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Holla P, Bhardwaj J, Tran TM. Mature beyond their years: young children who escape detection of parasitemia despite living in settings of intense malaria transmission. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1025-1034. [PMID: 38752830 PMCID: PMC11209762 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230401] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Despite having the highest risk of progressing to severe disease due to lack of acquired immunity, the youngest children living in areas of highly intense malaria transmission have long been observed to be infected at lower rates than older children. Whether this observation is due to reduced exposure to infectious mosquito bites from behavioral and biological factors, maternally transferred immunity, genetic factors, or enhanced innate immunity in the young child has intrigued malaria researchers for over half a century. Recent evidence suggests that maternally transferred immunity may be limited to early infancy and that the young child's own immune system may contribute to control of malarial symptoms early in life and prior to the development of more effective adaptive immunity. Prospective studies of active and passive detection of Plasmodium falciparum blood-stage infections have identified young children (<5 years old) who remain uninfected through a defined surveillance period despite living in settings of highly intense malaria transmission. Yet, little is known about the potential immunological basis for this 'aparasitemic' phenotype. In this review, we summarize the observational evidence for this phenotype in field studies and examine potential reasons why these children escape detection of parasitemia, covering factors that are either extrinsic or intrinsic to their developing immune system. We discuss the challenges of distinguishing malaria protection from lack of malaria exposure in field studies. We also identify gaps in our knowledge regarding cellular immunity in the youngest age group and propose directions that researchers may take to address these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasida Holla
- Ryan White Center for Global Health and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
| | - Jyoti Bhardwaj
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
| | - Tuan M. Tran
- Ryan White Center for Global Health and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, U.S.A
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Li J, Docile HJ, Fisher D, Pronyuk K, Zhao L. Current Status of Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Progress and Challenges. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024:10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2. [PMID: 38656731 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00228-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The African continent carries the greatest malaria burden in the world. Falciparum malaria especially has long been the leading cause of death in Africa. Climate, economic factors, geographical location, human intervention and unstable security are factors influencing malaria transmission. Due to repeated infections and early interventions, the proportion of clinically atypical malaria or asymptomatic plasmodium carriers has increased significantly, which easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. African countries have made certain progress in malaria control and elimination, including rapid diagnosis of malaria, promotion of mosquito nets and insecticides, intermittent prophylactic treatment in high-risk groups, artemisinin based combination therapies, and the development of vaccines. Between 2000 and 2022, there has been a 40% decrease in malaria incidence and a 60% reduction in mortality rate in the WHO African Region. However, many challenges are emerging in the fight against malaria in Africa, such as climate change, poverty, substandard health services and coverage, increased outdoor transmission and the emergence of new vectors, and the growing threat of resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides. Joint prevention and treatment, identifying molecular determinants of resistance, new drug development, expanding seasonal malaria chemo-prevention intervention population, and promoting the vaccination of RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M may help to solve the dilemma. China's experience in eliminating malaria is conducive to Africa's malaria prevention and control, and China-Africa cooperation needs to be constantly deepened and advanced. Our review aims to help the global public develop a comprehensive understanding of malaria in Africa, thereby contributing to malaria control and elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haragakiza Jean Docile
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of The Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Khrystyna Pronyuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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Akafity G, Kumi N, Ashong J. Diagnosis and management of malaria in the intensive care unit. JOURNAL OF INTENSIVE MEDICINE 2024; 4:3-15. [PMID: 38263976 PMCID: PMC10800773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Malaria is responsible for approximately three-quarters of a million deaths in humans globally each year. Most of the morbidity and mortality reported are from Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, where the disease is endemic. In non-endemic areas, malaria is the most common cause of imported infection and is associated with significant mortality despite recent advancements and investments in elimination programs. Severe malaria often requires intensive care unit admission and can be complicated by cerebral malaria, respiratory distress, acute kidney injury, bleeding complications, and co-infection. Intensive care management includes prompt diagnosis and early initiation of effective antimalarial therapy, recognition of complications, and appropriate supportive care. However, the lack of diagnostic capacities due to limited advances in equipment, personnel, and infrastructure presents a challenge to the effective diagnosis and management of malaria. This article reviews the clinical classification, diagnosis, and management of malaria as relevant to critical care clinicians, highlighting the role of diagnostic capacity, treatment options, and supportive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Akafity
- Department of Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Kumi
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Critical Care and Anesthesia, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Joyce Ashong
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Ranjha R, Singh K, Baharia RK, Mohan M, Anvikar AR, Bharti PK. Age-specific malaria vulnerability and transmission reservoir among children. GLOBAL PEDIATRICS 2023; 6:None. [PMID: 38440360 PMCID: PMC10911094 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpeds.2023.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Purpose The pediatric population, especially under-five children, is highly susceptible to malaria and accounts for 76 % of global malaria deaths according to the World Malaria Report 2022. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the various factors involved in the susceptibility of the pediatric population to Malaria and the importance of this age group for malaria elimination. Methodology Data on pediatric malaria epidemiology that includes prevalence, risk factors, immune factors, socioeconomic factors, control methods, etc. were extracted from published literature using PubMed and Google Scholar. This data was further correlated with malaria incidence data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). Results The younger age group is vulnerable to severe malaria due to an immature immune system. The risk of infection and clinical disease increases after the waning of maternal immunity. In the initial years of life, the developing brain is more susceptible to malaria infection and its after-effects. The pediatric population may act as a malaria transmission reservoir due to parasite density and asymptomatic infections. WHO recommended RTS,S/AS01 has limitations and may not be applicable in all settings to propel malaria elimination. Conclusion The diagnosis of malaria is based on clinical suspicion and confirmed with microscopy and/or rapid diagnostic testing. The school-age pediatric population serves as a transmission reservoir in the form of asymptomatic malaria since they have acquired some immunity due to exposure in early childhood. Targeting the hidden reservoir in the pediatric population and protecting this vulnerable group will be essential for malaria elimination from the countries targeting elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Ranjha
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Mradul Mohan
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Anup R Anvikar
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen K. Bharti
- ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research, New Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
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Semakula HM, Liang S, Mukwaya PI, Mugagga F, Nseka D, Wasswa H, Mwendwa P, Kayima P, Achuu SP, Nakato J. Bayesian belief network modelling approach for predicting and ranking risk factors for malaria infections among children under 5 years in refugee settlements in Uganda. Malar J 2023; 22:297. [PMID: 37794401 PMCID: PMC10552276 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04735-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria risk factors at household level are known to be complex, uncertain, stochastic, nonlinear, and multidimensional. The interplay among these factors, makes targeted interventions, and resource allocation for malaria control challenging. However, few studies have demonstrated malaria's transmission complexity, control, and integrated modelling, with no available evidence on Uganda's refugee settlements. Using the 2018-2019 Uganda's Malaria Indicator Survey (UMIS) data, an alternative Bayesian belief network (BBN) modelling approach was used to analyse, predict, rank and illustrate the conceptual reasoning, and complex causal relationships among the risk factors for malaria infections among children under-five in refugee settlements of Uganda. METHODS In the UMIS, household level information was obtained using standardized questionnaires, and a total of 675 children under 5 years were tested for malaria. From the dataset, a casefile containing malaria test results, demographic, social-economic and environmental information was created. The casefile was divided into a training (80%, n = 540) and testing (20%, n = 135) datasets. The training dataset was used to develop the BBN model following well established guidelines. The testing dataset was used to evaluate model performance. RESULTS Model accuracy was 91.11% with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.95. The model's spherical payoff was 0.91, with the logarithmic, and quadratic losses of 0.36, and 0.16 respectively, indicating a strong predictive, and classification ability of the model. The probability of refugee children testing positive, and negative for malaria was 48.1% and 51.9% respectively. The top ranked malaria risk factors based on the sensitivity analysis included: (1) age of child; (2) roof materials (i.e., thatch roofs); (3) wall materials (i.e., poles with mud and thatch walls); (4) whether children sleep under insecticide-treated nets; 5) type of toilet facility used (i.e., no toilet facility, and pit latrines with slabs); (6) walk time distance to water sources (between 0 and 10 min); (7) drinking water sources (i.e., open water sources, and piped water on premises). CONCLUSION Ranking, rather than the statistical significance of the malaria risk factors, is crucial as an approach to applied research, as it helps stakeholders determine how to allocate resources for targeted malaria interventions within the constraints of limited funding in the refugee settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Musoke Semakula
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 01003, USA.
| | - Song Liang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 01003, USA
| | - Paul Isolo Mukwaya
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Frank Mugagga
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Nseka
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hannington Wasswa
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Mwendwa
- Department of Horticulture and Food Security, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patrick Kayima
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Peter Achuu
- National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Plot 17/19/21 Jinja Road, P.O. Box 22255, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jovia Nakato
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Magwaza RN, Abubaker M, Hussain B, Haley M, Couper K, Freeman S, Nirmalan NJ. Evaluation of 4-Aminoquinoline Hydrazone Analogues as Potential Leads for Drug-Resistant Malaria. Molecules 2023; 28:6471. [PMID: 37764248 PMCID: PMC10534891 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to first-line antimalarial drugs calls for the development of new therapies for drug-resistant malaria. The efficacy of quinoline-based antimalarial drugs has prompted the development of novel quinolines. A panel of 4-aminoquinoline hydrazone analogues were tested on the multidrug-resistant K1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum: IC50 values after a 48 h cycle ranged from 0.60 to 49 µM, while the 72 h cycle ranged from 0.026 to 0.219 μM. Time-course assays were carried out to define the activity of the lead compounds, which inhibited over 50% growth in 24 h and 90% growth in 72 h. Cytotoxicity assays with HepG2 cells showed IC50 values of 0.87-11.1 μM, whereas in MDBK cells, IC50 values ranged from 1.66 to 11.7 μM. High selectivity indices were observed for the lead compounds screened at 72 h on P. falciparum. Analyses of stage specificity revealed that the ring stages of the parasite life cycle were most affected. Based on antimalarial efficacy and in vitro safety profiles, lead compound 4-(2-benzylidenehydrazinyl)-6-methoxy-2-methylquinoline 2 was progressed to drug combination studies for the detection of synergism, with a combinatory index of 0.599 at IC90 for the combination with artemether, indicating a synergistic antimalarial activity. Compound 2 was screened on different strains of P. falciparum (3D7, Dd2), which maintained similar activity to K1, suggesting no cross-resistance between multidrug resistance and sensitive parasite strains. In vivo analysis with 2 showed the suppression of parasitaemia with P. yoelii NL (non-lethal)-treated mice (20 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael N. Magwaza
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Muna Abubaker
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
| | - Buthaina Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 17138, Jordan;
| | - Michael Haley
- School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Infection, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (M.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Kevin Couper
- School of Biological Sciences, Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Infection, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (M.H.); (K.C.)
| | - Sally Freeman
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Niroshini J. Nirmalan
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT, UK;
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Bittaye SO, Jagne A, Jaiteh LES, Amambua-Ngwa A, Sesay AK, Ekeh B, Nadjm B, Ramirez WE, Ramos A, Okeahialam B, Effa E, Nyan O, Njie R. Malaria in adults after the start of Covid-19 pandemic: an analysis of admission trends, demographics, and outcomes in a tertiary hospital in the Gambia. Malar J 2023; 22:253. [PMID: 37658450 PMCID: PMC10474732 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04691-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health concern in The Gambia. The study assessed the trend of malaria admissions and outcome of adult patients admitted after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in The Gambia. METHODS This was a retrospective hospital-based study and data was collected from the 18th October 2020 to 28th February 2023. Demographic data, clinical features, investigations, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS A total of 499 malaria cases were admitted to the hospital over the 29 months of the study period. Data from 320 (67.2% of the total cases) adult patients admitted into the internal medicine department were analysed. The median age was 22 years, range (15-90) and 189 (59.1%) cases were youth with a youth (15-24 years) to older adult (> 24 years) ratio of 1.4:1. The majority of the patients were male 199 (62.2) with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. The total number of malaria cases admitted into the internal medicine department increased from 103 cases in 2021 to 182 cases in 2022and admission peaked in November in both years. The total number of admitted malaria cases during the peak of the malaria season also increased from 92 patients between September 2021 and December 2021 to 132 patients from September 2022 to December 2022.There was also an increase in both severe and uncomplicated malaria during the same period. The total mortality was 31 (9.7%) and the rate was similar in 2021 9 (8.7%) and 2022 15 (8.4%). Patients with impaired consciousness were more likely to die when compared to those without impaired consciousness [19 (23.6%) vs 12 (5%), p ≤ 0.001]. Patients with acute kidney injury were also more likely to die when compared with those without acute kidney injury [10 (20.4%) vs 15 (7.7%), p = 0.009]. CONCLUSION The findings show an emerging and consistent trend of malaria admissions and the outcome in the youth and older adult population after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia. This, therefore, suggests the need for the implementation of targeted malaria prevention interventions in this population to further prevent the spread of the disease to the more vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Omar Bittaye
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.
| | - Abubacarr Jagne
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Lamin E S Jaiteh
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Abdul Karim Sesay
- Medical Research Council, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Bertha Ekeh
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Behzad Nadjm
- Medical Research Council, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Williams Estrada Ramirez
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Asmell Ramos
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Basil Okeahialam
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Emmanuel Effa
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ousman Nyan
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ramou Njie
- Internal Medicine Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia
- School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
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Omondi CJ, Odongo D, Otambo WO, Ochwedo KO, Otieno A, Lee MC, Kazura JW, Githeko AK, Yan G. Malaria diagnosis in rural healthcare facilities and treatment-seeking behavior in malaria endemic settings in western Kenya. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001532. [PMID: 37471336 PMCID: PMC10358955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Accurate malaria diagnosis and timely treatment are requirements for effective management of the disease. However, treatment efficacy may be significantly reduced in resource-constrained healthcare facilities with poorly equipped laboratories and frequent drug and rapid diagnostic test kit (RDT) stock-outs. Furthermore, patient may avoid seeking treatment from such facilities. The study's goal was to determine treatment-seeking behavior, malaria diagnosis and treatment quality, and likely treatment-seeking determinants in the local population. Passive case detection, which targeted all patients with suspected malaria cases, was conducted in ten public healthcare facilities over a three-month period. Monthly malaria cases, methods of diagnosis and antimalarial drug availability were assessed. A household-based survey was also carried out. Structured questionnaires were used to collect knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) data from household heads. Malaria knowledge, treatment seeking behavior, and predictors of malaria treatment-seeking were all determined. Three of the seven dispensaries lacked a laboratory to conduct microscopy- diagnosis. These three dispensaries also experienced frequent RDT stock-outs, which resulted in depending on clinical signs as diagnosis for malaria. The majority of local residents with fever (50.3%) purchased antimalarial drugs from a chemist. About 37% of fever patients sought treatment at healthcare facility while the remaining 12.7% did not treat their fevers. In irrigated areas, 45.5% (46/64) of fever patients sought treatment at healthcare facilities, compared to 25% (18/64) in non-irrigated areas (p = 0.009). Most children aged below 5 who had fever (77.7%) were taken to healthcare facility for treatment compared to 31.4% of children aged 5-14 years or 20.9% of adults (0.0001). Predictors of treatment seeking included access to healthcare facility (OR = 16.23, 95% CI: 2.74-96.12), and ability to pay hospital bills (OR = 10.6, 95% CI: 1.97-57). Other factors that influenced health-seeking behavior included the severity of symptoms, the age of the patient and knowledge of malaria symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collince J. Omondi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - David Odongo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Wilfred O. Otambo
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Department of Zoology, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Kevin O. Ochwedo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Antony Otieno
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - James W. Kazura
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Andrew K. Githeko
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Climate and Human Health Research Unit, Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
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Semakula HM, Liang S, Mukwaya PI, Mugagga F, Swahn M, Nseka D, Wasswa H, Kayima P. Determinants of malaria infections among children in refugee settlements in Uganda during 2018-2019. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:31. [PMID: 37032366 PMCID: PMC10084630 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01090-3] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While 5% of 247 million global malaria cases are reported in Uganda, it is also a top refugee hosting country in Africa, with over 1.36 million refugees. Despite malaria being an emerging challenge for humanitarian response in refugee settlements, little is known about its risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for malaria infections among children under 5 years of age in refugee settlements in Uganda. METHODS We utilized data from Uganda's Malaria Indicator Survey which was conducted between December 2018 and February 2019 at the peak of malaria season. In this national survey, household level information was obtained using standardized questionnaires and a total of 7787 children under 5 years of age were tested for malaria using mainly the rapid diagnostic test. We focused on 675 malaria tested children under five in refugee settlements located in Yumbe, Arua, Adjumani, Moyo, Lamwo, Kiryadongo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge and Isingiro districts. The extracted variables included prevalence of malaria, demographic, social-economic and environmental information. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify and define the malaria associated risk factors. RESULTS Overall, malaria prevalence in all refugee settlements across the nine hosting districts was 36.6%. Malaria infections were higher in refugee settlements located in Isingiro (98.7%), Kyegegwa (58.6%) and Arua (57.4%) districts. Several risk factors were significantly associated with acquisition of malaria including fetching water from open water sources [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.08-0.59, P = 0.002], boreholes (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 0.91-4.89, P = 0.018) and water tanks (aOR = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.67-11.9, P = 0.002). Other factors included pit-latrines (aOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.03-2.13, P = 0.033), open defecation (aOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.54-7.05, P = 0.002), lack of insecticide treated bed nets (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.43-3.13, P = 0.003) and knowledge on the causes of malaria (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.79-1.51, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS The persistence of the malaria infections were mainly due to open water sources, poor hygiene, and lack of preventive measures that enhanced mosquito survival and infection. Malaria elimination in refugee settlements requires an integrated control approach that combines environmental management with other complementary measures like insecticide treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Musoke Semakula
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P. O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Song Liang
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 2055 Mowry Rd, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul Isolo Mukwaya
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P. O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Frank Mugagga
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P. O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Monica Swahn
- Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, NW, USA
| | - Denis Nseka
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P. O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hannington Wasswa
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P. O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Kayima
- Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, P. O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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10
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Yarhere IE, Nte AR. A Study of Childhood Malaria trends at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: 2006 - 2018. Niger Med J 2023; 64:272-280. [PMID: 38898967 PMCID: PMC11185816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Several efforts have been put in place to reduce the global burden of malaria especially in children and in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of malaria control activities on the trend of childhood malarial diseases at a tertiary hospital in South-south Nigeria. Methodology A retrospective review of the case records of all malaria diagnoses including in-patient, out-patient, and emergency room, seen in the Department of paediatrics at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January 2006 to December 2018 was conducted. Results There were 41, 863 malaria cases diagnosed over the 12 years with a decline in yearly diagnosis and admissions, from the year 2006 through 2018. Total malaria admissions were 578, (44.5/ year), giving a severe malaria incidence of 1.26%, and there were 164 malaria death cases, with a yearly average of 12. The causes of death in the children with malarial parasitaemia were severe anaemia in 75 (45.7%), hypoglycaemia in 14 (8.5%), cerebral malaria in 17 (10.4%), and prostration with other co-morbidities, 22 (13.4%). Thirty-six children (22%) were convulsing and died soon after admission, with a compounding diagnosis of aspiration and respiratory failure. Conclusion There is a gradual reduction in childhood malaria disease, admission, and death, though this is slower than anticipated based on efforts and strategies put in place by the Nigerian government and various organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iroro Enameguolo Yarhere
- Department of Peadiatrics, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Alice Romokek Nte
- Department of Peadiatrics, College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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11
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Bello IS, Olajubu TO, Osundiya OO, Salami OT, Ibrahim AO, Ahmed AA. Malaria among the elderly in five communities of Osun East district, Southwest Nigeria: Prevalence and association with non-communicable diseases. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231164259. [PMID: 37026104 PMCID: PMC10071164 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231164259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The level of immunity against pathogens decreases with old age. As a result, the elderly may be regarded to be at increased risk of malaria morbidity and fatality. There is paucity of studies on malaria among the elderly population in Osun East district, Southwest Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and its association with medical comorbidities among the elderly. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out, which involved 972 adult residents of five communities in Osun State, who were selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Data was collected with aid of a structured questionnaire. The medical history of respondents and anthropometric measures were obtained. The presence of malaria parasitaemia in the respondents was determined by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Appropriate descriptive and inferential analyses were done. Results: Out of the 972 respondents, 504 (51.9%) were 60 years and above. The overall prevalence of malaria RDT positivity was 4%. The positivity rate was higher among the elderly (4.6%) compared to those less than 60 years (3.4%), albeit not statistically significant ( p = 0.36). Among these elderlies, 52.6% and 16.1% used insecticide-treated nets and insecticide sprays, respectively. There was no association between the prevalence of malaria positivity and comorbid conditions, such as hypertension ( p = 0.37), overweight/obesity ( p = 0.77), or diabetes ( p = 0.15). Malaria positivity rate was also not significantly associated with the use of insecticide-treated nets ( p = 0.64) or insecticide sprays ( p = 0.45). Conclusion: The malaria positivity rate was higher among the elderly in the study area, although not statistically significant. The prevalence was not associated with comorbid medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Sebutu Bello
- Department of Family Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Oluwasina Tajudeen Salami
- Department of Family Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | - Abdulakeem Ayanleye Ahmed
- Department of Family Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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12
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Lambert N, Kengne-Ouafo JA, Rissy WM, Diane U, Murithi K, Kimani P, Awe OI, Dillman A. Transcriptional Profiles Analysis of COVID-19 and Malaria Patients Reveals Potential Biomarkers in Children. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.06.30.498338. [PMID: 35794887 PMCID: PMC9258287 DOI: 10.1101/2022.06.30.498338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The clinical presentation overlap between malaria and COVID-19 poses special challenges for rapid diagnosis in febrile children. In this study, we collected RNA-seq data of children with malaria and COVID-19 infection from the public databases as raw data in fastq format paired end files. A group of six, five and two biological replicates of malaria, COVID-19 and healthy donors respectively were used for the study. We conducted differential gene expression analysis to visualize differences in the expression profiles. Using edgeR, we explored particularly gene expression levels in different phenotype groups and found that 1084 genes and 2495 genes were differentially expressed in the malaria samples and COVID-19 samples respectively when compared to healthy controls. The highly expressed gene in the COVID-19 group we found CD151 gene which is facilitates in T cell proliferation, while in the malaria group, among the highly expressed gene we identified GBP5 gene which involved in inflammatory response and response to bacterium. By comparing both malaria and COVID-19 infections, the overlap of 62 differentially expressed genes patterns were identified. Among them, three genes (ENSG00000234998, H2AC19 and TXNDC5) were highly upregulated in both infections. Strikingly, we observed 13 genes such as HBQ1, HBM, SLC7A5, SERINC2, ATP6V0C, ST6GALNAC4, RAD23A, PNPLA2, GAS2L1, TMEM86B, SLC6A8, UBALD1, RNF187 were downregulated in children with malaria and uniquely upregulated in children with COVID-19, thus may be further validated as potential biomarkers to delineate COVID-19 from malaria-related febrile infection. The hemoglobin complexes and lipid metabolism biological pathways are highly expressed in both infections. Our study provided new insights for further investigation of the biological pattern in hosts with malaria and COVID-19 coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nzungize Lambert
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon
- Synthetic Biology and Omics Data Center, SynbioRwanda, Rwanda
| | - Jonas A. Kengne-Ouafo
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon
| | - Wesonga Makokha Rissy
- African Institute of biomedical science and technology (AiBST), Wilkins Hospital, Block C, Corner J. Tongogara and R. Zimbabwe
- Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), P.BAG 7724, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Ken Murithi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Peter Kimani
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
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13
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Tadele G, Jaiteh FK, Oboh M, Oriero E, Dugassa S, Amambua-Ngwa A, Golassa L. Low genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 and 2 and multiplicity of infections in western Ethiopia following effective malaria interventions. Malar J 2022; 21:383. [PMID: 36522733 PMCID: PMC9753253 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04394-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic diversity of malaria parasites can inform the intensity of transmission and poses a major threat to malaria control and elimination interventions. Characterization of the genetic diversity would provide essential information about the ongoing control efforts. This study aimed to explore allelic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2) to determine the genetic diversity and multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infections circulating in high and low transmission sites in western Ethiopia. METHODS Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 225 dried blood spots collected from confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria-infected patients in western Ethiopia. Of these, 72.4% (163/225) and 27.6% (62/225) of the samples were collected in high and low transmission areas, respectively. Polymorphic msp1 and msp2 genes were used to explore the genetic diversity and multiplicity of falciparum malaria infections. Genotyping of msp1 was successful in 86.5% (141/163) and 88.7% (55/62) samples collected from high and low transmission areas, respectively. Genotyping of msp2 was carried out among 85.3% (139/163) and 96.8% (60/62) of the samples collected in high and low transmission sites, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum msp1 and msp2 genes were amplified by nested PCR and the PCR products were analysed by QIAxcel ScreenGel Software. A P-value of less or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS High prevalence of falciparum malaria was identified in children less than 15 years as compared with those ≥ 15 years old (AOR = 2.438, P = 0.005). The three allelic families of msp1 (K1, MAD20, and RO33) and the two allelic families of msp2 (FC27 and 3D7), were observed in samples collected in high and low transmission areas. However, MAD 20 and FC 27 alleles were the predominant allelic families in both settings. Plasmodium falciparum isolates circulating in western Ethiopia had low genetic diversity and mean MOI. No difference in mean MOI between high transmission sites (mean MOI 1.104) compared with low transmission area (mean MOI 1.08) (p > 0.05). The expected heterozygosity of msp1 was slightly higher in isolates collected from high transmission sites (He = 0.17) than in those isolates from low transmission (He = 0.12). However, the heterozygosity of msp2 was not different in both settings (Pfmsp2: 0.04 in high transmission; pfmsp2: 0.03 in low transmission). CONCLUSION Plasmodium falciparum from clinical malaria cases in western Ethiopia has low genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection irrespective of the intensity of transmission at the site of sampling. These may be signaling the effectiveness of malaria control strategies in Ethiopia; although further studies are required to determine how specific intervention strategies and other parameters that drive the pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geletta Tadele
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Fatou K Jaiteh
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Serrekunda, The Gambia
| | - Mary Oboh
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Serrekunda, The Gambia
| | - Eniyou Oriero
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Serrekunda, The Gambia
| | - Sisay Dugassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Serrekunda, The Gambia
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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14
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Li C, Managi S. Global malaria infection risk from climate change. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114028. [PMID: 35940231 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As a long-standing public health issue, malaria still severely affects many parts of the world, especially Africa. With greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures continue to rise. Based on diverse shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs), future temperatures can be estimated. However, the impacts of climate change on malaria infection rates in all epidemic regions are unknown. Here, we estimate the differences in global malaria infection rates predicted under different SSPs during several periods as well as malaria infection case changes (MICCs) resulting from those differences. Our results indicate that the global MICCs resulting from the conversion from SSP1-2.6 to SSP2-4.5, to SSP3-7.0, and to SSP5-8.5 are 6.506 (with a 95% uncertainty interval [UI] of 6.150-6.861) million, 3.655 (3.416-3.894) million, and 2.823 (2.635-3.012) million, respectively, from 2021 to 2040; these values represent increases of 2.699%, 1.517%, and 1.171%, respectively, compared to the 241 million infection cases reported in 2020. Temperatures increases will adversely affect malaria the most in Africa during the 2021-2040 period. From 2081 to 2100, the MICCs obtained for the three scenario shifts listed above are -79.109 (-83.626 to -74.591) million, -238.337 (-251.920 to -0.141) million, and -162.692 (-174.628 to -150.757) million, corresponding to increases of -32.825%, -98.895%, and -67.507%, respectively. Climate change will increase the danger and risks associated with malaria in the most vulnerable regions in the near term, thus aggravating the difficulty of eliminating malaria. Reducing GHG emissions is a potential pathway to protecting people from malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Urban Institute, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Managi
- Urban Institute, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan.
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15
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Omondi CJ, Otambo WO, Odongo D, Ochwedo KO, Otieno A, Onyango SA, Orondo P, Ondeto BM, Lee MC, Zhong D, Kazura JW, Githeko AK, Yan G. Asymptomatic and submicroscopic Plasmodium infections in an area before and during integrated vector control in Homa Bay, western Kenya. Malar J 2022; 21:272. [PMID: 36153552 PMCID: PMC9509636 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04288-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have been the primary vector control strategy until indoor residual spraying (IRS) was added in Homa Bay and Migori Counties in western Kenya. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of LLINs integrated with IRS on the prevalence of asymptomatic and submicroscopic Plasmodium infections in Homa Bay County. METHODS A two-stage cluster sampling procedure was employed to enroll study participants aged ≥ 6 months old. Four consecutive community cross-sectional surveys for Plasmodium infection were conducted in residents of Homa Bay county, Kenya. Prior to the start of the study, all study households received LLINs, which were distributed between June 2017 and March 2018. The first (February 2018) and second (June 2018) surveys were conducted before and after the first round of IRS (Feb-Mar 2018), while the third (February 2019) and fourth (June 2019) surveys were conducted before and after the second application of IRS (February-March 2019). Finger-prick blood samples were obtained to prepare thick and thin smears for microscopic determination and qPCR diagnosis of Plasmodium genus. RESULTS Plasmodium spp. infection prevalence by microscopy was 18.5% (113/610) before IRS, 14.2% (105/737) and 3.3% (24/720) after the first round of IRS and 1.3% (11/849) after the second round of IRS (p < 0.0001). Submicroscopic (blood smear negative, qPCR positive) parasitaemia reduced from 18.9% (115/610) before IRS to 5.4% (46/849) after IRS (p < 0.0001). However, the proportion of PCR positive infections that were submicroscopic increased from 50.4% (115/228) to 80.7% (46/57) over the study period (p < 0.0001). Similarly, while the absolute number and proportions of microscopy positives which were asymptomatic decreased from 12% (73/610) to 1.2% (9/849) (p < 0.0001), the relative proportion increased. Geometric mean density of P. falciparum parasitaemia decreased over the 2-year study period (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that two annual rounds of IRS integrated with LLINs significantly reduced the prevalence of Plasmodium parasitaemia, while the proportion of asymptomatic and submicroscopic infections increased. To reduce cryptic P. falciparum transmission and improve malaria control, strategies aimed at reducing the number of asymptomatic and submicroscopic infections should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collince J Omondi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya.
| | - Wilfred O Otambo
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Department of Zoology, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - David Odongo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kevin O Ochwedo
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Antony Otieno
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shirley A Onyango
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Department of Zoological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pauline Orondo
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Benyl M Ondeto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - James W Kazura
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Andrew K Githeko
- Sub-Saharan International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Climate and Human Health Research Unit, Center for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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16
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Bittaye SO, Jagne A, Jaiteh LE, Nadjm B, Amambua-Ngwa A, Sesay AK, Singhateh Y, Effa E, Nyan O, Njie R. Clinical manifestations and outcomes of severe malaria in adult patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in the Gambia. Malar J 2022; 21:270. [PMID: 36131306 PMCID: PMC9491657 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04294-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a major public health concern in The Gambia. There is limited data on the clinical manifestation and outcome of severe malaria in adult patients in The Gambia. The study therefore assessed the clinical manifestations and outcome of severe malaria in adult patients admitted at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. METHODS The study retrospectively reviewed the records of all malaria patients admitted from 18th October 2020 to 2nd February 2022. Demographic data, clinical features, investigations, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS A total of 131 confirmed malaria patients were recruited into the study. The median age was 21 yrs, range (15-90) and most of them were within the youth age group (15-24yrs) 85 (64.9%). The majority of the patients were also male 88 (67.2%) with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The most common symptom at presentation was fever 119 (90.8%) and the most common sign was pallor 48 (36.6%). Seventy-six patients (58.1%) and 55 (41.9%) patients met the criteria for severe malaria and uncomplicated malaria diagnosis, respectively. The most common clinical feature amongst patients with severe malaria were impaired consciousness 34 (44.7%), severe anaemia 26 (34.2%) and acute kidney injury 20 (26.3%). Patients with severe malaria were younger with mean age of 22.9 vs. 29 yrs (p = 0.004), more likely to be referred from a lower-level health facility 62 (81.6%) vs. 34 (61.8%) (p = 0.012), to have a longer duration of admission (p = 0.024) and to die 13 (17.1%) vs. 0 (0%) (p = 0.001) as compared to patients with uncomplicated malaria. The total mortality was 13 (9.9%) and all the patients who died had severe malaria. Mortality was higher in patients with impaired consciousness 9 (26.5%) and there was a significant relationship between death and impaired consciousness 9 (69.3%) vs. 25 (21.4%) p = 0.001. CONCLUSION Severe malaria still affects young adults in an endemic area with significant mortality. This suggests the need for targeted malaria prevention, surveillance, case management and control strategies in this population group in The Gambia to help reduce morbidity and mortality of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Omar Bittaye
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small teaching hospital, Banjul, The Gambia. .,School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia.
| | - Abubacarr Jagne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small teaching hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.,School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Lamin Es Jaiteh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small teaching hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.,School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Behzad Nadjm
- Medical Research Council, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Alfred Amambua-Ngwa
- Medical Research Council, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Abdul Karim Sesay
- Medical Research Council, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Yankuba Singhateh
- Epidemiology and disease control unit, Ministry of Health, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Emmanuel Effa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small teaching hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.,School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ousman Nyan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small teaching hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.,School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Ramou Njie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Edward Francis Small teaching hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.,School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
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17
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Kamau A, Paton RS, Akech S, Mpimbaza A, Khazenzi C, Ogero M, Mumo E, Alegana VA, Agweyu A, Mturi N, Mohammed S, Bigogo G, Audi A, Kapisi J, Sserwanga A, Namuganga JF, Kariuki S, Otieno NA, Nyawanda BO, Olotu A, Salim N, Athuman T, Abdulla S, Mohamed AF, Mtove G, Reyburn H, Gupta S, Lourenço J, Bejon P, Snow RW. Malaria hospitalisation in East Africa: age, phenotype and transmission intensity. BMC Med 2022; 20:28. [PMID: 35081974 PMCID: PMC8793189 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02224-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the age patterns of disease is necessary to target interventions to maximise cost-effective impact. New malaria chemoprevention and vaccine initiatives target young children attending routine immunisation services. Here we explore the relationships between age and severity of malaria hospitalisation versus malaria transmission intensity. METHODS Clinical data from 21 surveillance hospitals in East Africa were reviewed. Malaria admissions aged 1 month to 14 years from discrete administrative areas since 2006 were identified. Each site-time period was matched to a model estimated community-based age-corrected parasite prevalence to provide predictions of prevalence in childhood (PfPR2-10). Admission with all-cause malaria, severe malaria anaemia (SMA), respiratory distress (RD) and cerebral malaria (CM) were analysed as means and predicted probabilities from Bayesian generalised mixed models. RESULTS 52,684 malaria admissions aged 1 month to 14 years were described at 21 hospitals from 49 site-time locations where PfPR2-10 varied from < 1 to 48.7%. Twelve site-time periods were described as low transmission (PfPR2-10 < 5%), five low-moderate transmission (PfPR2-10 5-9%), 20 moderate transmission (PfPR2-10 10-29%) and 12 high transmission (PfPR2-10 ≥ 30%). The majority of malaria admissions were below 5 years of age (69-85%) and rare among children aged 10-14 years (0.7-5.4%) across all transmission settings. The mean age of all-cause malaria hospitalisation was 49.5 months (95% CI 45.1, 55.4) under low transmission compared with 34.1 months (95% CI 30.4, 38.3) at high transmission, with similar trends for each severe malaria phenotype. CM presented among older children at a mean of 48.7 months compared with 39.0 months and 33.7 months for SMA and RD, respectively. In moderate and high transmission settings, 34% and 42% of the children were aged between 2 and 23 months and so within the age range targeted by chemoprevention or vaccines. CONCLUSIONS Targeting chemoprevention or vaccination programmes to areas where community-based parasite prevalence is ≥10% is likely to match the age ranges covered by interventions (e.g. intermittent presumptive treatment in infancy to children aged 2-23 months and current vaccine age eligibility and duration of efficacy) and the age ranges of highest disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kamau
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | | | - Samuel Akech
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Arthur Mpimbaza
- Child Health and Development Centre, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Cynthia Khazenzi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Morris Ogero
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eda Mumo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Victor A Alegana
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ambrose Agweyu
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Neema Mturi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Shebe Mohammed
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Godfrey Bigogo
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Allan Audi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James Kapisi
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Nancy A Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bryan O Nyawanda
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ally Olotu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Nahya Salim
- Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Amina F Mohamed
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre/Joint Malaria Programme, Moshi, Tanzania
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - George Mtove
- National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Research Centre, Muheza, Tanzania
| | - Hugh Reyburn
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sunetra Gupta
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - José Lourenço
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert W Snow
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Kapulu MC, Kimani D, Njuguna P, Hamaluba M, Otieno E, Kimathi R, Tuju J, Sim BKL, Abdi AI, Abebe Y, Bejon P, Billingsley PF, Bull PC, de Laurent Z, Hoffman SL, James ER, Kariuki S, Kinyanjui S, Kivisi C, Makale J, Marsh K, Mohammed KS, Mosobo M, Musembi J, Musyoki J, Muthui M, Mwacharo J, Mwai K, Ngoi JM, Ngoto O, Nkumama I, Ndungu F, Odera D, Ogutu B, Olewe F, Omuoyo D, Ong’echa J, Osier F, Richie TL, Shangala J, Wambua J, Williams TN. Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) outcomes in Kenyan adults is associated with prior history of malaria exposure and anti-schizont antibody response. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:86. [PMID: 35073864 PMCID: PMC8785382 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Individuals living in endemic areas acquire immunity to malaria following repeated parasite exposure. We sought to assess the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) model as a means of studying naturally acquired immunity in Kenyan adults with varying malaria exposure.
Methods
We analysed data from 142 Kenyan adults from three locations representing distinct areas of malaria endemicity (Ahero, Kilifi North and Kilifi South) enrolled in a CHMI study with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites NF54 strain (Sanaria® PfSPZ Challenge). To identify the in vivo outcomes that most closely reflected naturally acquired immunity, parameters based on qPCR measurements were compared with anti-schizont antibody levels and residence as proxy markers of naturally acquired immunity.
Results
Time to endpoint correlated more closely with anti-schizont antibodies and location of residence than other parasite parameters such as growth rate or mean parasite density. Compared to observational field-based studies in children where 0.8% of the variability in malaria outcome was observed to be explained by anti-schizont antibodies, in the CHMI model the dichotomized anti-schizont antibodies explained 17% of the variability.
Conclusions
The CHMI model is highly effective in studying markers of naturally acquired immunity to malaria.
Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT02739763. Registered 15 April 2016
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Kamau A, Musau M, Mtanje G, Mataza C, Bejon P, Snow RW. OUP accepted manuscript. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2022; 116:966-970. [PMID: 35415749 PMCID: PMC9526839 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kamau
- Corresponding author: Tel: +254-722 203417; E-mail:
| | - Moses Musau
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace Mtanje
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christine Mataza
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Ministry of Health, Kilifi County Government, P.O. Box 519-80108, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7LG, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert W Snow
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, P.O. Box 43640-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7LG, Oxford, UK
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20
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Assessment of malaria infection among pregnant women and children below five years of age attending rural health facilities of Kenya: A cross-sectional survey in two counties of Kenya. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257276. [PMID: 34529696 PMCID: PMC8445417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257276] [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: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Kenya, health service delivery and access to health care remains a challenge for vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women and children below five years. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the positivity rate of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in pregnant women and children below five years of age seeking healthcare services at the rural health facilities of Kwale and Siaya counties as well as their access and uptake of malaria control integrated services, like antenatal care (ANC), offered in those facilities. Methods Cluster random sampling method was used to select pregnant women and children below five years receiving maternal and child health services using two cross-sectional surveys conducted in eleven rural health facilities in two malaria endemic counties in western and coastal regions of Kenya. Each consenting participant provided single blood sample for determining malaria parasitaemia using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results Using PCR technique, the overall malaria positivity rate was 27.9% (95%CI: 20.9–37.2), and was 34.1% (95%CI: 27.1–42.9) and 22.0% (95%CI: 13.3–36.3) in children below five years and pregnant women respectively. Additionally, using microscopy, the overall positivity rate was 39.0% (95%CI: 29.5–51.6), and was 50.4% (95%CI: 39.4–64.5) and 30.6% (95%CI: 22.4–41.7) in children below five years and pregnant women respectively. Siaya County in western Kenya showed higher malaria positivity rates for both children (36.4% and 54.9%) and pregnant women (27.8% and 38.5%) using both PCR and microscopy diagnosis techniques respectively, compared to Kwale County that showed positivity rates of 27.2% and 37.9% for children and 5.2% and 8.6% for pregnant women similarly using both PCR and microscopy techniques respectively. Pregnant women presenting themselves for their first ANC visit were up to five times at risk of malaria infection, (adjusted odds ratio = 5.40, 95%CI: 0.96–30.50, p = 0.046). Conclusion Despite evidence of ANC attendance and administration of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) dosage during these visits, malaria positivity rate was still high among pregnant women and children below five years in these two rural counties. These findings are important to the Kenyan National Malaria Control Programme and will help contribute to improvement of policies on integration of malaria control approaches in rural health facilities.
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21
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Paton RS, Kamau A, Akech S, Agweyu A, Ogero M, Mwandawiro C, Mturi N, Mohammed S, Mpimbaza A, Kariuki S, Otieno NA, Nyawanda BO, Mohamed AF, Mtove G, Reyburn H, Gupta S, Bejon P, Lourenço J, Snow RW. Malaria infection and severe disease risks in Africa. Science 2021; 373:926-931. [PMID: 34413238 PMCID: PMC7611598 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between community prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and the burden of severe, life-threatening disease remains poorly defined. To examine the three most common severe malaria phenotypes from catchment populations across East Africa, we assembled a dataset of 6506 hospital admissions for malaria in children aged 3 months to 9 years from 2006 to 2020. Admissions were paired with data from community parasite infection surveys. A Bayesian procedure was used to calibrate uncertainties in exposure (parasite prevalence) and outcomes (severe malaria phenotypes). Each 25% increase in prevalence conferred a doubling of severe malaria admission rates. Severe malaria remains a burden predominantly among young children (3 to 59 months) across a wide range of community prevalence typical of East Africa. This study offers a quantitative framework for linking malaria parasite prevalence and severe disease outcomes in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Paton
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Alice Kamau
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Samuel Akech
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ambrose Agweyu
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre/Joint Malaria Programme, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Morris Ogero
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles Mwandawiro
- Eastern and Southern Africa Centre of International Parasite Control, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Neema Mturi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Shebe Mohammed
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Arthur Mpimbaza
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Nancy A Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Bryan O Nyawanda
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amina F Mohamed
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre/Joint Malaria Programme, Moshi, Tanzania
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - George Mtove
- National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Research Centre, Muheza, Tanzania
| | - Hugh Reyburn
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sunetra Gupta
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip Bejon
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - José Lourenço
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert W Snow
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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22
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Rakislova N, Jordao D, Ismail MR, Mayor A, Cisteró P, Marimon L, Ferrando M, Hurtado JC, Lovane L, Carrilho C, Lorenzoni C, Fernandes F, Nhampossa T, Cossa A, Mandomando I, Navarro M, Casas I, Munguambe K, Maixenchs M, Quintó L, Macete E, Martinez M, Snow RW, Bassat Q, Menéndez C, Ordi J. Accuracy of verbal autopsy, clinical data and minimally invasive autopsy in the evaluation of malaria-specific mortality: an observational study. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005218. [PMID: 34083241 PMCID: PMC8183227 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005218] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global malaria mortality estimates are hindered by the low reliability of the verbal autopsy (VA) and the clinical records, the most common sources of information used to estimate malaria-specific mortality. We aimed to determine the accuracy of these tools, as well as of the minimally invasive autopsy (MIA), a needle-based postmortem sampling method, to identify malaria-specific mortality in a large series of deceased patients from Mozambique, using complete autopsy as the gold standard. METHODS Observational study that included 264 deaths, occurring at a tertiary level hospital in Mozambique, from 1 November 2013 to 31 March 2015 (17 months-long period). Clinical data were abstracted, a computer coded VA was completed using the clinical data as source of information, and an MIA followed by a complete autopsy were performed. Screening for malaria infection was conducted postmortem to all participants using molecular and histological techniques (PCR and immunohistochemistry). FINDINGS Malaria infection was considered the cause of death in 6/264 (2.3%) cases: 2/54 children (3.7%, both less than 5 years old) and 4/57 (7.0%) maternal deaths. The sensitivity and specificity of the VA, the clinical data and the MIA to identify malaria-specific deaths were 33.3% and 96.1%, 66.7% and 96.1%, and 100% and 100%, respectively. In addition, malaria was identified as a possible contributor in 14 additional patients who died of other diseases. These cases were also accurately identified by the MIA (sensitivity 82.4%, specificity 100%). INTERPRETATION The high sensitivity and specificity of the MIA in identifying malaria may help to improve current estimates of malaria-specific mortality in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Rakislova
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dercio Jordao
- Department of Pathology, Quelimane Central Hospital, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Mamudo R Ismail
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique.,Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Cisteró
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Marimon
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Melania Ferrando
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Hurtado
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucilia Lovane
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Carla Carrilho
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique.,Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | | | - Fabiola Fernandes
- Department of Pathology, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Tacilta Nhampossa
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhica, Mozambique.,Department of Pediatrics, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Anelsio Cossa
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhica, Mozambique
| | | | - Mireia Navarro
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isaac Casas
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Khatia Munguambe
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhica, Mozambique
| | - Maria Maixenchs
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhica, Mozambique
| | - Llorenç Quintó
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eusebio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhica, Mozambique
| | - Mikel Martinez
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Microbiology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robert W Snow
- Population and Health Unit, KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuttfield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Quique Bassat
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhica, Mozambique
| | - Clara Menéndez
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhica, Mozambique.,Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaume Ordi
- ISGLOBAL, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain .,Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Kamau A, Mtanje G, Mataza C, Bejon P, Snow RW. Spatial-temporal clustering of malaria using routinely collected health facility data on the Kenyan Coast. Malar J 2021; 20:227. [PMID: 34016100 PMCID: PMC8138976 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03758-3] [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: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The over-distributed pattern of malaria transmission has led to attempts to define malaria "hotspots" that could be targeted for purposes of malaria control in Africa. However, few studies have investigated the use of routine health facility data in the more stable, endemic areas of Africa as a low-cost strategy to identify hotspots. Here the objective was to explore the spatial and temporal dynamics of fever positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT) malaria cases routinely collected along the Kenyan Coast. METHODS Data on fever positive RDT cases between March 2018 and February 2019 were obtained from patients presenting to six out-patients health-facilities in a rural area of Kilifi County on the Kenyan Coast. To quantify spatial clustering, homestead level geocoded addresses were used as well as aggregated homesteads level data at enumeration zone. Data were sub-divided into quarterly intervals. Kulldorff's spatial scan statistics using Bernoulli probability model was used to detect hotspots of fever positive RDTs across all ages, where cases were febrile individuals with a positive test and controls were individuals with a negative test. RESULTS Across 12 months of surveillance, there were nine significant clusters that were identified using the spatial scan statistics among RDT positive fevers. These clusters included 52% of all fever positive RDT cases detected in 29% of the geocoded homesteads in the study area. When the resolution of the data was aggregated at enumeration zone (village) level the hotspots identified were located in the same areas. Only two of the nine hotspots were temporally stable accounting for 2.7% of the homesteads and included 10.8% of all fever positive RDT cases detected. CONCLUSION Taking together the temporal instability of spatial hotspots and the relatively modest fraction of the malaria cases that they account for; it would seem inadvisable to re-design the sub-county control strategies around targeting hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kamau
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Grace Mtanje
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christine Mataza
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.,Ministry of Health, Kilifi County Government, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert W Snow
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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24
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Mukisa A, Kasozi D, Aguttu C, Vuzi PC, Kyambadde J. Relationship between blood Lead status and anemia in Ugandan children with malaria infection. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:521. [PMID: 33189139 PMCID: PMC7666473 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02412-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Uganda, childhood anemia remains a health challenge and is associated with malaria infection as well as iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is intertwined with nutritional status, age and other comorbidities including helminths and Lead toxicity. Environmental Lead levels accounts for one's blood Lead (BL) levels. Blood Lead competitively blocks iron absorption, inhibits hemoglobin (Hb) biosynthesis and elevates free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) levels. Lead toxicity's contribution towards anemia pathogenesis, especially during malaria infection has not been studied. Concomitant exposure to both malaria infection and Lead pollution, exacerbates the anemia status. This study therefore aimed at expounding the anemia status of these Ugandan children aged under 5years who are exposed to both malaria infection and environmental Lead pollution. METHODS Briefly, venous blood samples from 198 children were microscopically assayed for malaria parasite density (PD), and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations using the cyanmethemoglobin method, while BL and FEP levels were determined by the standard atomic absorption spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods respectively. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-one (76.3%) of the children analyzed had moderate anemia (Hb <10>5 g/dL) with Means of BLL=8.6 µg/dL, Hb =7.5 g/dL, FEP/Hb =8.3 µg/g and PD =3.21×103 parasites / µL, while eight (4%) were severely anemic (<5 g/dL). Regression analysis and statistical correlation between PD and Hb (r = -0.231, R2= 0.15 P-value < 0.001) was negative and weak as compared to that between FEP/Hb and Hb (r = -0.6, R2=0.572 P-value=0.001). CONCLUSION Based on the study's findings, we conclude that BL significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of anemia and therefore its co-existence with malaria infection in the host exacerbates the anemia status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambrose Mukisa
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Kasozi
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Claire Aguttu
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter C Vuzi
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Kyambadde
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Science, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
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25
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Kamau A, Mtanje G, Mataza C, Malla L, Bejon P, Snow RW. The relationship between facility-based malaria test positivity rate and community-based parasite prevalence. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240058. [PMID: 33027313 PMCID: PMC7540858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria surveillance is a key pillar in the control of malaria in Africa. The value of using routinely collected data from health facilities to define malaria risk at community levels remains poorly defined. METHODS Four cross-sectional parasite prevalence surveys were undertaken among residents at 36 enumeration zones in Kilifi county on the Kenyan coast and temporally and spatially matched to fever surveillance at 6 health facilities serving the same communities over 12 months. The age-structured functional form of the relationship between test positivity rate (TPR) and community-based parasite prevalence (PR) was explored through the development of regression models fitted by alternating the linear, exponential and polynomial terms for PR. The predictive ranges of TPR were explored for PR endemicity risk groups of control programmatic value using cut-offs of low (PR <5%) and high (PR ≥ 30%) transmission intensity. RESULTS Among 28,134 febrile patients encountered for malaria diagnostic testing in the health facilities, 12,143 (43.2%: 95% CI: 42.6%, 43.7%) were positive. The overall community PR was 9.9% (95% CI: 9.2%, 10.7%) among 6,479 participants tested for malaria. The polynomial model was the best fitting model for the data that described the algebraic relationship between TPR and PR. In this setting, a TPR of ≥ 49% in all age groups corresponded to an age-standardized PR of ≥ 30%, while a TPR of < 40% corresponded to an age-standardized PR of < 5%. CONCLUSION A non-linear relationship was observed between the relative change in TPR and changes in the PR, which is likely to have important implications for malaria surveillance programs, especially at the extremes of transmission. However, larger, more spatially diverse data series using routinely collected TPR data matched to community-based infection prevalence data are required to explore the more practical implications of using TPR as a replacement for community PR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kamau
- 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
- * E-mail:
| | - Grace Mtanje
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Christine Mataza
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Ministry of Health, Kilifi County Government, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Lucas Malla
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Philip Bejon
- 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
| | - Robert W. Snow
- 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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