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Hu Y, Li Y, Brashear AM, Zeng W, Wu Z, Wang L, Wei H, Soe MT, Aung PL, Sattabongkot J, Kyaw MP, Yang Z, Zhao Y, Cui L, Cao Y. Plasmodium vivax populations in the western Greater Mekong Subregion evaluated using a genetic barcode. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012299. [PMID: 38959285 PMCID: PMC11251639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of the Plasmodium vivax populations in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS) is needed to monitor the progress of malaria elimination. This study aimed to use a P. vivax single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) barcode to evaluate the population dynamics and explore the gene flow among P. vivax parasite populations in the western GMS (China, Myanmar and Thailand). A total of 315 P. vivax patient samples collected in 2011 and 2018 from four regions of the western GMS were genotyped for 42 SNPs using the high-throughput MassARRAY SNP genotyping technology. Population genetic analysis was conducted to estimate the genetic diversity, effective population size, and population structure among the P. vivax populations. Overall, 291 samples were successfully genotyped at 39 SNPs. A significant difference was observed in the proportion of polyclonal infections among the five P. vivax populations (P = 0.0012, Pearson Chi-square test, χ2 = 18.1), with western Myanmar having the highest proportion (96.2%, 50/52) in 2018. Likewise, the average complexity of infection was also highest in western Myanmar (1.31) and lowest in northeast Myanmar (1.01) in 2018. The older samples from western China in 2011 had the highest pairwise nucleotide diversity (π, 0.388 ± 0.046), expected heterozygosity (He, 0.363 ± 0.02), and the largest effective population size. In comparison, in the neighboring northeast Myanmar, the more recent samples in 2018 showed the lowest values (π, 0.224 ± 0.036; He, 0.220 ± 0.026). Furthermore, the 2018 northeast Myanmar parasites showed high and moderate genetic differentiation from other populations with FST values of 0.162-0.252, whereas genetic differentiation among other populations was relatively low (FST ≤ 0.059). Principal component analysis, phylogeny, and STRUCTURE analysis showed that the P. vivax population in northeast Myanmar in 2018 substantially diverged from other populations. Although the 42 SNP barcode is a valuable tool for tracking parasite origins of worldwide parasite populations, a more extended barcode with additional SNPs is needed to distinguish the more related parasite populations in the western GMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Hu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuling Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Emergency Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Awtum M. Brashear
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Weilin Zeng
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zifang Wu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Haichao Wei
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Myat Thu Soe
- Myanmar Health Network Organization, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Cui L, Sattabongkot J, Aung PL, Brashear A, Cao Y, Kaewkungwal J, Khamsiriwatchara A, Kyaw MP, Lawpoolsri S, Menezes L, Miao J, Nguitragool W, Parker D, Phuanukoonnon S, Roobsoong W, Siddiqui F, Soe MT, Sriwichai P, Yang Z, Zhao Y, Zhong D. Multidisciplinary Investigations of Sustained Malaria Transmission in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:138-151. [PMID: 36228909 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In the course of malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), malaria epidemiology has experienced drastic spatiotemporal changes with residual transmission concentrated along international borders and the rising predominance of Plasmodium vivax. The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to artemisinin and partner drugs renders artemisinin-based combination therapies less effective while the potential spread of multidrug-resistant parasites elicits concern. Vector behavioral changes and insecticide resistance have reduced the effectiveness of core vector control measures. In recognition of these problems, the Southeast Asian International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) has been conducting multidisciplinary research to determine how human migration, antimalarial drug resistance, vector behavior, and insecticide resistance sustain malaria transmission at international borders. These efforts allow us to comprehensively understand the ecology of border malaria transmission and develop population genomics tools to identify and track parasite introduction. In addition to employing in vivo, in vitro, and molecular approaches to monitor the emergence and spread of drug-resistant parasites, we also use genomic and genetic methods to reveal novel mechanisms of antimalarial drug resistance of parasites. We also use omics and population genetics approaches to study insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and identify changes in mosquito community structure, vectorial potential, and seasonal dynamics. Collectively, the scientific findings from the ICEMR research activities offer a systematic view of the factors sustaining residual malaria transmission and identify potential solutions to these problems to accelerate malaria elimination in the GMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | | | | | - Awtum Brashear
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Lynette Menezes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jun Miao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Daniel Parker
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California
| | | | | | - Faiza Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Myat Thu Soe
- Myanmar Health Network Organization, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Patchara Sriwichai
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California
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Brashear AM, Cui L. Population genomics in neglected malaria parasites. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:984394. [PMID: 36160257 PMCID: PMC9493318 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.984394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria elimination includes neglected human malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale spp., and Plasmodium malariae. Biological features such as association with low-density infection and the formation of hypnozoites responsible for relapse make their elimination challenging. Studies on these parasites rely primarily on clinical samples due to the lack of long-term culture techniques. With improved methods to enrich parasite DNA from clinical samples, whole-genome sequencing of the neglected malaria parasites has gained increasing popularity. Population genomics of more than 2200 P. vivax global isolates has improved our knowledge of parasite biology and host-parasite interactions, identified vaccine targets and potential drug resistance markers, and provided a new way to track parasite migration and introduction and monitor the evolutionary response of local populations to elimination efforts. Here, we review advances in population genomics for neglected malaria parasites, discuss how the rich genomic information is being used to understand parasite biology and epidemiology, and explore opportunities for the applications of malaria genomic data in malaria elimination practice.
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Zhang X, Wei H, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Wang L, Hu Y, Nguitragool W, Sattabongkot J, Adams J, Cui L, Cao Y, Wang Q. Genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2b in global parasite populations. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:205. [PMID: 35698238 PMCID: PMC9191549 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05296-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2b (PvRBP2b) plays a critical role in parasite invasion of reticulocytes by binding the transferrin receptor 1. PvRBP2b is a vaccine candidate based on the negative correlation between antibody titers against PvRBP2b recombinant proteins and parasitemia and risk of vivax malaria. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of the PvRBP2b gene in the global P. vivax populations. Methods Near full-length PvRBP2b nucleotide sequences (190–8349 bp) were obtained from 88 P. vivax isolates collected from the China–Myanmar border (n = 44) and Thailand (n = 44). An additional 224 PvRBP2b sequences were retrieved from genome sequences from parasite populations worldwide. The genetic diversity, neutral selection, haplotype distribution and genetic differentiation of PvRBP2b were examined. Results The genetic diversity of PvRBP2b was distributed unevenly, with peak diversity found in the reticulocyte binding region in the N-terminus. Neutrality analysis suggested that this region is subjected to balancing selection or population bottlenecks. Several amino acid variants were found in all or nearly all P. vivax endemic regions. However, the critical residues responsible for reticulocyte binding were highly conserved. There was substantial population differentiation according to the geographical separation. The distribution of haplotypes in the reticulocyte binding region varied among regions; even the two major haplotypes Hap_6 and Hap_8 were found in only five populations. Conclusions Our data show considerable genetic variations of PvRBPb in global parasite populations. The geographic divergence may pose a challenge to PvRBP2b-based vaccine development. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05296-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexing Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Haichao Wei
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.,Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110015, Liaoning, China
| | - Yangminghui Zhang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.,Department of Blood Transfusion, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, 264000, Shandong, China
| | - Yubing Hu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.,Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - John Adams
- College of Public Health, Global Health Infectious Disease Research (GHIDR) Program, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Liwang Cui
- College of Public Health, Global Health Infectious Disease Research (GHIDR) Program, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Suite 304, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
| | - Qinghui Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
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Shi TQ, Shen HM, Chen SB, Kassegne K, Cui YB, Xu B, Chen JH, Zheng B, Wang Y. Genetic Diversity and Natural Selection of Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein-II From China-Myanmar Border of Yunnan Province, China. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:758061. [PMID: 34912313 PMCID: PMC8667024 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.758061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria incidence has declined dramatically over the past decade and China was certified malaria-free in 2021. However, the presence of malaria in border areas and the importation of cases of malaria parasites are major challenges for the consolidation of the achievements made by China. Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP) performs a significant role in erythrocyte invasion, and is considered a promising P. vivax vaccine. However, the highly polymorphic region of PvDBP (PvDBP-II) impedes the development of blood-stage vaccine against P. vivax. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and natural selection of PvDBP-II among 124 P. vivax isolates collected from the China-Myanmar border (CMB) in Yunnan Province, China, during 2009–2011. To compare genetic diversity, natural selection, and population structure with CMB isolates, 85 pvdbp-II sequences of eastern Myanmar isolates were obtained from GenBank. In addition, global sequences of pvdbp-II were retrieved from GenBank to establish genetic differentiation relationships and networks with the CMB isolates. In total, 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms reflected in 20 non-synonymous and two synonymous mutations were identified. The overall nucleotide diversity of PvDBP-II from the 124 CMB isolates was 0.0059 with 21 haplotypes identified (Hd = 0.91). The high ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous mutations suggests that PvDBP-II had evolved under positive selection. Population structure analysis of the CMB and eastern Myanmar isolates were optimally grouped into five sub-populations (K = 5). Polymorphisms of PvDBP-II display that CMB isolates were genetically diverse. Mutation, recombination, and positive selection promote polymorphism of PvDBP-II of P. vivax population. Although low-level genetic differentiation in eastern Myanmar was identified along with the more effective malaria control measures, the complexity of population structure in malaria parasites has maintained. In conclusion, findings from this study advance knowledge of the understanding of the dynamic of P. vivax population, which will contribute to guiding the rational design of a PvDBP-II based vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Qi Shi
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Mo Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen-Bo Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Kokouvi Kassegne
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Bing Cui
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Hu Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), Shanghai, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, China.,World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China.,School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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Temporal Changes in the Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 in Myanmar. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080916. [PMID: 34451379 PMCID: PMC8398579 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite a significant decline in the incidence of malaria in Myanmar recently, malaria is still an important public health concern in the country. Although Plasmodium falciparum is associated with the highest incidence of malaria in Myanmar, the proportion of P. vivax cases has shown a gradual increase in recent years. The genetic diversity of P. vivax merozoite surface protein-1 block 5-6 (pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6) in the P. vivax population of Myanmar was analyzed to obtain a comprehensive insight into its genetic heterogeneity and evolutionary history. High levels of genetic diversity of pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 were identified in the P. vivax isolates collected from Myanmar between 2013 and 2015. Thirty-nine distinct haplotypes of pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 (13 for Sal I type, 20 for recombinant type, and 6 for Belem type) were found at the amino acid level. Comparative analyses of the genetic diversity of pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 sequences in the recent (2013–2015) and the past (2004) P. vivax populations in Myanmar revealed genetic expansion of the pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 in recent years, albeit with a declined incidence. The recent increase in the genetic heterogeneity of Myanmar pvmsp-1 ICB 5-6 is attributed to a combination of factors, including accumulated mutations and recombination. These results suggest that the size of the P. vivax population in Myanmar is sufficient to enable the generation and maintenance of genetic diversity, warranting continuous molecular surveillance of genetic variation in Myanmar P. vivax.
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A retrospective analysis of malaria epidemiological characteristics in Yingjiang County on the China-Myanmar border. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14129. [PMID: 34239003 PMCID: PMC8266812 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Yingjiang County, which is on the China–Myanmar border, is the main focus for malaria elimination in China. The epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Yingjiang County were analysed in a retrospective analysis. A total of 895 malaria cases were reported in Yingjiang County between 2013 and 2019. The majority of cases occurred in males (70.7%) and individuals aged 19–59 years (77.3%). Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species (96.6%). The number of indigenous cases decreased gradually and since 2017, no indigenous cases have been reported. Malaria cases were mainly distributed in the southern and southwestern areas of the county; 55.6% of the indigenous cases were reported in Nabang Township, which also had the highest risk of imported malaria. The “1–3–7” approach has been implemented effectively, with 100% of cases reported within 24 h, 88.9% cases investigated and confirmed within 3 days and 98.5% of foci responded to within 7 days. Although malaria elimination has been achieved in Yingjiang County, sustaining elimination and preventing the re-establishment of malaria require the continued strengthening of case detection, surveillance and response systems targeting the migrant population in border areas.
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