Immigrants: Big Challenge and Silent Threat to Implement Malaria Elimination Program in Hormozgan Province, Iran

Abstract

Background: Detection and monitoring of asymptomatic malaria cases, especially among immigrants, are the main parts of the successful malaria elimination program. To achieve this aim, a sensitive detection method is required. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate immigrant asymptomatic malaria cases in Bandar Abbas district using microscopic, Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDT), and Nested PCR. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 330 blood samples of immigrants living in Bandar Abbas were collected and their status in terms of Plasmodium infection was assessed using microscopic, RDT and Nested-PCR techniques. Results: Five positive cases were found when molecular analysis was applied. However, microscopy and RDT methods showed no positive malaria cases. Conclusions: The results of this study are indicative of a big challenge to the malaria elimination program posed by presence of asymptomatic cases who migrated from malaria endemic areas. In addition, accurate diagnosis of asymptomatic malaria cases requires the use of molecular methods.