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Angwe MK, Mwebaza N, Nsobya SL, Vudriko P, Dralabu S, Omali D, Tumwebaze MA, Ocan M. Day 3 parasitemia and Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 mutations among uncomplicated malaria patients treated with artemether-lumefantrine in Adjumani district, Uganda. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305064. [PMID: 38837973 PMCID: PMC11152288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin resistance threatens malaria control and elimination efforts globally. Recent studies have reported the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites tolerant to artemisinin agents in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. The current study assessed the day 3 parasite clearance and its correlation with P. falciparum K13 propeller gene (pfkelch13) mutations in P. falciparum parasites isolated from patients with uncomplicated malaria under artemether-lumefantrine (AL) treatment. This study enrolled 100 P. falciparum-positive patients to whom AL was prescribed between 09/September/2022 and 06/November/2022. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes before treatment initiation (day 0) and on day 3. Parasitemia was assessed by microscopy from blood smears and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) from the DNA extracted. The day 0 parasite K13 gene was sequenced using Sanger sequencing. Sequence data were analysed using MEGA version 11 software. The data were analysed using STATA version 15, and the Mann‒Whitney U test was used to compare PCR parasite clearance on day 3 using the comparative CT value method and pfkelch13 mutations. The prevalence of day 3 parasitaemia was 24% (24/100) by microscopy and 63% (63/100) by qPCR from the AL-treated patients. P. falciparum K13-propeller gene polymorphism was detected in 18.8% (15/80) of the day 0 DNA samples. The K13 mutations found were C469Y, 12.5% (10/80); A675V, 2.5% (2/80); A569S, 1.25%, (1/80), A578S, 1.25%, (1/80) and; F491S, 1.25%, (1/80) a new allele not reported anywhere. The C469Y mutation, compared to the wild-type, was associated with delayed parasite clearance p = 0.0278, Hodges-Lehmann estimation 3.2108 on the log scale, (95%CI 1.7076, 4.4730). There was a high prevalence of day 3 P. falciparum among malaria patients treated using artemether-lumefantrine. We conclude the presence of the K13 mutation associated with artemisinin resistance by P. falciparum in Adjumani district, Uganda, necessitates regular surveillance of the effectiveness and efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kamilo Angwe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences, School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Norah Mwebaza
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sam Lubwama Nsobya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Vudriko
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Saviour Dralabu
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Omali
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria Agnes Tumwebaze
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Ocan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Angwe MK, Mwebaza N, Nsobya SL, Vudriko P, Dralabu S, Omali D, Tumwebaze MA, Ocan M. Day 3 parasitemia and Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 mutations among uncomplicated malaria patients treated with artemether-lumefantrine in Adjumani district, Uganda. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.26.24306433. [PMID: 38712186 PMCID: PMC11071562 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.24306433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Artemisinin resistance threatens malaria control and elimination efforts globally. Recent studies have reported the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites tolerant to artemisinin agents in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. The current study assessed the day 3 parasite clearance and its correlation with P. falciparum K13 propeller gene (pfkelch13) mutations in P. falciparum parasites isolated from patients with uncomplicated malaria under artemether-lumefantrine (AL) treatment. This study enrolled 100 P. falciparum-positive patients to whom AL was prescribed between 09/September/2022 and 06/November/2022. Blood samples were collected in EDTA tubes before treatment initiation (day 0) and on day 3. Parasitemia was assessed by microscopy from blood smears and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) from the DNA extracted. The day 0 parasite K13 gene was sequenced using Sanger sequencing. Sequence data were analysed using MEGA version 11 software. The data were analysed using STATA version 15, and the Mann‒Whitney U test was used to compare PCR parasite clearance on day 3 using the comparative CT value method and pfkelch13 mutations. The prevalence of day 3 parasitaemia was 24% (24/100) by microscopy and 63% (63/100) by qPCR from the AL-treated patients. P. falciparum K13-propeller gene polymorphism was detected in 18.8% (15/80) of the day 0 DNA samples. The K13 mutations found were C469Y, 12.5% (10/80); A675V, 2.5% (2/80); A569S, 1.25%, (1/80), A578S, 1.25%, (1/80) and; F491S, 1.25%, (1/80) a new allele not reported anywhere. The C469Y mutation, compared to the wild-type, was associated with delayed parasite clearance p=0.0278, Hodges-Lehmann estimation 3.2108 on the log scale, (95%CI 1.7076, 4.4730). There was a high prevalence of day 3 P. falciparum among malaria patients treated using artemether-lumefantrine. We conclude that the K13 mutation associated with artemisinin resistance by P. falciparum is present in Adjumani district, Uganda. This necessitates regular surveillance of the effectiveness and efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kamilo Angwe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Science, Makerere University
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University
- Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolab Sciences, School of Biosecurity, Biotechnical and Laboratory Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity Makerere University
| | - Norah Mwebaza
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Science, Makerere University
| | | | - Patrick Vudriko
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University
| | - Savior Dralabu
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University
| | - Denis Omali
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Science, Makerere University
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University
| | - Maria Agnes Tumwebaze
- Research Center for Tropical Diseases and Vector Control, Department of Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University
| | - Moses Ocan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Science, Makerere University
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Ngasala BE, Chiduo MG, Mmbando BP, Francis FT, Bushukatale S, Makene T, Mandara CI, Ishengoma DS, Kamugisha E, Ahmed M, Mahende MK, Kavishe RA, Muro F, Molteni F, Reaves E, Kitojo C, Greer G, Nyinondi S, Kabula B, Lalji S, Chacky F, Njau RJ, Warsame M, Mohamed A. Efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in mainland Tanzania, 2019. Malar J 2024; 23:101. [PMID: 38594679 PMCID: PMC11005286 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04931-0] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been a major contributor to the substantial reductions in global malaria morbidity and mortality over the last decade. In Tanzania, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) was introduced as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in 2006. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends regular assessment and monitoring of the efficacy of the first-line treatment, specifically considering that artemisinin resistance has been confirmed in the Greater Mekong sub-region. This study's main aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of AL for treating uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Tanzania. METHODS This was a single-arm prospective antimalarial drug efficacy trial conducted in four of the eight National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) sentinel sites in 2019. The trial was carried out in outpatient health facilities in Karume-Mwanza region, Ipinda-Mbeya region, Simbo-Tabora region, and Nagaga-Mtwara region. Children aged six months to 10 years with microscopy confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria who met the inclusion criteria were recruited based on the WHO protocol. The children received AL (a 6-dose regimen of AL twice daily for three days). Clinical and parasitological parameters were monitored during follow-up over 28 days to evaluate drug efficacy. RESULTS A total of 628 children were screened for uncomplicated malaria, and 349 (55.6%) were enrolled between May and September 2019. Of the enrolled children, 343 (98.3%) completed the 28-day follow-up or attained the treatment outcomes. There were no early treatment failures; recurrent infections during follow-up were common at two sites (Karume 29.5%; Simbo 18.2%). PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) by survival analysis to AL on day 28 of follow-up varied from 97.7% at Karume to 100% at Ipinda and Nagaga sites. The commonly reported adverse events were cough, skin pallor, and abdominal pain. The drug was well tolerated, and no serious adverse event was reported. CONCLUSION This study showed that AL had adequate efficacy and safety for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Tanzania in 2019. The high recurrent infections were mainly due to new infections, highlighting the potential role of introducing alternative artemisinin-based combinations that offer improved post-treatment prophylaxis, such as artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy E Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Mercy G Chiduo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Bruno P Mmbando
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Filbert T Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Samwel Bushukatale
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Twilumba Makene
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Headquarters, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Headquarters, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Erasmus Kamugisha
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Maimuna Ahmed
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Reginald A Kavishe
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Florida Muro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Erik Reaves
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chonge Kitojo
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, U.S. Agency for International Development, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - George Greer
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, U.S. Agency for International Development, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Frank Chacky
- National Malaria Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Ritha J Njau
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Ally Mohamed
- National Malaria Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Ngasala B, Bushukatale S, Chiduo M, Makene T, Mkony L, Mohamed A, Molteni F, Chacky F, Njau RJA, Mwaiswelo R. Efficacy of artesunate-amodiaquine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in mainland Tanzania. Malar J 2024; 23:90. [PMID: 38553737 PMCID: PMC10979577 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04923-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diversification of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is suggested as one of the strategies that can be used to contain artemisinin resistance. Artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) is one of the artemisinin-based combinations that can be used in the diversification strategy as an alternative first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in mainland Tanzania. There is however limited data on the efficacy of ASAQ in mainland Tanzania. This study assessed the efficacy of ASAQ for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in selected sentinel sites for therapeutic efficacy studies in mainland Tanzania. METHODS Between December 2018 and March 2020, children aged between 6 months and 10 years, attending at Nagaga, Mkuzi, and Mlimba primary health facilities, and with suspected uncomplicated malaria infection were screened for eligibility to participate in the study. Malaria infection was screened using microscopy. Children with uncomplicated P. falciparum monoinfection and who fulfilled all other inclusion criteria, and had none of the exclusion criteria, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, were treated with ASAQ. Follow-up visits were scheduled on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 or on any day of recurrent infection for clinical and laboratory assessment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-corrected cure rate on day 28 was the primary outcome. RESULTS A total of 264 children, 88 in each of the three study sites (Mlimba, Mkuzi and Nagaga health facilities) were enrolled and treated with ASAQ. The ASAQ PCR-corrected cure rate was 100% at all the three study sites. None of the participants had early treatment failure or late clinical failure. Furthermore, none of the participants had a serious adverse event. CONCLUSION ASAQ was highly efficacious for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in mainland Tanzania, therefore, it can be deployed as an alternative first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria as part of diversification strategy to contain the spread of partial artemisinin resistance in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy Ngasala
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65011, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Samwel Bushukatale
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65011, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mercy Chiduo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, P.O Box 5004, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Twilumba Makene
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65011, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lilian Mkony
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65011, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ally Mohamed
- National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 743, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Fablizio Molteni
- National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 743, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Frank Chacky
- National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 743, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ritha J A Njau
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Entomology, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65011, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Richard Mwaiswelo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, P.O Box 65300, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Ansah F, Nyame K, Laryea R, Owusu R, Amon D, Boyetey MJB, Ayeke D, Razak N, Kornu VE, Ashitei S, Owusu-Appiah C, Chirawurah JD, Abugri J, Aniweh Y, Opoku N, Sutherland CJ, Binka FN, Kweku M, Awandare GA, Dinko B. The temporal dynamics of Plasmodium species infection after artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) among asymptomatic children in the Hohoe municipality, Ghana. Malar J 2023; 22:271. [PMID: 37710288 PMCID: PMC10500816 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04712-1] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The routine surveillance of asymptomatic malaria using nucleic acid-based amplification tests is essential in obtaining reliable data that would inform malaria policy formulation and the implementation of appropriate control measures. METHODS In this study, the prevalence rate and the dynamics of Plasmodium species among asymptomatic children (n = 1697) under 5 years from 30 communities within the Hohoe municipality in Ghana were determined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The observed prevalence of Plasmodium parasite infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was 33.6% (571/1697), which was significantly higher compared to that obtained by microscopy [26.6% (451/1697)] (P < 0.0001). Based on species-specific analysis by nested PCR, Plasmodium falciparum infection [33.6% (570/1697)] was dominant, with Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax infections accounting for 0.1% (1/1697), 0.0% (0/1697), and 0.0% (0/1697), respectively. The prevalence of P. falciparum infection among the 30 communities ranged from 0.0 to 82.5%. Following artesunate-amodiaquine (AS + AQ, 25 mg/kg) treatment of a sub-population of the participants (n = 184), there was a substantial reduction in Plasmodium parasite prevalence by 100% and 79.2% on day 7 based on microscopy and nested PCR analysis, respectively. However, there was an increase in parasite prevalence from day 14 to day 42, with a subsequent decline on day 70 by both microscopy and nested PCR. For parasite clearance rate analysis, we found a significant proportion of the participants harbouring residual Plasmodium parasites or parasite genomic DNA on day 1 [65.0% (13/20)], day 2 [65.0% (13/20)] and day 3 [60.0% (12/20)] after initiating treatment. Of note, gametocyte carriage among participants was low before and after treatment. CONCLUSION Taken together, the results indicate that a significant number of individuals could harbour residual Plasmodium parasites or parasite genomic DNA after treatment. The study demonstrates the importance of routine surveillance of asymptomatic malaria using sensitive nucleic acid-based amplification techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Ansah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwamina Nyame
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rukaya Laryea
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Richard Owusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Denick Amon
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mark-Jefferson Buer Boyetey
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dzidzor Ayeke
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nasibatu Razak
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Victor E Kornu
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sarah Ashitei
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Caleb Owusu-Appiah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jersley D Chirawurah
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - James Abugri
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Yaw Aniweh
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nicholas Opoku
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fred N Binka
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Margaret Kweku
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Hohoe, Ghana
| | - Gordon A Awandare
- West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bismarck Dinko
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana.
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Funwei RI, Uyaiabasi GN, Hammed WA, Ojurongbe O, Walker O, Falade CO. High prevalence of persistent residual parasitemia on days 3 and 14 after artemether-lumefantrine or pyronaridine-artesunate treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Nigeria. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:519-526. [PMID: 36510009 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07753-8] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microscopic evaluation of parasite clearance is the gold standard in antimalarial drug efficacy trials. However, the presence of sub-microscopic residual parasitemia after artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) needs to be investigated. METHODS One hundred and twenty (AL: n = 60, PA: n = 60) days 3 and 14 dried blood spots, negative by microscopy were analysed for residual parasitemia using nested PCR. Isolates with residual parasitemia on days 3 and 14 were further genotyped with their corresponding day-0 isolates using merozoite surface proteins msp-1, msp-2, and glurp genes for allelic similarity. RESULTS Persistent PCR-determined sub-microscopic residual parasitemia at day 3 post ACT treatment was 83.3 (AL) and 88.3% (PA), respectively (ρ = 0.600), while 63.6 and 36.4% (ρ = 0.066) isolates were parasitemic at day 14 for AL and PA, respectively. Microscopy-confirmed gametocytemia persisted from days 0 to 7 and from days 0 to 21 for AL and PA. When the alleles of day 3 versus day 0 were compared according to base pair sizes, 59% of parasites shared identical alleles for glurp, 36% each for 3D7 and FC27, while K1 was 77%, RO33 64%, and MAD20 23%, respectively. Similarly, day 14 versus day 0 was 36% (glurp), 64% (3D7), and 32% (FC27), while 73% (K1), 77% (RO33), and 41% (MAD20), respectively. CONCLUSION The occurrence of residual parasitemia on days 3 and 14 following AL or PA treatment may be attributable to the presence of either viable asexual, gametocytes, or dead parasite DNAs, which requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland I Funwei
- Department of Pharmacology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. .,Center for Advanced Medical Research and Biotechnology (CAMRAB), Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
| | - Gabriel N Uyaiabasi
- Department of Pharmacology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.,Center for Advanced Medical Research and Biotechnology (CAMRAB), Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Wasiu A Hammed
- Center for Advanced Medical Research and Biotechnology (CAMRAB), Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Olusola Ojurongbe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria.,Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Oladapo Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.,Center for Advanced Medical Research and Biotechnology (CAMRAB), Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Catherine O Falade
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training (IAMRAT), University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Persistence of Residual Submicroscopic P. falciparum Parasitemia following Treatment of Artemether-Lumefantrine in Ethio-Sudan Border, Western Ethiopia. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0000222. [PMID: 35993723 PMCID: PMC9487599 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00002-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of artemisinin-resistant parasites in Africa has had a devastating impact, causing most malaria cases and related deaths reported on the continent. In Ethiopia, artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is the first-line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. This study is one of the earliest evaluations of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) efficacy in western Ethiopia, 17 years after the introduction of this drug in the study area. This study aimed at assessing PCR- corrected clinical and parasitological responses at 28 days following AL treatment. Sixty uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients were enrolled, treated with standard doses of AL, and monitored for 28 days with clinical and parasitological assessments from September 15 to December 15, 2020. Microscopy was used for patient recruitment and molecular diagnosis of P. falciparum was performed by Var gene acidic terminal sequence (varATS) real-time PCR on dried blood spots collected from each patient from day 0 and on follow-up days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. MspI and msp2 genotyping was done to confirm occurrence of recrudescence. Data entry and analysis were done by using the WHO-designed Excel spreadsheet and SPSS version 20 for Windows. A P value of less or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. From a total of 60 patients enrolled in this efficacy study, 10 were lost to follow-up; the results were analyzed for 50 patients. All the patients were fever-free on day 3. The asexual parasite positivity rate on day 3 was zero. However; 60% of the patients were PCR positive on day 3. PCR positivity on day 3 was more common among patients <15 years old as compared with those ≥15 years old (AOR = 6.44, P = 0.027). Only two patients met the case definition of treatment failure. These patients were classified as a late clinical failure as they showed symptoms of malaria and asexual stages of the parasite detected by microscopy on day 14 of their follow-ups. Hence, the Kaplan-Meier analysis of PCR- corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) rate of AL among study participants was 96% (95% CI: 84.9-99). In seven patients, the residual submicroscopic parasitemia persists from day 0 to day 28 of the follow-up. In addition, 16% (8/50) of patients were PCR- and then turned PCR+ after day 7 of the follow-up. AL remains efficacious for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the study area. However, the persistence of PCR-detected residual submicroscopic parasitemia following AL might compromise this treatment and need careful monitoring.
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Topazian HM, Moser KA, Ngasala B, Oluoch PO, Forconi CS, Mhamilawa LE, Aydemir O, Kharabora O, Deutsch-Feldman M, Read AF, Denton M, Lorenzo A, Mideo N, Ogutu B, Moormann AM, Mårtensson A, Odwar B, Bailey JA, Akala H, Ong'echa JM, Juliano JJ. Low Complexity of Infection Is Associated With Molecular Persistence of Plasmodium falciparum in Kenya and Tanzania. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2022; 2:852237. [PMID: 38455314 PMCID: PMC10910917 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2022.852237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) is a threat to malaria elimination. ACT-resistance in Asia raises concerns for emergence of resistance in Africa. While most data show high efficacy of ACT regimens in Africa, there have been reports describing declining efficacy, as measured by both clinical failure and prolonged parasite clearance times. Methods Three hundred children aged 2-10 years with uncomplicated P. falciparum infection were enrolled in Kenya and Tanzania after receiving treatment with artemether-lumefantrine. Blood samples were taken at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h, and weekly thereafter until 28 days post-treatment. Parasite and host genetics were assessed, as well as clinical, behavioral, and environmental characteristics, and host anti-malarial serologic response. Results While there was a broad range of clearance rates at both sites, 85% and 96% of Kenyan and Tanzanian samples, respectively, were qPCR-positive but microscopy-negative at 72 h post-treatment. A greater complexity of infection (COI) was negatively associated with qPCR-detectable parasitemia at 72 h (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53-0.94), and a greater baseline parasitemia was marginally associated with qPCR-detectable parasitemia (1,000 parasites/uL change, OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03). Demographic, serological, and host genotyping characteristics showed no association with qPCR-detectable parasitemia at 72 h. Parasite haplotype-specific clearance slopes were grouped around the mean with no association detected between specific haplotypes and slower clearance rates. Conclusions Identifying risk factors for slow clearing P. falciparum infections, such as COI, are essential for ongoing surveillance of ACT treatment failure in Kenya, Tanzania, and more broadly in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary M. Topazian
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kara A. Moser
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter O. Oluoch
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenyan Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Catherine S. Forconi
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Lwidiko E. Mhamilawa
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ozkan Aydemir
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Oksana Kharabora
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Molly Deutsch-Feldman
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Andrew F. Read
- Department of Entomology, Penn State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Madeline Denton
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Antonio Lorenzo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Mideo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernhards Ogutu
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenyan Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ann M. Moormann
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Boaz Odwar
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenyan Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jeffrey A. Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Hoseah Akala
- Center for Global Health Research, Kenyan Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Mhamilawa LE, Ngasala B, Morris U, Kitabi EN, Barnes R, Soe AP, Mmbando BP, Björkman A, Mårtensson A. Parasite clearance, cure rate, post-treatment prophylaxis and safety of standard 3-day versus an extended 6-day treatment of artemether-lumefantrine and a single low-dose primaquine for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Bagamoyo district, Tanzania: a randomized controlled trial. Malar J 2020; 19:216. [PMID: 32576258 PMCID: PMC7310382 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03287-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) resistant Plasmodium falciparum represents an increasing threat to Africa. Extended ACT regimens from standard 3 to 6 days may represent a means to prevent its development and potential spread in Africa. Methods Standard 3-day treatment with artemether–lumefantrine (control) was compared to extended 6-day treatment and single low-dose primaquine (intervention); in a randomized controlled, parallel group, superiority clinical trial of patients aged 1–65 years with microscopy confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, enrolled in Bagamoyo district, Tanzania. The study evaluated parasite clearance, including proportion of PCR detectable P. falciparum on days 5 and 7 (primary endpoint), cure rate, post-treatment prophylaxis, safety and tolerability. Clinical, and laboratory assessments, including ECG were conducted during 42 days of follow-up. Blood samples were collected for parasite detection (by microscopy and PCR), molecular genotyping and pharmacokinetic analyses. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were done for both parasite clearance and recurrence. Results A total of 280 patients were enrolled, 141 and 139 in the control and intervention arm, respectively, of whom 121 completed 42 days follow-up in each arm. There was no difference in proportion of PCR positivity across the arms at day 5 (80/130 (61.5%) vs 89/134 (66.4%), p = 0.44), or day 7 (71/129 (55.0%) vs 70/134 (52.2%), p = 0.71). Day 42 microscopy determined cure rates (PCR adjusted) were 97.4% (100/103) and 98.3% (110/112), p = 0.65, in the control and intervention arm, respectively. Microscopy determined crude recurrent parasitaemia during follow-up was 21/121 (17.4%) in the control and 14/121 (11.6%) in the intervention arm, p = 0.20, and it took 34 days and 42 days in the respective arms for 90% of the patients to remain without recurrent parasitaemia. Lumefantrine exposure was significantly higher in intervention arm from D3 to D42, but cardiac, biochemical and haematological safety was high and similar in both arms. Conclusion Extended 6-day artemether–lumefantrine treatment and a single low-dose of primaquine was not superior to standard 3-day treatment for ACT sensitive P. falciparum infections but, importantly, equally efficacious and safe. Thus, extended artemether–lumefantrine treatment may be considered as a future treatment regimen for ACT resistant P. falciparum, to prolong the therapeutic lifespan of ACT in Africa. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03241901. Registered July 27, 2017 https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03241901
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Affiliation(s)
- Lwidiko E Mhamilawa
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ulrika Morris
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eliford Ngaimisi Kitabi
- Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Division of Pharmacometrics, Food and Drugs Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Rory Barnes
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aung Paing Soe
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bruno P Mmbando
- Tanga Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Anders Björkman
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Mwaiswelo R, Ngasala B. Evaluation of residual submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum parasites 3 days after initiation of treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy. Malar J 2020; 19:162. [PMID: 32316974 PMCID: PMC7175519 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03235-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum resistance against artemisinin has not emerged in Africa; however, there are reports of the presence of polymerase chain reaction-determined residual submicroscopic parasitaemia detected on day 3 after artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). These residual submicroscopic parasites are thought to represent tolerant/resistant parasites against artemisinin, the fast-acting component of the combination. This review focused on residual submicroscopic parasitaemia, what it represents, and its significance on the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance in Africa. Presence of residual submicroscopic parasitemia on day 3 after treatment initiation leaves question on whether successful treatment is attained with ACT. Thus there is a need to determine the potential public health implication of the PCR-determined residual submicroscopic parasitaemia observed on day 3 after ACT. Robust techniques, such as in vitro cultivation, should be used to evaluate if the residual submicroscopic parasites detected on day 3 after ACT are viable asexual parasites, or gametocytes, or the DNA of the dead parasites waiting to be cleared from the circulation. Such techniques would also evaluate the transmissibility of these residual parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Mwaiswelo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. .,Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Bill Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Mhamilawa LE, Aydin-Schmidt B, Mmbando BP, Ngasala B, Morris U. Detection of Plasmodium falciparum by Light Microscopy, Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification, and Polymerase Chain Reaction on Day 3 after Initiation of Artemether-Lumefantrine Treatment for Uncomplicated Malaria in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania: A Comparative Trial. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:1144-1147. [PMID: 31549618 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microscopy-determined Plasmodium falciparum positivity rates exceeding 10% on day 3 after initiation of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is an important indicator of artemisinin resistance. However, microscopy does not detect low-density parasitemia, contrary to molecular tools such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We compared microscopy, LAMP, and PCR for detection of P. falciparum on day 3 after ACT in 256 patients with uncomplicated malaria in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. Day 3 positivity rates were 0%, 84.8%, and 84.4% for each method, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of LAMP against PCR was 100% (95% CI, 96.1-100) and 77.4% (95% CI, 58.9-90.4) when quantitative PCR-determined parasite densities were ≥ two parasites/µL. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification had comparable diagnostic accuracy to PCR and could potentially represent a field-friendly tool for determining day 3 positivity rates. However, what day 3 P. falciparum positivity determined using molecular methods represents needs to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lwidiko E Mhamilawa
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Berit Aydin-Schmidt
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bruno P Mmbando
- Tanga Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Morris
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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