Annual Parasite Incidence Research Articles

Community perspective and healthcare assessment in malaria endemic states of India: a cross-sectional study protocol

IntroductionIndia’s contribution to the malaria burden was highest in South-East Asia Region in 2021, accounting for 79% of the estimated malaria cases and 83% of malaria-related deaths. Intensified Malaria Control...

Forest cover percentage drives the peak biting time of Nyssorhynchus darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Brazilian Amazon

BackgroundDeforestation is an important driver of malaria dynamics, with a relevant impact on mosquito ecology, including larval habitat availability, blood-feeding behaviour, and peak biting time. The latter is one of several entomological metrics to evaluate vectorial capacity and effectiveness of disease control. This study aimed to test the effect of forest cover percentage on the peak biting time of Plasmodium-uninfected and infected Nyssorhynchus darlingi females.MethodsMosquitoes were captured utilizing human landing catch (HLC) in the peridomestic habitat in field collections carried out in the wet, wet-dry transition, and dry seasons from 2014 to 2017 in areas with active malaria transmission in Amazonian Brazil. The study locations were in rural settlements in areas with the mean annual malaria parasite incidence (Annual Parasite Incidence, API ≥ 30). All Ny. darlingi females were tested for Plasmodium spp. infection using real time PCR technique. Forest cover percentage was calculated for each collection site using QGIS v. 2.8 and was categorized in three distinct deforestation scenarios: (1) degraded, < 30% forest cover, (2) intermediate, 30–70% forest cover, and (3) preserved, > 70% forest cover.ResultsThe highest number of uninfected female Ny. darlingi was found in degraded landscape-sites with forest cover < 30% in any peak biting time between 18:00 and 0:00. Partially degraded landscape-sites, with (30–70%) forest cover, showed the highest number of vivax-infected females, with a peak biting time of 21:00–23:00. The number of P. falciparum-infected mosquitoes was highest in preserved sites with > 70% forest cover, a peak biting at 19:00–20:00, and in sites with 30–70% forest cover at 22:00–23:00.ConclusionsResults of this study show empirically that degraded landscapes favour uninfected Ny. darlingi with a peak biting time at dusk (18:00–19:00), whereas partially degraded landscapes affect the behaviour of Plasmodium-infected Ny. darlingi by shifting its peak biting time towards hours after dark (21:00–23:00). In preserved sites, Plasmodium-infected Ny. darlingi bite around dusk (18:00–19:00) and shortly after (19:00–20:00).

Unraveling Potential Confounding Variables in the Association Between Maternal Malaria and Child Stunting in Papua: A Case-Control Study with Mantel-Haenszel Analysis

Background:Papua is a malaria-endemic region with Indonesia's highest annual parasite incidence. At the same time, stunting is a common child health problem in Papua. Malaria incidence in pregnant women is considered a risk factor for stunting in children. Thus, the identification of confounding factors in this relationship is necessary. Objective:The study aimed to determine significant confounding factors in maternal malaria and child stunting and clarify the true association between these two conditions. Methods: The study with a case-control design was conducted at 14 Puskesmas from May to September 2023. The sample size was 681 children, consisting of toddlers who were stunted and not stunted and were selected by probability sampling technique. Data collection used questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis used Mantel-Haenszel chi-square with a cut-off point for changes in the estimated coefficient for determining confounding&gt; 10%. Results: The results showed that the crude Odds Ratio of the effect of malaria incidence during pregnancy on the incidence of stunting in children was 1.746 (95% CI 1,062-2,872). Stratification analysis showed the adjusted Odds Ratio value of child sex (1.78), low birth weight (1.652), basic immunization status (1.771), breastfeeding status (1.753), maternal age (1.732), occupation (1.828), ethnicity (1.722) and family income (1.764). There were no potential confounding variables in the association between malaria incidence in pregnant women and childhood stunting (change in coefficient estimate &lt;10%). Conclusions: Public health interventions aimed at preventing malaria during pregnancy can be used as a strategy to reduce the risk of childhood stunting. Keywords:Malaria; pregnancy; stunting; confounding; Indonesia

Evaluating the performance of Plasmodium falciparum genetic metrics for inferring National Malaria Control Programme reported incidence in Senegal

BackgroundGenetic surveillance of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite shows great promise for helping National Malaria Control Programmes (NMCPs) assess parasite transmission. Genetic metrics such as the frequency of polygenomic (multiple strain) infections, genetic clones, and the complexity of infection (COI, number of strains per infection) are correlated with transmission intensity. However, despite these correlations, it is unclear whether genetic metrics alone are sufficient to estimate clinical incidence.MethodsThis study examined parasites from 3147 clinical infections sampled between the years 2012–2020 through passive case detection (PCD) across 16 clinic sites spread throughout Senegal. Samples were genotyped with a 24 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) molecular barcode that detects parasite strains, distinguishes polygenomic (multiple strain) from monogenomic (single strain) infections, and identifies clonal infections. To determine whether genetic signals can predict incidence, a series of Poisson generalized linear mixed-effects models were constructed to predict the incidence level at each clinical site from a set of genetic metrics designed to measure parasite clonality, superinfection, and co-transmission rates.ResultsModel-predicted incidence was compared with the reported standard incidence data determined by the NMCP for each clinic and found that parasite genetic metrics generally correlated with reported incidence, with departures from expected values at very low annual incidence (< 10/1000/annual [‰]).ConclusionsWhen transmission is greater than 10 cases per 1000 annual parasite incidence (annual incidence > 10‰), parasite genetics can be used to accurately infer incidence and is consistent with superinfection-based hypotheses of malaria transmission. When transmission was < 10‰, many of the correlations between parasite genetics and incidence were reversed, which may reflect the disproportionate impact of importation and focal transmission on parasite genetics when local transmission levels are low.

Cooperative Sentinel Surveillance of Malaria in Laiza and Nearby Areas of Myanmar and Importation Threat Monitoring - China, 2019-2023.

Laiza and nearby areas (LNA) in Myanmar are identified as the primary malaria hotspots in the bordering regions of Yunnan Province, China. Six sentinel surveillance sites were established at the China-Myanmar border in LNA to monitor malaria. Data from 2019 was used as a baseline to analyze malaria incidence and trends in LNA and Myanmar, as well as the importation of malaria cases into China from 2019 to 2023. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species, representing 99.95% (14,060/14,066) of confirmed malaria cases in LNA. A total of 8,356 malaria cases were identified in 2023, with an annual parasite incidence (API) of 19.78 per 100 person-years. Compared to 2019, the incidence rate ratio was 21.47 (95% confidence interval: 18.84, 24.48), indicating that the API in 2023 was 21.47 times higher than that in 2019. In Yunnan, out of 1,016 reported cases, 545 imported cases (53.64%) originated from LNA and spread to 18 (13.95%) out of 129 counties. Ten provinces in China, including Yunnan, reported imported malaria cases from LNA in Myanmar. The increase in population, particularly among internally displaced persons, along with inadequate healthcare services, has led to a notable resurgence of malaria in LNA. This resurgence poses a risk to preventing the re-emergence of malaria transmission in China. There is an urgent need for novel collaborative policies, as well as financial and technical assistance, to enhance malaria control efforts in LNA, Myanmar.

Epidemiology of malaria in saravan city and its suburbs from 2018 to 2023, Southeast Iran.

Malaria, transmitted by Plasmodium parasites and anopheline mosquitoes, continues to be a leading cause of global disease and death. This retrospective investigation from 2018 to 2023 examines the epidemiological attributes of malaria in Saravan, southeastern Iran. It seeks to evaluate the prevalence, transmission causes, local population impact, and health system effects. Blood samples from suspected malaria cases in Saravan health centers were collected for this analysis. Each positive case was detailed with demographic data in a questionnaire. The SPSS 26 statistical program scrutinized data with t-tests comparing the variables. The study indicated fluctuating malaria cases peaking in 2023, with an annual parasite incidence. (API) of 17.27. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species (P < 0.001), with the majority of cases in individuals over 15, notably males. A significant number of cases were reported in September (20.7%). The findings emphasize the persistent malaria challenges in Saravan, accentuating the urgent need to strengthen prevention and control strategies. Reducing disease burden demands focused approaches, including improving prevention and treatment programs, enhancing surveillance systems, developing health infrastructures, and implementing localized therapies, especially considering recent climatic and rainfall patterns.

Epidemiological survey, molecular profiling and phylogenetic analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), an emerging vector-borne ailment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, exhibits diverse spread patterns and outbreaks. To comprehend its epidemiology and identify parasite species, we conducted an active survey on suspected CL cases (n=8845) in KPK. Microscopy and internal transcribed spacer-1 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) molecular techniques detected Leishmania spp. in blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis gauged genetic affinities with other areas. District Bannu displayed the highest CL impact (14.58%), while Swat had the lowest impact (4.33%) among cases. Annual blood examination rate, parasite incidence and slide positivity rate were 4.96 per 1000 people, 0.0233 and 0.047%, respectively. CL infections were prevalent in 1- to 20-y-olds, with males (57.17%) more vulnerable than females (42.82%). Single lesions occurred in 43.73% of patients, while 31.2% people had two lesions, 17.31% had three lesions and 7.74% had more than three lesions. Most had sand-fly exposure but lacked preventive measures like repellents and bed nets. Leishmania tropica was confirmed via RFLP analysis in amplified samples. Phylogenetic analysis unveiled genetic parallels between L. tropica of KPK and isolates from China, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Syria and Morocco. Urgent comprehensive control measures are imperative. Early detection, targeted interventions and raising awareness of CL and sand-fly vectors are vital for reducing the disease's impact. International collaboration and monitoring are crucial to tackle Leishmania spp.'s genetic diversity and curtail its cross-border spread.

The Effect of the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) Program on Reducing Parasite Incidence in the Working Area of the Sea Silau Health Center, Asahan District

Malaria is a severe, life-threatening infectious disease transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In Asahan Regency, four areas are endemic for malaria, with Silau Laut District having an API rate of 4.8‰ (Annual Parasite Incidence per 1000 at-risk individuals annually). Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with Lambda Cyhalothrin (Icon 100 CS) is used to eradicate mosquito vectors by applying insecticide to walls and ceilings, interrupting transmission. Research aimed to assess IRS effectiveness in reducing malaria incidence in Silau Laut District found a strong positive correlation (0.826 and 0.912) between RDT and microscopic examination results before and after IRS. However, correlations between education and malaria control using IRS and changes in knowledge and attitudes were weak (0.490 and 0.438). Paired T-tests revealed differences in RDT examination results (p = 0.044) and knowledge and attitude levels (p = 0.000) before and after IRS education. No significant difference was observed in microscopic examination results (p = 0.159). Recommendations include intensified efforts in malaria prevention and control, including active case finding, mosquito nest elimination, continued IRS, mesh installation, insecticide-treated bed net use, health education, and regular bioassay testing every 1-2 months for 3-6 months in Silau Laut District.

Epidemiology of malaria in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh within 2017–2020

BackgroundMalaria causes significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and sub-tropical regions, particularly in humanitarian emergencies including refugee camps in malaria endemic areas. An epidemiological investigation was conducted on malaria disease distribution and risk factors in the world’s largest refugee settlement, the Rohingya refugee camps on the south-eastern border area of Bangladesh, within 2017–2020.MethodsFrom February 2017 to March 2020, 30,460 febrile patients were tested for malaria using light microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests. Most were self-presenting symptomatic patients and a minority were from door-to-door malaria screening. Diagnostic tests were done by trained medical technologists upon the advice of the concerned physicians in the camps. Test positivity rate (%) and annual parasite incidence were calculated and compared using chi-squared (χ 2) test or odds ratios.ResultsThe overall average annual test positivity rate (TPR) was 0.05%. TPR was highest in people who had travelled to the forest in the previous 2 months, at 13.60%. Cases were clustered among male adults aged 15–60 years. There were no cases among children under five years or pregnant women and no deaths from malaria.ConclusionThis study found very few malaria cases among Rohingya refugees with the majority of cases being imported from hilly forested areas, which were thus assumed to act as the reservoir for transmission.

Climate zones are a key component of the heterogeneous presentation of malaria and should be added as a malariometric for the planning of malaria elimination.

Malaria is a climate-sensitive disease and different climatic conditions affect the propagation of malaria vectors thereby influencing malaria incidence. The present study was undertaken to delineate malaria distribution across different climate types and sub-types in India and assess its significance as a malariometric in the ongoing elimination activities. All Indian districts were classified into three major climatic zones (Tropical, Temperate, and others (Arid, Cold, and Polar) based on the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system. The Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of malaria was analyzed in these climatic zones using the Kruskal Wallis test, and a post hoc comparison was done using the rank-sum test with an adjusted p-value for the level of significance. Further logistic regression was used to investigate the association of these climatic zones with high malaria incidence (i.e., API>1). The majority of Indian districts fall in Temperate (N = 270/692 (39.0%)) and Tropical (N = 260/692 (37.6%)) regions, followed by Arid (N = 140/692 (20.2%)), Polar (N = 13/692 (1.9%)) and Cold (N = 9/692 (1.3%)) regions. Three climate zones: Arid, Polar, and Cold were similar in terms of malaria incidence over the years and thus were grouped into one. It was found that the tropical and temperate zones display a significantly higher burden of malaria as compared to others for the studied years (2016-2021). Future projections of climate suggest a significant expansion of tropical monsoon climate towards central and northern India, along with a growing footprint of tropical wet savannah climate in the northeast of India by 2100, which could increase the risk of malaria transmission in these regions. The heterogeneous climatic zones of India play an important role in malaria transmission and can be used as a malariometric for the stratification of districts destined for malaria elimination.

Spatiotemporal Mapping of Annual Malaria Incidence in Rivers State, Nigeria

Rivers State is the centre of Nigeria's oil industry and has the presence of oil prospectors including expatriates who are at risk of malaria infection. Periodic analysis of epidemiological data will enable malaria control programmers to appraise the interventions carried out over the years and assist in the development of sustainable and adaptive strategies directed from an informed local level. This study, therefore, examined spatiotemporal variations in malaria incidence in the State using Annual Parasite Incidence (API) as an indicator. Monthly reported malaria cases from 2007-2017 at the local government area (LGA) level were retrieved from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Response (IDSR) system of Rivers State Ministry of Health while projected population data for the same period were obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics. API of the LGAs from 2007 to 2017 were computed, integrated into GIS, and subjected to weighted overlay analysis to delineate the risk zones. The eleven-year retrospective study of malaria in Rivers State displayed geographical variations which were statistically significant between the LGAs. Malaria incidence fluctuated throughout the study period. API values increased from 13.746 in 2007 to 34.067 in 2013 and dropped to 8.721 in 2017. All the LGAs recorded API values below 100, indicating a very low malaria burden in a controlled setting. However, none of the LGAs has reached the WHO standard level for the elimination of transmission. Ikwerre, Eleme, Ogu-Bolo and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs were assigned to the very high malaria risk stratum (362.615 to 490.005) whereas Abua-Odual, Akuku-Toru and Degema LGAs were assigned to very low-risk malaria stratum (103.281 to 113.897). The findings of this research will aid stakeholders in evaluating the impact of control strategies employed over the years and possibly, revisit malaria extant interventions for improved malaria control outcomes.

Impact assessment of Intensified Malaria Control Project in transitioning a high malaria-endemic district to a low-endemic district: an epidemiological aspect

ABSTRACT Intensified Malaria Control Project (IMCP) was implemented in 2005 to control malaria in all North-Eastern and Odisha states of India. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of IMCP in reducing the malaria burden in Udalguri district, Assam state of North-East India. Malaria epidemiological data were obtained for IMCP intervention (Udalguri) and nonintervention district (West Singhbhumi, Jharkhand state). IMCP activities include introducing bi-valent rapid diagnostic kits (RDTs), Artemether-Lumefantrine drug in North-East India, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) distribution, and creating awareness programs about malaria in an intensified mode. The data revealed a significant decline in annual parasite incidence (API) from 14.94 (2005) to 2.61 (2018), −37% (95%CI: −57%, −19%, p = 001) after using LLINs in 2009 and −64% (95%CI: −116%, −14%, p = 013) after the introduction of RDTs in district Udalguri. Whereas control district showed a −28% (95%CI: −63%, 6.3%, p = 0.051) decrease in API using LLINs and a 10% (95%CI: −7.6%, 28%, p = 0.122) increase after the introduction of RDTs. Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and P. vivax (Pv) were the major malarial parasites in Udalguri. Pv-malaria was much higher (71%) than Pf-malaria (29%) during the study period. An increasing trend of Pf cases was observed in Udalguri. Udalguri and Khoirabari BPHCs showed an overall reduction of 94% (95%CI: −143%, −45%, p = 0.001) and 84% (95%CI: −126%, −39%, p = 0.003), respectively; however, only a 10% (95%CI: −65%, −41%, p = 0.360) reduction in API was observed in Orang BPHC. An overall decrease in malaria indicates the effective implementation of vector and disease control strategies in the Udalguri district.

A Study of Malaria in West Bengal

Background: Malaria still occurs in West Bengal which is one of the states in the eastern part of India. Materials and Methods: The study design included an analysis of the 2017 and 2018 annual reports of the National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC). Results: The district of Kolkata had a high Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of Malaria of 3.72 during 2017 which decreased to 3.12 in 2018. Conclusion: If interventions such as the treatment of asymptomatic carriers take place, it is expected that the API will come down sooner in Kolkata district and in the rest of the state too.

An Evaluation of Malaria Surveillance System in Punjab, India, 2020.

India accounted for 6% of global burden of malaria with 95% population residing in malaria endemic areas. However, Punjab is in the malaria elimination phase with annual parasite incidence (API) <1/1000 population. We evaluated malaria surveillance system in Punjab using CDC's updated guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems to provide recommendations for strengthening the existing system and to overcome the challenges in the path of malaria free Punjab. We chose two districts of Punjab, Amritsar (lowest API) and Mansa (highest API), interviewed stakeholders, and performed a retrospective desk review. We evaluated the overall usefulness of the system and assessed seven attributes at state, district, health facility, and village level during July-August 2020. In Punjab, there was progressive decline in the malaria cases from 2,955 cases in 2009 to 1,140 in 2019 and no malaria deaths since 2011. Regarding various attributes, overall score for flexibility was good (85.9%); average for simplicity (77%), acceptability (74%), data quality (74%), and timeliness (70%); and poor for representativeness (59%) and stability (57%). Malaria surveillance system was useful in analyzing the trends of morbidity and mortality and for generating data to drive policy decisions. To improve stability, representativeness, and acceptability, surveillance staff should not be engaged in supplemental work, and reports from private sector must be ensured. Supportive supervision and regular trainings should be carried out regarding reporting formats, guidelines, and timely epidemiological investigations to improve timeliness, data quality, and simplicity.

Malaria elimination in Zanzibar: where next?

In 2018, Zanzibar developed a national malaria strategic plan IV (2018-2023) to guide elimination of malaria by 2023. We assessed progress in the implementation of malaria activities as part of the end-term review of the strategic plan. The review was done between August and October 2022 following the WHO guideline to assess progress made towards malaria elimination, effectiveness of the health systems in delivering malaria case management; and malaria financing. A desk review examined available malaria data, annual work plans and implementation reports for evidence of implemented malaria activities. This was complemented by field visits to selected health facilities and communities by external experts, and interviews with health management teams and inhabitants to authenticate desk review findings. A steady increase in the annual parasite incidence (API) was observed in Zanzibar, from 2.7 (2017) to 3.6 (2021) cases per 1,000 population with marked heterogeneity between areas. However, about 68% of the detected malaria cases were imported into Zanzibar. Malaria case follow-up and investigation increased from <70% in 2017 to 94% and 96% respectively, in 2021. The review noted a 3.7-fold increase of the health allocation in the country's budget, from 31.7 million USD (2017/18) to 117.3 million USD (2022/23) but malaria allocation remained low (<1%). The varying transmission levels in the islands suggest a need for strategic re-orientation of the elimination attempts from a national-wide to a sub-national agenda. We recommend increasing malaria allocation from the health budget to ensure sustainability of malaria elimination interventions.

A Five-Year (2016-2020) Trend Analysis of Malaria Surveillance Data in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

Continuous malaria surveillance data analysis plays a significant role in monitoring trends over time and evaluating the effectiveness of malaria prevention and control programs. Hence, this study was part of an effort to achieve this goal. This study's main aim was to analyse five years (2016-2020) of malaria surveillance data in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to analyse the five-year (2016-2020) trend of malaria cases in the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 5,843,373malaria suspected cases were reported during the five-year period. Among the total reported cases, 727,738 were a total of both clinical and parasitological confirmed cases. The average total malaria annual parasite incidence (API) was 4 per 1,000 persons. The highest malaria cases were observed during the spring and summer seasons. Conclusions and Recommendation. Trends of total clinical and confirmed malaria cases decreased from year to year except for the recent year with an exceptional variability in 2019. The highest or peak of malaria cases was observed during spring season (September-November). Malaria indicator-based performance plans and achievements should be regularly and strictly reviewed and evaluated at each level.

MALARIA PARASITE STATUS IN THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH BETWEEN 2018 AND 2022

Background: To the best knowledge of the author, there is no report on the current status of Malaria in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. This study is an attempt in that direction.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study design included an analysis of the 2017 and 2018 annual reports as well as the website of the of the National Centre for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC).&#x0D; Results: Bareilly District in Uttar Pradesh had a low Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of Malaria of 0.06 in 2017 which increased to 7.32 in 2018.&#x0D; Conclusions: If interventions like the treatment of asymptomatic carriers take place, it is expected that the API in this district and the entire state will come down quickly.

India may need an additional metric to assess the endemicity of malaria in low surveillance districts.

India's National Framework for malaria elimination is essentially dependent on Annual Parasite Incidence (API). API is the primary criterion for classifying states and districts into different categories: intensified control, pre-elimination, elimination, prevention and re-establishment of malaria. However, API's validity is critically dependent on multiple factors, one such important factor is Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER) and is often considered as indicator of operational efficiency. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether the API is a sufficiently good malaria index to assess malaria endemicity in India. An in-depth analysis of malaria data (2017-19) was done to determine the appropriateness of API as a sole indicator of malaria endemicity. We stratified the Indian districts into three strata based on Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER): <5, 5.0-5.0, >15, further APIs was compared with Slide Positivity Rates (SPRs) using sign rank test, independently in each stratum. API and SPR were found comparable (p-value 0.323) in stratum 2 only. However, in the case of lower ABER (<5%, strata 1), the API was significantly lower than the SPR, and higher ABER (>15%), the API was found substantially higher than the SPR. Thus, ABER tunes the validity of API and should avoid to use as a single indicator of malaria endemicity. API is an appropriate measure of malaria endemicity in high and moderate transmission areas where surveillance is good (ABER≥5%). However, it is vitally dependent upon surveillance rate and other factors such as population size, the selection of individuals for malaria testing. Therefore, where surveillance is poor (<5%), we propose that API should be complemented with SPR and the number of cases. It will significantly aid the design and deployment of interventions in India.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Species Composition of Malaria Mosquitoes in Selected Districts of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia

The highest malaria transmission risk as stratified by annual parasite incidence, appears largely in Benishangul Gumuz region, the lowland and midlands of the western border with Sudan and South Sudan. The effectiveness of malaria vector control strategy depends on knowledge of factors that determine vector density and distribution, affecting adult Anopheles vector population dynamics and malaria transmission. This study aimed to investigate the spatial-temporal distribution and species composition of Anopheles mosquitos in western Ethiopia. The study was conducted in three districts of Assosa Zone (Assosa, Homosha and Bambasi), Benishangul Gumuz regional state. Adult and larva of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using standard techniques after the long rainy season (October 2020-December 2020) and Dry season (January to February 2021). After collection, the data were analyzed using SPSS software. A total of 2063 Anopheles mosquitoes (1745 larvae and 318 adults) were collected during the study period and categorized into five Anopheles species (An. gambiae, An. funestus, An. coustani, An. ziemanni, and An. squamosus). Among all species An. gambiae s.l. (1548, 88.7%) was the predominant species while An. squamous (14, 0.8%) was the least dominant. From the three districts, the highest Anopheles mosquito specimens were collected from Bambasi (917, 52.6% larval and 126, 39.6% adult). And out of all collection months, the highest number of larvae and adult mosquitoes was collected during October. Among larval breeding habitats, pond was highly productive for Anopheles mosquitoes. Anopheles mosquitoes prefer to breed in all breeding sites, particularly temporary and sunlit habitats. Anopheles gambiae s.l. predominantly occurs during all seasons in its immature and mature stages, suggesting that malaria is a health problem in the area.

Image Recognition of Malaria-infected Red Blood Cells among Other Normal and Cancer-Mutated Cells Using CNN

Malaria is a contagious infectious disease that is still threatening human life. Malaria morbidity when viewed by province shows that Eastern Indonesia is the area with the highest Annual Parasite Incidence (API), namely Papua, West Papua, NTT, and Maluku. This is a concern for the continued efforts to control and eliminate malaria in these high malaria-endemic areas. There are many strategies to help and prevent, include the possibility of innovation in the diagnostic process. Therefore, to answer how to provide innovation in technology to accelerate the elimination of malaria, this study aims to identify the image of red blood cells which infected with malaria among other normal and leukemia cancer-mutated cells (non-malaria) by making improvements through the proposed new model used. This model is meant to do deep learning using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The results obtained in this study show that the success of using the proposed model is influenced by the pre-processing stage, the dropout regularization function, learning rate, and momentum value used. The accuracy value obtained is 0.9660, 0.9693 precision, 0.9626 recall, and an F1 score of 0.9659.