelve months of follow-ups (n = 19231). Microscopy-positive visits accompanied with or without symptoms were rare during the first five months of life but were common from six to twelve months of age. Among 1264 infants with microscopy data over a minimum of eight monthly visits and also throughout in sick visits, some were microscopy negative (36%), and others positive: only-symptomatic (35%), alternating (22%) and only-asymptomatic (7%). The median age of microscopic infection was seven months for the alternating group and eight months for both the only-symptomatic and only-asymptomatic groups. The alternating group had the highest cumulative incidence of microscopic infections, the lowest age at first infection and 87 different infection patterns. Parasite densities detected by microscopy were significantly higher for symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection. We conclude that infants in malaria endemic areas experience diverse infection profiles throughout their first year of life. Further investigations should include submicroscopic reservoir and may shed more light on the factors that determine susceptibility to malaria during infancy.
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Submicroscopic malaria infection is not associated with fever in cross-sectional studies in Malawi. Malar J 2020; 19:233. [PMID: 32600362 PMCID: PMC7322713 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03296-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections are widespread in many areas. However, the contribution of these infections to symptomatic malaria is not well understood. This study evaluated whether participants with submicroscopic P. falciparum infections have higher prevalence of fever than uninfected participants in southern Malawi. Methods A total of 16,650 children and adults were enrolled in the course of six cross-sectional surveys during the dry season (October–November) and after the rainy season (April–May) between 2012 and 2014 in three districts in southern Malawi. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected in conjunction with data on clinical histories, use of malaria preventive measures, and anti-malarial medication taken within 2 weeks of the survey. Axillary temperatures were measured, and blood samples were collected for P. falciparum detection by microscopy and PCR. Participants without malaria parasites detected on microscopy but with a positive PCR for P. falciparum were defined as having submicroscopic infection. Fever was defined as having any one of: reported fever in the past 2 weeks, reported fever in the past 48 h, or a temperature of ≥ 37.5 °C measured at the time of interview. Results Submicroscopic P. falciparum infections and fever were both detected in 9% of the study population. In the final analysis adjusted for clustering within household and enumeration area, having submicroscopic P. falciparum infection was associated with reduced odds of fever in the dry season (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% CI 0.33–0.82); the association in the rainy season did not achieve statistical significance (odds ratio = 1.20; 95% CI 0.91–1.59). The association between submicroscopic infection and fever was consistent across all age groups. When the definition of fever was limited to temperature of ≥ 37.5 °C measured at the time of interview, the association was not statistically significant in either the rainy or dry season. Conclusions In this series of cross-sectional studies in southern Malawi, submicroscopic P. falciparum infection was not associated with increased risk of fever. Submicroscopic detection of the malaria parasite is important in efforts to decrease transmission but is not essential for the clinical recognition of malaria disease.
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Touray AO, Mobegi VA, Wamunyokoli F, Herren JK. Diversity and Multiplicity of P. falciparum infections among asymptomatic school children in Mbita, Western Kenya. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5924. [PMID: 32246127 PMCID: PMC7125209 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62819-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiplicity of infection (MOI) and genetic diversity of P. falciparum infections are important surrogate indicators for assessing malaria transmission intensity in different regions of endemicity. Determination of MOI and diversity of P. falciparum among asymptomatic carriers will enhance our understanding of parasite biology and transmission to mosquito vectors. This study examined the MOI and genetic diversity of P. falciparum parasite populations circulating in Mbita, a region characterized as one of the malaria hotspots in Kenya. The genetic diversity and multiplicity of P. falciparum infections in 95 asymptomatic school children (age 5–15 yrs.) residing in Mbita, western Kenya were assessed using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers. An average of 79.69% (Range: 54.84–95.74%) of the isolates analysed in this study were polyclonal infections as detected in at least one locus. A high mean MOI of 3.39 (Range: 2.24–4.72) and expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.81 (Range: 0.57–0.95) was reported in the study population. The analysed samples were extensively polyclonal infections leading to circulation of highly genetically diverse parasite populations in the study area. These findings correlated with the expectations of high malaria transmission intensity despite scaling up malaria interventions in the area thereby indicating the need for a robust malaria interventions particularly against asymptomatic carriers in order to attain elimination in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoulie O Touray
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute of Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Pan African University (PAUSTI), Nairobi, Kenya. .,International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Victor A Mobegi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Fred Wamunyokoli
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jeremy K Herren
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
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Guiguemde KT, Dieye Y, Lô AC, Ndiaye M, Lam A, Manga IA, Sow GD, Diop M, Souané T, Diouf MP, Tine RCK, Faye B. Molecular detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes carriage in used RDTs in malaria elimination settings in northern Senegal. Malar J 2020; 19:123. [PMID: 32228599 PMCID: PMC7106854 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03204-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria surveillance requires powerful tools and strategies to achieve malaria elimination. Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (RDTs) are easily deployed on a large scale and are helpful sources of parasite DNA. The application of sensitive molecular techniques to these RDTs is a modern tool for improving malaria case detection and drug resistance surveillance. Several studies have made it possible to extract the DNA of Plasmodium falciparum from RDTs. The knowledge of gametocyte carriage in the population is important to better assess the level of parasite transmission in elimination settings. The aim of this study was to detect P. falciparum gametocytes from used RDTs by quantitative PCR for molecular monitoring of malaria transmission. METHODS DNA was extracted from 303 RDT devices (SD Bioline Malaria Pf) using the Chelex-100 protocol. qPCR was performed in a 20 μL reaction to detect and quantify transcripts of the pfs25 gene. The cycle threshold (Ct) was determined by the emission fluorescence corresponding to the initial amount of amplified DNA. RESULTS The study found an overall prevalence of 53.47% with an average Ct of 32.12 ± 4.28 cycles. In 2018, the prevalence of gametocytes was higher in the Ranérou district (76.24%) than in the Saint-Louis district (67.33%) where an increase in the number of gametocyte carriers in 2018 was noted, in comparison with 2017. CONCLUSIONS RDTs are a good source of DNA for molecular monitoring of gametocyte carriage. This method is a simple and effective tool to better understand the level of malaria transmission with a view to elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yakou Dieye
- PATH, Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership (MACEPA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Aminata Collé Lô
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Magatte Ndiaye
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Aminata Lam
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Isaac Akhénaton Manga
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Gnagna Dieng Sow
- PATH, Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership (MACEPA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Moussa Diop
- PATH, Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership (MACEPA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Tamba Souané
- PATH, Malaria Control and Evaluation Partnership (MACEPA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Marie Pièrre Diouf
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Roger Clément Kouly Tine
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Babacar Faye
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical Faculty, Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
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Coalson JE, Cohee LM, Walldorf JA, Bauleni A, Mathanga DP, Taylor TE, Wilson ML, Laufer MK. Challenges in Treatment for Fever among School-Age Children and Adults in Malawi. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 100:287-295. [PMID: 30526747 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Prompt and effective treatment is key to malaria control and prevention, as it reduces disease morbidity and mortality and minimizes the number of transmission reservoirs. Transmission reduction may be particularly important among school-age children (SAC, 5-15 years old), who have the highest prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in southern Malawi. We hypothesized that one factor contributing to this difference in prevalence is that SAC are less likely to seek appropriate treatment for fever than children younger than 5 years. In this study, we assessed treatment-seeking behaviors of people of all ages between 2012 and 2014 in Malawi. During each of the five cross-sectional surveys, all members of ∼900 households reported on fever and treatment-seeking in the previous 2 weeks. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of whether febrile people sought treatment and whether they did so at formal (government/private clinics) or informal sources (primarily shops). Twenty-two percent of participants (3,579/16,621) reported fever, and 2,715 of those (75.9%) sought treatment. Seeking treatment exclusively from local shops remains a common practice, although use of recommended diagnostic testing and antimalarial drugs was infrequently reported there. Although SAC were not significantly less likely than children aged < 5 years to seek treatment, SAC and adults (age ≥ 16 years) were significantly less likely to use formal sources. Our results indicate that encouraging treatment at government/private clinics and increasing retail access to appropriate antimalarial testing and treatment, especially among SAC, could help remedy inadequate treatment of symptomatic disease and potentially reduce Plasmodium transmission in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna E Coalson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jenny A Walldorf
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrew Bauleni
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Don P Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Peprah S, Tenge C, Genga IO, Mumia M, Were PA, Kuremu RT, Wekesa WN, Sumba PO, Kinyera T, Otim I, Legason ID, Biddle J, Reynolds SJ, Talisuna AO, Biggar RJ, Bhatia K, Goedert JJ, Pfeiffer RM, Mbulaiteye SM. A Cross-Sectional Population Study of Geographic, Age-Specific, and Household Risk Factors for Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Infection in Western Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2019; 100:54-65. [PMID: 30457091 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria in Kenya is decreasing; however, it is still one of the top 10 causes of morbidity, particularly in regions of western Kenya. Between April 2015 and June 2016, we enrolled 965 apparently healthy children aged 0-15 years in former Nyanza and Western Provinces in Kenya to characterize the demographic, geographic, and household risk factors of asymptomatic malaria as part of an epidemiologic study to investigate the risk factors for endemic Burkitt lymphoma. The children were sampled using a stratified, multistage cluster sampling survey design. Malaria was assessed by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and thick-film microscopy (TFM). Primary analyses of Pf malaria prevalence (pfPR) are based on RDT. Associations between weighted pfPR and potential risk factors were evaluated using logistic regression, accounting for the survey design. Plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence was 36.0% (27.5%, 44.5%) by RDT and 22.3% (16.0%, 28.6%) by TFM. Plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence was positively associated with living in the lake-endemic area (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.46; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.63, 7.37), paternal occupation as peasant farmer (aOR 1.87; 1.08, 3.26) or manual laborer (aOR 1.83; 1.00, 3.37), and keeping dogs (aOR 1.62; 0.98-2.69) or cows (aOR 1.52; 0.96-2.40) inside or near the household. Plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence was inversely associated with indoor residual insecticide spraying (IRS) (aOR 0.44; 0.19, 1.01), having a household connected to electricity (aOR 0.47; 0.22, 0.98), and a household with two (aOR 0.45; 0.22, 0.93) or ≥ three rooms (aOR 0.41; 0.18, 0.93). We report high but geographically heterogeneous pfPR in children in western Kenya and significant associations with IRS and household-level socioeconomic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Peprah
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | | | - Isaiah O Genga
- EMBLEM Study, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Mediatrix Mumia
- EMBLEM Study, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Pamela A Were
- EMBLEM Study, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Tobias Kinyera
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Otim
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ismail D Legason
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Biddle
- Stanford Hospitals and Clinics, University of Stanford, Pao Alto, California
| | - Steven J Reynolds
- National Institutes of Health/Uganda Project Entebbe, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Ambrose O Talisuna
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Robert J Biggar
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Kishor Bhatia
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - James J Goedert
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Ruth M Pfeiffer
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Sam M Mbulaiteye
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
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Rehman AM, Maiteki-Sebuguzi C, Gonahasa S, Okiring J, Kigozi SP, Chandler CIR, Drakeley C, Dorsey G, Kamya MR, Staedke SG. Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria delivered to primary schoolchildren provided effective individual protection in Jinja, Uganda: secondary outcomes of a cluster-randomized trial (START-IPT). Malar J 2019; 18:318. [PMID: 31533845 PMCID: PMC6751800 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2954-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) of malaria is recommended as policy for certain high-risk populations, but not currently for schoolchildren. A cluster-randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of IPT with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) on primary schoolchildren in Jinja, Uganda. Results of the impact of IPT of schoolchildren on community-level transmission have been reported previously. Here, secondary outcomes from a school-based survey are presented. METHODS Eighty-four clusters (one primary school plus 100 households) were randomized to intervention and control (1:1 ratio). Participants from intervention schools received monthly IPT with DP for up to 6 rounds (June-December 2014). At endline (November-December 2014), randomly selected children from all 84 schools were surveyed (13 per school) and thick blood smears were done. Those with fever or history of fever were tested with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria. Haemoglobin was measured in every fifth participant. Outcome measures included prevalence of asexual parasites and gametocytes (by microscopy), and prevalence of anaemia. Prevalence outcomes were analysed using generalized linear Poisson models with log link function, incorporating a cluster-level random intercept and quantified using prevalence risk ratios. RESULTS Among 23,280 students listed on the 42 intervention school registers, 10,079 (43.3%) aged 5-20 years were enrolled into the IPT intervention and received at least one dose of DP; of these, 9286 (92.1%) received at least one full (3-day) course. In total, 1092 children were enrolled into the final school survey (546 per arm) and had a thick blood smear done; of these, 255 had haemoglobin measured (129 intervention, 126 control). Children in the intervention arm were less likely to have asexual parasites (9.2% intervention vs 44.1% control, adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.22 [95% CI 0.16-0.30] p < 0.001), gametocytes (3.1% intervention vs 9.5% control, aRR 0.34 [95% CI 0.20-0.56] p < 0.001), fever (20.2% intervention vs 56.2% control, aRR 0.35 [95% CI 0.25-0.50] p < 0.001), or symptomatic malaria (5.1% intervention vs 35.7% control, aRR 0.14 [95% CI 0.08-0.26] p < 0.001). Prevalence of anaemia and mean haemoglobin were similar in both study arms. CONCLUSIONS School-aged children are a major reservoir of malaria parasites. Delivering IPT to schoolchildren would benefit individual children and may reduce transmission. School-based IPT could help to intensify malaria control toward elimination, and should be considered for policies and programmes. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02009215), Registered 11 December 2013. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02009215.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Rehman
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, LSHTM, London, UK
| | | | - Samuel Gonahasa
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jaffer Okiring
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon P Kigozi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Clare I R Chandler
- Department of Global Health & Development, Department of Clinical Research, LSHTM, London, UK
| | | | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Moses R Kamya
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah G Staedke
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK.
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Woldearegai TG, Lalremruata A, Nguyen TT, Gmeiner M, Veletzky L, Tazemda-Kuitsouc GB, Matsiegui PB, Mordmüller B, Held J. Characterization of Plasmodium infections among inhabitants of rural areas in Gabon. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9784. [PMID: 31278305 PMCID: PMC6611864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium infections in endemic areas are often asymptomatic, can be caused by different species and contribute significantly to transmission. We performed a cross-sectional study in February/March 2016 including 840 individuals ≥ 1 year living in rural Gabon (Ngounié and Moyen-Ogooué). Plasmodium parasitemia was measured by high-sensitive, real-time quantitative PCR. In a randomly chosen subset of P. falciparum infections, gametocyte carriage and prevalence of chloroquine-resistant genotypes were analysed. 618/834 (74%) individuals were positive for Plasmodium 18S-rRNA gene amplification, of these 553 (66.3%) carried P. falciparum, 193 (23%) P. malariae, 74 (8.9%) P. ovale curtisi and 38 (4.6%) P.ovale wallikeri. Non-falciparum infections mostly presented as mixed infections. P. malariae monoinfected individuals were significantly older (median age: 60 years) than coinfected (20 years) or P. falciparum monoinfected individuals (23 years). P. falciparum gametocyte carriage was confirmed in 109/223 (48.9%) individuals, prevalence of chloroquine-resistant genotypes was high (298/336, 89%), including four infections with a new SVMNK genotype. In rural Gabon, Plasmodium infections with all endemic species are frequent, emphasizing that malaria control efforts shall cover asymptomatic infections also including non-falciparum infections when aiming for eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamirat Gebru Woldearegai
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Albert Lalremruata
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - The Trong Nguyen
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.,Vietnamese - German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Markus Gmeiner
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Luzia Veletzky
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.,Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Dep. of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Pierre Blaise Matsiegui
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de la Ngounié, Fougamou, Gabon
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Jana Held
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,German Centre for Infection Research, partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.
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LLIN Evaluation in Uganda Project (LLINEUP): factors associated with childhood parasitaemia and anaemia 3 years after a national long-lasting insecticidal net distribution campaign: a cross-sectional survey. Malar J 2019; 18:207. [PMID: 31234882 PMCID: PMC6591906 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2838-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent reductions in malaria burden have been attributed largely to long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). In March–June 2017, approximately 3 years after a national LLIN distribution campaign, a cross-sectional community survey was conducted to investigate factors associated with malaria parasitaemia and anaemia, in advance of Uganda’s 2017–2018 LLIN campaign. Methods Households from 104 clusters in 48 districts were randomly selected using two-staged cluster sampling; 50 households were enrolled per cluster. Eligible children aged 2–10 years had blood obtained for a thick blood smear and those aged 2–4 years had haemoglobin measured. Associations between outcomes and variables of interest were assessed using log-binomial regression with generalized estimating equations to adjust for household clustering. Results In total, 5196 households, 8834 children with blood smear results, and 3753 with haemoglobin results were included. Only 16% of children lived in households with adequate LLIN coverage. Overall, parasite prevalence was 26.0%, ranging from 8.0% in the South West to 53.1% in East Central. Limiting data to children 2–4 years of age, parasite prevalence was 21.4%, up from 16.9% in 2014–2015 following the national LLIN campaign. In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with parasitaemia included region (East-Central vs South-Western; adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 6.45, 95% CI 5.55–7.50; p < 0.001), older age (8–10 vs 2–3 years; aPR 1.57, 95% CI 1.43–1.72; p < 0.001), living in a poorer household (poorest vs least poor tercile; aPR 2.32, 95% CI 2.05–2.63; p < 0.001), one constructed of traditional materials (aPR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.24; p = 0.008), or without adequate LLIN coverage (aPR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14–1.48; p < 0.001). Overall, the prevalence of anaemia (haemoglobin < 10 g/dL) was 15.1% and varied geographically. In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with anaemia included region, younger age, living in a traditional house, and parasitaemia, which was the strongest predictor (aPR 2.50, 95% CI 2.12–2.95; p < 0.001). Conclusions Three years after a national LLIN campaign, LLIN coverage was low and parasite prevalence had increased. Parasite prevalence varied widely across Uganda; older children, those living in poorer households, and those with inadequate LLIN coverage, were at highest risk of parasitaemia. LLINs may need to be distributed more frequently through mass campaigns or continuously through sustainable mechanisms. Targeting interventions to geographic areas and populations at highest risk should also be considered.
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Muthui MK, Mogeni P, Mwai K, Nyundo C, Macharia A, Williams TN, Nyangweso G, Wambua J, Mwanga D, Marsh K, Bejon P, Kapulu MC. Gametocyte carriage in an era of changing malaria epidemiology: A 19-year analysis of a malaria longitudinal cohort. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:66. [PMID: 31223663 PMCID: PMC6557001 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15186.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Interventions to block malaria transmission from humans to mosquitoes are currently in development. To be successfully implemented, key populations need to be identified where the use of these transmission-blocking and/or reducing strategies will have greatest impact. Methods: We used data from a longitudinally monitored cohort of children from Kilifi county located along the Kenyan coast collected between 1998-2016 to describe the distribution and prevalence of gametocytaemia in relation to transmission intensity, time and age. Data from 2,223 children accounting for 9,134 person-years of follow-up assessed during cross-sectional surveys for asexual parasites and gametocytes were used in logistic regression models to identify factors predictive of gametocyte carriage in this cohort. Results: Our analysis showed that children 1-5 years of age were more likely to carry microscopically detectable gametocytes than their older counterparts. Carrying asexual parasites and recent episodes of clinical malaria were also strong predictors of gametocyte carriage. The prevalence of asexual parasites and of gametocyte carriage declined over time, and after 2006, when artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) was introduced, recent episodes of clinical malaria ceased to be a predictor of gametocyte carriage. Conclusions: Gametocyte carriage in children in Kilifi has fallen over time. Previous episodes of clinical malaria may contribute to the development of carriage, but this appears to be mitigated by the use of ACTs highlighting the impact that gametocidal antimalarials can have in reducing the overall prevalence of gametocytaemia when targeted on acute febrile illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K Muthui
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Polycarp Mogeni
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya.,African Health Research Institute, Durban, Congella, 4013, Private bag X7, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya.,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Parktown, 2193, 27 St Andrews Road, South Africa
| | - Christopher Nyundo
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Alex Macharia
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Thomas N Williams
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya.,Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, W21NY, UK
| | - George Nyangweso
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Juliana Wambua
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Daniel Mwanga
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Melissa C Kapulu
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
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Muthui MK, Mogeni P, Mwai K, Nyundo C, Macharia A, Williams TN, Nyangweso G, Wambua J, Mwanga D, Marsh K, Bejon P, Kapulu MC. Gametocyte carriage in an era of changing malaria epidemiology: A 19-year analysis of a malaria longitudinal cohort. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:66. [PMID: 31223663 PMCID: PMC6557001 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15186.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Interventions to block malaria transmission from humans to mosquitoes are currently in development. To be successfully implemented, key populations need to be identified where the use of these transmission-blocking and/or reducing strategies will have greatest impact. Methods: We used data from a longitudinally monitored cohort of children from Kilifi county located along the Kenyan coast collected between 1998-2016 to describe the distribution and prevalence of gametocytaemia in relation to transmission intensity, time and age. Data from 2,223 children accounting for 9,134 person-years of follow-up assessed during cross-sectional surveys for asexual parasites and gametocytes were used in logistic regression models to identify factors predictive of gametocyte carriage in this cohort. Results: Our analysis showed that children 1-5 years of age were more likely to carry microscopically detectable gametocytes than their older counterparts. Carrying asexual parasites and recent episodes of clinical malaria were also strong predictors of gametocyte carriage. The prevalence of asexual parasites and of gametocyte carriage declined over time, and after 2006, when artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) was introduced, recent episodes of clinical malaria ceased to be a predictor of gametocyte carriage. Conclusions: Gametocyte carriage in children in Kilifi has fallen over time. Previous episodes of clinical malaria may contribute to the development of carriage, but this appears to be mitigated by the use of ACTs highlighting the impact that gametocidal antimalarials can have in reducing the overall prevalence of gametocytaemia when targeted on acute febrile illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K. Muthui
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Polycarp Mogeni
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
- African Health Research Institute, Durban, Congella, 4013, Private bag X7, South Africa
| | - Kennedy Mwai
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Parktown, 2193, 27 St Andrews Road, South Africa
| | - Christopher Nyundo
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Alex Macharia
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Thomas N. Williams
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London, W21NY, UK
| | - George Nyangweso
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Juliana Wambua
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Daniel Mwanga
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Melissa C. Kapulu
- Department of Biosciences, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, 230-80108, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7FZ, UK
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Jiram AI, Ooi CH, Rubio JM, Hisam S, Karnan G, Sukor NM, Artic MM, Ismail NP, Alias NW. Evidence of asymptomatic submicroscopic malaria in low transmission areas in Belaga district, Kapit division, Sarawak, Malaysia. Malar J 2019; 18:156. [PMID: 31046769 PMCID: PMC6498596 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaysia has declared its aim to eliminate malaria with a goal of achieving zero local transmission by the year 2020. However, targeting the human reservoir of infection, including those with asymptomatic infection is required to achieve malaria elimination. Diagnosing asymptomatic malaria is not as straightforward due to the obvious lack of clinical manifestations and often subpatent level of parasites. Accurate diagnosis of malaria is important for providing realistic estimates of malaria burden and preventing misinformed interventions. Low levels of parasitaemia acts as silent reservoir of transmission thus remains infectious to susceptible mosquito vectors. Hence, the aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic submicroscopic malaria (SMM) in the District of Belaga, Sarawak. METHODS In 2013, a total of 1744 dried blood spots (DBS) were obtained from residents of 8 longhouses who appeared healthy. Subsequently, 251 venous blood samples were collected from residents of 2 localities in 2014 based on the highest number of submicroscopic cases from prior findings. Thin and thick blood films were prepared from blood obtained from all participants in this study. Microscopic examination were carried out on all samples and a nested and nested multiplex PCR were performed on samples collected in 2013 and 2014 respectively. RESULTS No malaria parasites were detected in all the Giemsa-stained blood films. However, of the 1744 samples, 29 (1.7%) were positive for Plasmodium vivax by PCR. Additionally, of the 251 samples, the most prevalent mono-infection detected by PCR was Plasmodium falciparum 50 (20%), followed by P. vivax 39 (16%), P. knowlesi 9 (4%), and mixed infections 20 (8%). CONCLUSIONS This research findings conclude evidence of Plasmodium by PCR, among samples previously undetectable by routine blood film microscopic examination, in local ethnic minority who are clinically healthy. SMM in Belaga district is attributed not only to P. vivax, but also to P. falciparum and P. knowlesi. In complementing efforts of programme managers, there is a need to increase surveillance for SMM nationwide to estimate the degree of SMM that warrant measures to block new transmission of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Ida Jiram
- Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Choo Huck Ooi
- Vector Borne Diseases Section, Sarawak Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Diplomatik Road, Off Bako Road, Petra Jaya, 93050, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - José Miguel Rubio
- Malaria & Emerging Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Parasitology Department, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Carretera de Majadahonda - Pozuelo, km. 2,200, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Shamilah Hisam
- Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Govindarajoo Karnan
- Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nurnadiah Mohd Sukor
- Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Mafie Artic
- Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Parina Ismail
- Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Wahida Alias
- Parasitology Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan Pahang, 50588, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Peprah S, Dhudha H, Ally H, Masalu N, Kawira E, Chao CN, Genga IO, Mumia M, Were PA, Kinyera T, Otim I, Legason ID, Biggar RJ, Bhatia K, Goedert JJ, Pfeiffer RM, Mbulaiteye SM. A population-based study of the prevalence and risk factors of low-grade Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in children aged 0-15 years old in northern Tanzania. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:571-585. [PMID: 30843638 PMCID: PMC6499672 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Northern Tanzania experiences significant malaria-related morbidity and mortality, but accurate data are scarce. We update the data on patterns of low-grade Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection among children in northern Tanzania. METHODS Plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence (pfPR) was assessed in a representative sample of 819 children enrolled in 94 villages in northern Tanzania between October 2015 and August 2016, using a complex survey design. Individual- and household-level risk factors for pfPR were elicited using structured questionnaires. pfPR was assessed using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and thick film microscopy (TFM). Associations with pfPR, based on RDT, were assessed using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI) from weighted survey logistic regression models. RESULTS Plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence (pfPR) was 39.5% (95% CI: 31.5, 47.5) by RDT and 33.4% (26.0, 40.6) by TFM. pfPR by RDT was inversely associated with higher-education parents, especially mothers (5-7 years of education: aOR 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.96, senior secondary education: aOR 0.10; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.55), living in a house near the main road (aOR 0.34; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.76), in a larger household (two rooms: aOR 0.40; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.79, more than two rooms OR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.62). Keeping a dog near or inside the house was positively associated with pfPR (aOR 2.01; 95% CI: 1.26, 3.21). pfPR was not associated with bed-net use or indoor residual spraying. CONCLUSIONS Nearly 40% of children in northern Tanzania had low-grade malaria antigenaemia. Higher parental education and household metrics but not mosquito bed-net use were inversely associated with pfPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Peprah
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Herry Dhudha
- EpideMiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors (EMBLEM) Study, Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Hillary Ally
- EpideMiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors (EMBLEM) Study, Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Nestory Masalu
- EpideMiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors (EMBLEM) Study, Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Esther Kawira
- EMBLEM Study, Shirati Health and Educational Foundation, Shirati, Tanzania
| | - Colin N Chao
- EpideMiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors (EMBLEM) Study, Bugando Medical Center, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Isaiah O. Genga
- EMBLEM Study, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Mediatrix Mumia
- EMBLEM Study, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Pamela A. Were
- EMBLEM Study, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Tobias Kinyera
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Otim
- EMBLEM Study, African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Robert J. Biggar
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Kishor Bhatia
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - James J. Goedert
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Ruth M. Pfeiffer
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Sam M. Mbulaiteye
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
Malaria is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in tropical countries. The causative agent, Plasmodium sp., has a complex life cycle and is armed with various mechanisms which ensure its continuous transmission. Gametocytes represent the sexual stage of the parasite and are indispensable for the transmission of the parasite from the human host to the mosquito. Despite its vital role in the parasite's success, it is the least understood stage in the parasite's life cycle. The presence of gametocytes in asymptomatic populations and induction of gametocytogenesis by most antimalarial drugs warrants further investigation into its biology. With a renewed focus on malaria elimination and advent of modern technology available to biologists today, the field of gametocyte biology has developed swiftly, providing crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms driving sexual commitment. This review will summarise key current findings in the field of gametocyte biology and address the associated challenges faced in malaria detection, control and elimination.
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Zhao Y, Zeng J, Zhao Y, Liu Q, He Y, Zhang J, Yang Z, Fan Q, Wang Q, Cui L, Cao Y. Risk factors for asymptomatic malaria infections from seasonal cross-sectional surveys along the China-Myanmar border. Malar J 2018; 17:247. [PMID: 29973194 PMCID: PMC6032786 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2398-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Border malaria, a shared phenomenon in the Greater Mekong Sub-region of Southeast Asia, is a major obstacle for regional malaria elimination. Along the China-Myanmar border, an additional problem arose as a result of the settlement of internally displaced people (IDP) in the border region. Since asymptomatic malaria significantly impacts transmission dynamics, assessment of the prevalence, dynamics and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria infections is necessary. METHODS Cross-sectional surveys were carried out in 3 seasons (March and April, July and November) and 2 sites (villages and IDP camps) in 2015. A total of 1680 finger-prick blood samples were collected and used for parasite detection by microscopy and nested RT-PCR (nRT-PCR). Logistic regression models were used to explore the risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria at individual and household levels. RESULTS The prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections was 23.3% by nRT-PCR, significantly higher than that detected by microscopy (1.5%). The proportions of Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium falciparum and mixed-species infections were 89.6, 8.1 and 2.3%, respectively. Asymptomatic infections showed obvious seasonality with higher prevalence in the rainy season. Logistic regression analysis identified males and school children (≤ 15 years) as the high-risk populations. Vector-based interventions, including bed net and indoor residual spray, were found to have significant impacts on asymptomatic Plasmodium infections, with non-users of these measures carrying much higher risks of infection. In addition, individuals living in poorly constructed households or farther away from clinics were more prone to asymptomatic infections. CONCLUSIONS Sub-microscopic Plasmodium infections were highly prevalent in the border human populations from IDP camps and surrounding villages. Both individual- and household-level risk factors were identified, which provides useful information for identifying the high-priority populations to implement targeted malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yonghong Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Qingyang Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qi Fan
- Dalian Institute of Biotechnology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Qinghui Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China. .,Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, State College, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
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Cohee L, Laufer M. Tackling malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Glob Health 2018; 6:e598-e599. [PMID: 29661636 PMCID: PMC6375073 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(18)30197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Cohee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Division of Malaria, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Miriam Laufer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; Division of Malaria, Institute for Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Coalson JE, Cohee LM, Buchwald AG, Nyambalo A, Kubale J, Seydel KB, Mathanga D, Taylor TE, Laufer MK, Wilson ML. Simulation models predict that school-age children are responsible for most human-to-mosquito Plasmodium falciparum transmission in southern Malawi. Malar J 2018; 17:147. [PMID: 29615044 PMCID: PMC5883608 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2295-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria persists in some high-transmission areas despite extensive control efforts. Progress toward elimination may require effective targeting of specific human populations that act as key transmission reservoirs. METHODS Parameterized using molecular-based Plasmodium falciparum infection data from cross-sectional community studies in southern Malawi, a simulation model was developed to predict the proportions of human-to-mosquito transmission arising from (a) children under 5 years old (U5s), (b) school-age children (SAC, 5-15 years), (c) young adults (16-30 years), and (d) adults > 30 years. The model incorporates mosquito biting heterogeneity and differential infectivity (i.e. probability that a blood-fed mosquito develops oocysts) by age and gametocyte density. RESULTS The model predicted that SAC were responsible for more than 60% of new mosquito infections in both dry and rainy seasons, even though they comprise only 30% of this southern Malawi population. Young adults were the second largest contributors, while U5s and adults over 30 were each responsible for < 10% of transmission. While the specific predicted values are sensitive to the relative infectiousness of SAC, this group remained the most important contributor to mosquito infections under all realistic estimates. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that U5 children play a small role compared to SAC in maintaining P. falciparum transmission in southern Malawi. Models that assume biting homogeneity overestimate the importance of U5s. To reduce transmission, interventions will need to reach more SAC and young adults. This publicly available model can be used by others to estimate age-specific transmission contributions in epidemiologically similar sites with local parameter estimates of P. falciparum prevalence and bed net use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna E Coalson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5507 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. .,Center for Insect Science and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Lauren M Cohee
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea G Buchwald
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew Nyambalo
- Blantyre Malaria Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - John Kubale
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5507 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Karl B Seydel
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Don Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Centre, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Terrie E Taylor
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Division of Malaria Research, Institute of Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, M5507 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Koepfli C, Yan G. Plasmodium Gametocytes in Field Studies: Do We Measure Commitment to Transmission or Detectability? Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:378-387. [PMID: 29544966 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The proportion of Plasmodium spp. infections carrying gametocytes, and gametocyte densities, are often reported as surrogate markers for transmission potential. It remains unclear whether parasites under natural conditions adjust commitment to transmission depending on external factors. Population-based surveys comprising mostly asymptomatic low-density infections are always impacted by the sensitivity of the assays used to diagnose infections and detect gametocytes. Asexual parasite density is an important predictor for the probability of detecting gametocytes, and in many cases it can explain patterns in gametocyte carriage without the need for an adjustment of the gametocyte conversion rate. When reporting gametocyte data, quantification of blood-stage parasitemia and its inclusion as a confounder in multivariable analyses is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Koepfli
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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Essuman E, Grabias B, Verma N, Chorazeczewski JK, Tripathi AK, Mlambo G, Addison EA, Amoah AGB, Quakyi I, Oakley MS, Kumar S. A Novel Gametocyte Biomarker for Superior Molecular Detection of the Plasmodium falciparum Infectious Reservoirs. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:1264-1272. [PMID: 28968664 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Complete malaria eradication and optimal use of transmission-reducing interventions require knowledge of submicroscopic infectious reservoirs among asymptomatic individuals. Even submicroscopic levels of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes can infect mosquitoes and promote onward transmission. Most efforts to identify gametocyte carriers use polymerase chain reaction amplification of the gametocyte-specific transcript Pfs25. Methods To expand the repertoire of biomarkers available for superior gametocyte detection, we compared the gene expression profiles of gametocytes and asynchronous blood-stage P. falciparum parasites by microarray technology. This allowed the identification of 56 molecules abundantly expressed in the gametocyte stage of the parasite. The analytical sensitivity for gametocyte detection was evaluated for 25 genes with the highest expression levels. Results One candidate, Pfg17, exhibited superior analytical sensitivity against a panel of gametocyte-spiked whole blood, detecting 10 gametocytes/mL; in comparison, Pfs25 detected only 25.3 gametocytes/mL. Pfg17 also exhibited superior clinical sensitivity, identifying 19.1% more samples from blood-film microscopy-negative Ghanaian children and 40% more samples from asymptomatic adults as gametocyte positive. Conclusions Cumulatively, our results suggest Pfg17 is an excellent biomarker for detecting asymptomatic infectious reservoirs otherwise missed by the most sensitive molecular method available. Our study has also improved the repertoire of transmission-stage antigens available for evaluation as candidate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Essuman
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases
| | - Bryan Grabias
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases
| | - Nitin Verma
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases
| | - Joanna K Chorazeczewski
- Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring
| | - Abhai K Tripathi
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Godfree Mlambo
- Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ebenezer A Addison
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon
| | - Albert G B Amoah
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon
| | - Isabella Quakyi
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon
| | - Miranda S Oakley
- Laboratory of Mucosal Pathogens and Cellular Immunology, Division of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring
| | - Sanjai Kumar
- Laboratory of Emerging Pathogens, Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases
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Adomako-Ankomah Y, Chenoweth MS, Tocker AM, Doumbia S, Konate D, Doumbouya M, Keita AS, Anderson JM, Fairhurst RM, Diakite M, Miura K, Long CA. Host age and Plasmodium falciparum multiclonality are associated with gametocyte prevalence: a 1-year prospective cohort study. Malar J 2017; 16:473. [PMID: 29162100 PMCID: PMC5696713 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since Plasmodium falciparum transmission relies exclusively on sexual-stage parasites, several malaria control strategies aim to disrupt this step of the life cycle. Thus, a better understanding of which individuals constitute the primary gametocyte reservoir within an endemic population, and the temporal dynamics of gametocyte carriage, especially in seasonal transmission settings, will not only support the effective implementation of current transmission control programmes, but also inform the design of more targeted strategies. Methods A 1-year prospective cohort study was initiated in June 2013 with the goal of assessing the longitudinal dynamics of P. falciparum gametocyte carriage in a village in Mali with intense seasonal malaria transmission. A cohort of 500 individuals aged 1–65 years was recruited for this study. Gametocyte prevalence was measured monthly using Pfs25-specific RT-PCR, and analysed for the effects of host age and gender, seasonality, and multiclonality of P. falciparum infection over 1 year. Results Most P. falciparum infections (51–89%) in this population were accompanied by gametocytaemia throughout the 1-year period. Gametocyte prevalence among P. falciparum-positive individuals (proportion of gametocyte positive infections) was associated with age (p = 0.003) but not with seasonality (wet vs. dry) or gender. The proportion of gametocyte positive infections were similarly high in children aged 1–17 years (74–82% on median among 5 age groups), while older individuals had relatively lower proportion, and those aged > 35 years (median of 43%) had significantly lower than those aged 1–17 years (p < 0.05). Plasmodium falciparum-positive individuals with gametocytaemia were found to have significantly higher P. falciparum multiclonality than those without gametocytaemia (p < 0.033 in two different analyses). Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that a substantial proportion of Pf-positive individuals carries gametocytes throughout the year, and that age is a significant determinant of gametocyte prevalence among these P. falciparum-positive individuals. Furthermore, the presence of multiple P. falciparum genotypes in an infection, a common feature of P. falciparum infections in high transmission areas, is associated with gametocyte prevalence. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-017-2123-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw Adomako-Ankomah
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Matthew S Chenoweth
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Aaron M Tocker
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Saibou Doumbia
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Konate
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mory Doumbouya
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoul S Keita
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jennifer M Anderson
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Rick M Fairhurst
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques, and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Carole A Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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Sumari D, Mwingira F, Selemani M, Mugasa J, Mugittu K, Gwakisa P. Malaria prevalence in asymptomatic and symptomatic children in Kiwangwa, Bagamoyo district, Tanzania. Malar J 2017; 16:222. [PMID: 28545457 PMCID: PMC5445421 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1870-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria prevalence continues to decline across sub-Saharan Africa as a result of various intervention strategies. However, the diseases still poses a public health concern in the region. While symptomatic malaria is recognized and treated, asymptomatic infections become increasingly important for interrupting transmission. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess malaria prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic children in Kiwangwa ward in Bagamoyo District in Tanzania. METHODS Four hundred school-aged children in Kiwanga ward were recruited in the study; 200 from Kiwangwa dispensary and 200 from nearby schools. Primary health parameters were examined and blood samples collected and examined for Plasmodium falciparum prevalence using rapid diagnostic test (RDT), light microscopy (LM) and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) targeting transcripts of A-type 18s rRNA of P. falciparum. Gametocytes were detected by LM and RT-qPCR targeting transcripts of gametocyte specific marker, Pfs25. RESULTS Overall P. falciparum prevalence was 73.3, 40.8 and 36.3% by RT-qPCR, RDT and LM in the study area, respectively (P < 0.001). As expected symptomatic children had a significantly higher prevalence of 89, 67.5 and 64.5% by qPCR, RDT and LM, compared to 57.5, 14 and 8% in the asymptomatic group, respectively. However, gametocyte prevalence in asymptomatic individuals was higher by both LM (2%) and qPCR (14%) than in symptomatic individuals LM (0.5%) and qPCR (3%). CONCLUSIONS A substantial difference in prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic infections observed in Kiwangwa ward underpins the use of molecular tools in malaria surveillance aiming at estimating prevalence and transmission. Notably, the higher gametocytaemia observed in asymptomatic children indicates the reservoir infections and points to the need for detection and treatment of both asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Sumari
- Intervention and Clinical Trials Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Felista Mwingira
- Biological Sciences Department, Dar es Salaam University College of Education, P. O. Box 2329, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Majige Selemani
- Intervention and Clinical Trials Department, Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Department of Statistics, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35047, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Joseph Mugasa
- National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Medical Research Centre, P. O. Box 81, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Kefas Mugittu
- Muvek Laboratories, P. O. Box 105270, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Paul Gwakisa
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution for Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
- Genome Sciences Centre and Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, College of Veterinary and Medical Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P. O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
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