1
|
Kaghou MM, Metoh TN, Fru CT, Berinyui S, Bindamu M, Chi A, Pieme CA. High prevalence and risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria among children in Nkwen village, Northwest Region, Cameroon. Malar J 2024; 23:243. [PMID: 39138579 PMCID: PMC11323661 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-05013-x] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In endemic locations, asymptomatic malaria is a major contribution to the rise in clinical malaria. In order to achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission, control programmes should take into consideration carriers of asymptomatic malaria parasite. Hence, the purpose of this study was to look at the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in children in Nkwen village. METHODS Using a cross-sectional and community-based design, conducted between June and December 2022, a total of 246 children were enrolled after obtaining informed and signed consent from parents and/ or guardians. To collect data, pre-tested, closed-ended, structured questionnaires were used, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information gathered. A digital thermometer with infrared forehead capability was used to take participants' body temperature, providing precise measurements and respondents with temperature < 37.5 °C, and not presenting any symptoms or indicators of malaria were included in the study, ensuring the focus on asymptomatic cases. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture and screened for the presence of asymptomatic parasitaemia using blood smear microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data was entered into Microsoft Excel worksheet and analysed using SPSS version 23 software. Logistic regression models were carried out to explore the risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria at household and individual levels and statistically significant association was considered at a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS A total of 246 healthy children were examined for asymptomatic malaria infection using microscopy and PCR. Of the examined children, 65.9% (162/246) were malaria positive by PCR while 59.3% (146/246) were malaria positive by microscopy. Considering both diagnostic methods, females had a greater prevalence of asymptomatic malaria than males. In logistic analysis, the risk of developing asymptomatic malaria was associated several factors: previous malaria episode (OR = 5.14; CI 2.94-9.01), family history of malaria (OR = 3.86; CI 2.21-6.74), homestead near swampy areas (OR = 3.56; CI 2.10-10.61), non-utilization of insecticide treated nets (OR = 4.36; CI 2.53-7.5), non-usage of indoor residual spray (IRS) (OR = 6.67; CI 3.75-11.86) and opened eaves (OR = 3.86; CI 2.21-6.74). No associations were established between asymptomatic malaria and the following factors: age group (p > 0.05), gender (p > 0.05) and type of wall construction (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION The high rate of asymptomatic malaria in this study is a significant problem and may jeopardize the current malaria control effort. Personal and house-level risk factors were linked with asymptomatic malaria. Therefore, it should be considered when evaluating and restructuring more successful malaria elimination tactics to accomplish the intended goals of malaria control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Mbifung Kaghou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon.
| | - Theresia Njuabe Metoh
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Chi Tchampo Fru
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
- Organisation de coordination pour la lutte contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale, OCEAC Yaoundé, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Shantine Berinyui
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Maxim Bindamu
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | - Achille Chi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMBS), The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Constant Anatole Pieme
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMBS), The University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tam LT, Thinkhamrop K, Suttiprapa S, Suwannatrai AT. Potential distribution of malaria vectors in Central Vietnam: A MaxEnt modeling approach. Vet World 2024; 17:1514-1522. [PMID: 39185041 PMCID: PMC11344098 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.1514-1522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim In Central Vietnam, Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus are the primary malaria vector species. These Anopheles spp.' distribution and prevalence are determined by environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to predict the potential distribution of these two Anopheles spp. in this region. Materials and Methods This study was conducted in 15 Central Vietnamese provinces. From 2014 to 2018, we utilized An. dirus and An. minimus presence records. Proxy data from the Google Earth Engine platform for the study area, encompassing environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic factors. MaxEnt software predicted the potential environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic suitability of these two Anopheles spp. in Central Vietnam. Results The test area under the curve values for An. dirus and An. minimus MaxEnt models averaged 0.801 and 0.806, respectively, showing excellent performance. Minimum air temperature had the greatest impact on the distribution of both species. A negative correlation between precipitation and normalized difference water index influences the occurrence of An. dirus. In the temperature range of 13-19.5°C, An. minimus is most likely to be present, with nighttime light detrimentally influencing its distribution. The Central Highlands region is inhabited by both species, with some presence in North-Central and South-Central Coastal areas. Conclusion The importance of temperature in determining the presence of both species is emphasized by our findings, with subtle differences in the temperature-related factors shaping their distributions. The results highlight the need for focused malaria vector control and surveillance initiatives in the study area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Thanh Tam
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology Quy Nhon, Ministry of Health, Vietnam
| | - Kavin Thinkhamrop
- Health and Epidemiology Geoinformatics Research, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sutas Suttiprapa
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Apiporn T. Suwannatrai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chaparro Narváez PE, Jimenez-Serna MM, Gunturiz Albarracin ML, Carrasquilla Gutierrez G. Malaria prevalence in Commune 5 in Tumaco (Nariño, Colombia). F1000Res 2023; 11:448. [PMID: 38444515 PMCID: PMC10913070 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.110361.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Urban malaria is a public health problem in Colombia and there is still lack of knowledge about its epidemiological characteristics, which are key to the implementation of control measures. The presence of urban malaria cases and disease diagnosis are some of the challenges faced by malaria elimination programs. The objective of this research was to estimate malaria prevalence, explore associated factors and detect pfhrp 2/3 genes, in the urban area of Tumaco between July and December 2019. Methods A prevalence study was conducted by using a stratified random probability sample. Structured surveys were administered and blood samples were taken and examined through optical microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A logistic regression model was used to explore associated factors. Results 1,504 people living in 526 households were surveyed. The overall prevalence was 2.97% (95% CI: 2.1 - 4.3%). It was higher in males, in the 10-19 age group and in asymptomatic cases. The prevalence of pfhrp2 amplification was 2.16% (95% CI: 1.6 - 2.9%). Households with three or more people had a higher risk of malaria infection (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) 4.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-10.43). All cases were due to P. falciparum. Conclusions The prevalence of urban malaria was low. Strategies to eliminate malaria in urban areas should be adjusted considering access to early diagnosis, asymptomatic infection, and the RDTs used to detect the presence of the pfhrp2 gene.
Collapse
|
4
|
Nguyen TT, Nguyen XX, Wilson-Barthes M, Sawada I, Muela J, Hausmann-Muela S, Pham TV, Van Nguyen H, Van Nguyen V, Tran DT, Gryseels C, D'Alessandro U, Grietens KP, Erhart A. Why using bed nets is a challenge among minority populations in Central Vietnam. Malar J 2022; 21:87. [PMID: 35292018 PMCID: PMC8922825 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04114-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite freely distributed insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and health information campaigns to increase their use among populations at risk, malaria transmission persists in forested areas in Vietnam, especially among ethnic minority communities. A mixed-methods study was conducted in four villages of Ca Dong and M'nong ethnicity in Central Vietnam between 2009 and 2011 to assess factors limiting the uptake of ITNs. METHODS The mixed-methods research design consisted of a qualitative study to explore the context and barriers to ITN use, and a cross-sectional household survey (n = 141) to quantify factors for limited and appropriate net use. RESULTS The Ca Dong and M'nong's livelihood was dependent on swidden farming in the forest. Poverty-related factors, including the lack of beds, blankets, the practice of sleeping around the kitchen fire and deteriorated ITNs due to open housing structures, were reasons for alternative and non-use of ITNs. When household members stayed overnight in plot huts at fields, ITNs were even more unavailable and easily deteriorated. 72.5% of households reported having received one net for every two persons, and 82.2% of participants reported to have used ITNs the night before the survey. However, only 18.4% of participants were estimated to be effectively protected by ITNs after accounting for the availability of torn ITNs and the way ITNs were used, for example as blankets, at both village and fields. Multi-variable logistic regression showed the effect of four significant factors for appropriate ITN use: i) being female (AOR = 8.08; p = 0.009); ii) aware of mosquito bites as the sole cause of malaria (AOR = 7.43; p = 0.008); iii) not sleeping around the kitchen fire (AOR = 24.57; p = 0.001); and iv) having sufficient number of ITNs in the household (AOR = 21.69; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION This study showed how social factors rooted in poverty and swidden agriculture limited the effective use of ITNs, despite high coverage, among ethnic minority populations in Central Vietnam. An in-depth understanding of the local context is essential to develop specific indicators for measuring ITN use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thuan Thi Nguyen
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. .,National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Xa Xuan Nguyen
- National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Marta Wilson-Barthes
- International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
| | - Ikumi Sawada
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Joan Muela
- University Ramon I Virgili, Tarragona, Spain.,Partners for Applied Social Sciences, PASS International, Tessenderlo, Belgium
| | | | - Thanh Vinh Pham
- National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hong Van Nguyen
- National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Duong Thanh Tran
- National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Charlotte Gryseels
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Koen Peeters Grietens
- Socio-Ecological Health Research Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Partners for Applied Social Sciences, PASS International, Tessenderlo, Belgium.,School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Annette Erhart
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| |
Collapse
|