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Hadebe MT, Malgwi SA, Okpeku M. Revolutionizing Malaria Vector Control: The Importance of Accurate Species Identification through Enhanced Molecular Capacity. Microorganisms 2023; 12:82. [PMID: 38257909 PMCID: PMC10818655 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010082] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Many factors, such as the resistance to pesticides and a lack of knowledge of the morphology and molecular structure of malaria vectors, have made it more challenging to eradicate malaria in numerous malaria-endemic areas of the globe. The primary goal of this review is to discuss malaria vector control methods and the significance of identifying species in vector control initiatives. This was accomplished by reviewing methods of molecular identification of malaria vectors and genetic marker classification in relation to their use for species identification. Due to its specificity and consistency, molecular identification is preferred over morphological identification of malaria vectors. Enhanced molecular capacity for species identification will improve mosquito characterization, leading to accurate control strategies/treatment targeting specific mosquito species, and thus will contribute to malaria eradication. It is crucial for disease epidemiology and surveillance to accurately identify the Plasmodium spp. that are causing malaria in patients. The capacity for disease surveillance will be significantly increased by the development of more accurate, precise, automated, and high-throughput diagnostic techniques. In conclusion, although morphological identification is quick and achievable at a reduced cost, molecular identification is preferred for specificity and sensitivity. To achieve the targeted malaria elimination goal, proper identification of vectors using accurate techniques for effective control measures should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Durban 4000, South Africa
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Chen Y, Zhang H, Chen H, Fan L, Xu C, Xu J, Chen S, Chen K, Wei Y. Malaria epidemiological characteristics and control in Guangzhou, China, 1950-2022. Malar J 2023; 22:265. [PMID: 37691114 PMCID: PMC10494454 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04696-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria was once widespread in Guangzhou, China. However, a series of control measures have succeeded in eliminating local malaria infections. Based on the analysis of the characteristics of malaria epidemics in Guangzhou, China, from 1950 to 2022, the changes and effectiveness of malaria control strategies and surveillance management in Guangzhou from 1950 to 2022 are described. METHODS Data on malaria prevention and treatment in Guangzhou from 1950 to 2022 were collected, and descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyse the prevalence of malaria, preventive and control measures taken, and the effectiveness of prevention and treatment in different periods. Data on malaria cases were obtained from the Guangzhou Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the China Communicable Disease Reporting System. RESULTS The development of the malaria control system in Guangzhou has gone through four periods: 1. High malaria prevalence (1950-1979), 2. Intensive prevention and control stage (1980-2000), 3. Consolidating gains in malaria control (2001-2008), and 4. Preventing reestablishment of transmission (2009-2022). During Period 1, only medical institutions at all levels and the local CDCs, the Guangzhou CDC participated in the malaria prevention and control system, establishing a three-tier health system on malaria prevention and control. During Period 2, other types of organizations, including the agricultural sector, schools and village committees, the construction department and street committee, are involved in the malaria control system. During Period 3, more and more organizations are joining forces to prevent and control malaria. A well-established multisectoral malaria control mechanism and an improved post-elimination surveillance management system are in place. Between 1950 and 2022, a total of 420,670 cases of malaria were reported. During Period 1, there was an epidemic of malaria in the early 1950s, with an annual incidence rate of more than 10,000/100,000, including a high rate of 2887.98/100,000 in 1954. In Period 2 malaria was gradually brought under control, with the average annual malaria incidence rate dropping to 3.14/100,000. During Period 3, the incidence rate was kept below 1/100,000, and by 2009 local malaria infections were eliminated. CONCLUSION For decades, Guangzhou has adopted different malaria control strategies and measures at different epidemic stages. Increased collaboration among civil organizations in Guangzhou in malaria control has led to a significant decline in the number of malaria cases and the elimination of indigenous malaria infections by 2009.The experience of Guangzhou can guide the development of malaria control strategies in other cities experiencing similar malaria epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Chen
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lirui Fan
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Conghui Xu
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Xu
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouyi Chen
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kuncai Chen
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuehong Wei
- Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Parasite and Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China.
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