High Prevalence Of Malaria Research Articles

PREVALENCE OF MALARIA PARASITES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING GENERAL HOSPITAL GARAKU, KOKONA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, NASARAWA STATE

Malaria remains a significant health concern, particularly among pregnant women in various regions of Nigeria, including the Kokona metropolis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Garaku, Kokona LGA, Nasarawa State, and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of Microscopy versus Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). Blood samples were collected from 150 pregnant women in the Kokona Local Government Area and analyzed using both Microscopy and RDT. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23.0, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. The overall prevalence of malaria was found to be 31.33%, with the highest prevalence observed among women in their first trimester (36.71%). Microscopy demonstrated a higher positivity rate compared to RDT. Additionally, women aged 31-40 years exhibited the highest susceptibility, with a prevalence of 42.11%. However, no significant difference was noted in malaria prevalence based on the usage of mosquito nets or parity status. The study underscores the high prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in the region, emphasizing the need for enhanced intervention strategies. Microscopy remains a more reliable diagnostic tool than RDT. Early antenatal booking and regular preventive measures are crucial to mitigating the adverse effects of malaria during pregnancy. Furthermore, environmental sanitation efforts should be intensified to reduce mosquito breeding and subsequent malaria transmission.

Examining Barriers to the Utilization of Malaria Control and Prevention Services in the South West Region, Cameroon

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the barriers to the utilisation of malaria control and prevention services in the southwest region of Cameroon precisely in the Fako division. Cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence health-seeking behaviours in communities, even when faced with life-threatening diseases like malaria. Methodology: Qualitative data were collected through structured interviews to understand the preferred treatment methods for malaria, the rationale behind the disease's continuous prevalence within the community, and the low usage of prevention methods prescribed in the hospitals. The data were analysed using a thematic technique, and presented following the themes that were elicited during the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Findings: This study found that herbal medical practices are deeply rooted in the community's culture and need to be more quickly supplanted by modern medical practices. The study found that the resistance to malaria prevention methods was fueled by a lack of awareness about the importance of malaria prevention and control, contributing to the high malaria prevalence rate in the community. Also, the study found that the current healthcare system needs to be culturally sensitive, potentially leading to a lack of trust and confidence among community members. Additionally, financial constraints significantly impact the utilisation of preventive and treatment measures like mosquito nets, health centres, and community health workers. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings aligned with the Health Belief Theory (HBT), which explains that individuals' beliefs and attitudes towards malaria prevention in these communities constitute a significant barrier to malaria eradication. Community members perceive malaria as a severe disease and believe they are at risk of contracting it, leading to action due to susceptibility. However, traditional remedies are preferred due to perceived barriers to mosquito nets, such as cost, lack of access, and perceived ineffectiveness of the mosquitoes’ nets. The study concluded that a culturally sensitive approach to malaria treatment and prevention, built on the community's beliefs and practices, can improve health outcomes. Therefore, organisations in charge of malaria prevention must adapt their approach to align better with the community's cultural values. The study further recommended that education and awareness campaigns about malaria prevention and control should be tailored to the community's cultural realities.

Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy and the Impact on Neonates in African Countries as Assessed by Entropy Weight and TOPSIS Methods.

Background/Objectives: In regions of Africa with a high prevalence of malaria, pregnant women in their first or second trimester should be administered intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp). However, infants may contract malaria despite the IPTp therapy that their mothers have received. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the symptoms and various treatments for neonatal malaria. Methods: Entropy weight and TOPSIS were used to achieve the study goal. The TOPSIS multi-attribute decision-making system was used to assess newborn malaria symptoms and select the optimal treatment, even for mothers receiving IPTp medication during pregnancy. The entropy weight approach calculated TOPSIS attribute weights. The present research used UNICEF data for 14 African nations in 2023. Results: The results indicated that neonates whose mothers received IPTp therapy ultimately contracted malaria, with diarrhea being the primary symptom. It is important to note that health providers administer a combination of zinc and oral rehydration solution (ORS) to infants as the most effective treatment for malaria symptoms, thereby abandoning the first-line treatment for malaria, artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Conclusions: The most effective treatment for neonatal malaria is a combination of zinc and ORS, although less than half of children in Africa have access to ORS. Therefore, the findings of this study may encourage African countries to prioritize co-pack therapy in their procurement and supply, healthcare provider training, and expenditures. This therapy will also help alleviate the symptoms of malaria in neonates.

Determinants of malaria spread among under-five children in Nigeria: results from a 2021 Nigerian malaria indicator cross-sectional survey

BackgroundMalaria is a global disease burden, especially in Africa, with Nigeria having the highest prevalence of malaria, with approximately 50% affecting children. Children under five years of age are vulnerable to the risk of malaria spread. This research aimed to identify the determinants of malaria spread among children under the age of 5 in Nigeria.MethodsThis study used national malaria indicator survey data from 2021 (2021NMIS). The NMIS was implemented by the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and data were collected between 12 October and 4 December 2021. This study included 3678 children, and data cleaning and analysis were performed via STATA version 17 software.ResultsThere was a positive association between Child’s age in months of 13–23 (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.62–5.45), 24–35 months (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.43–4.88),36–47 months (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.17–4.08) and months of 48–59(AOR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.53–5.23), households headed by females (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.54–0.95),households with all children slept in mosquito nets last night (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.39–4.21), some children slept in the mosquito bed net (AOR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.50–5.35) and households with no mosquito bed nets (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.22–3.88),mothers who agreed to have heard or seen malaria messages in the last 6 months (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.62–1.74),respondents with medium level of awareness of malaria prevention messages had (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.62–3.4), Children from North East (AOR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.54–0.9), South-South (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.5–0.85) and South West (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.37–0.73) and malaria status of children under five years of age in Nigeria.ConclusionThe government and other concerned malaria prevention organizations should emphasize maternal education programs that are vital for malaria prevention, early symptom recognition, and timely treatment, empowering families to take proactive measures. Collaboration among health, education, and community organizations is also crucial for integrated malaria control and prevention.

Assessing the prevalence, risk factors, and socio-demographic predictors of malaria among pregnant women in the Bono East Region of Ghana: a multicentre hospital-based mixed-method cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalaria is one of the world’s most lethal vector-borne diseases, causing significant health burdens in endemic countries. Several studies on the prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in Ghana have been conducted in various parts of the country, yielding evidence pointing to intra- and inter-regional variations. The current study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and sociodemographic predictors of malaria among pregnant women in the Bono East Region of Ghana.MethodsThis multicentre hospital-based study employed a mixed-method cross-sectional design. A multistage sampling technique was used to select seven health facilities and recruited 1452 pregnant women who attended ANC at seven selected health facilities. Haematological examination, a structured closed-ended questionnaire, in-depth interviews (IDIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to obtain relevant data. Quantitative data were analysed with STATA 14 (StataCorp, College Station, USA). Likewise, the four-step thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. A significant level was set at (p < 0.05) at a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe ages of the pregnant women at enrolment ranged between 17 and 40 years, with a mean (SD) of 28.8 ± 3.73 (95% C.I: 28.63–29.02). The overall prevalence of malaria infection among pregnant women was 10.8% (95% CI: 9.32–12.56). Presence of farm or domestic animals, living close to drainage tunnels, living near overgrown vegetation, not married, not having formal education, living in extended-type households, living in compound-type households, mud and thatch households, mud and iron sheet households, primigravidae, multiparity, first-time pregnant women, second-time, third-time, fourth-time, and fifth-time ANC visits, blood groups A, B, and AB were independent factors or predictors significantly associated with increased risk of malaria.ConclusionThe current study revealed an approximately 10.8% prevalence of malaria among pregnant women. The prevalence revealed, was, however, higher than the national prevalence of 8.6%. The high prevalence of malaria, associated risk factors, and sociodemographic and maternal predictors highlight the need to strengthen screening for malaria, administer treatments, monitor maternal and foetal health, and provide education and counselling.

A Five-Year Malaria Prevalence/Frequency in Makenene in a Forest-Savannah Transition Ecozone of Central Cameroon: The Results of a Retrospective Study.

Understanding the epidemiological features of malaria is a key step to monitoring and quantifying the impact of the current control efforts to inform future ones. This study establishes the prevalence and frequency of malaria in a forest-savannah ecozone for 5 consecutive years in Cameroon. A retrospective study was conducted in 3 health centers of Makenene from 2016 to 2020, a period covering the second long-lasting insecticide net mass distribution campaign. Malaria infectious records were reviewed from laboratory registers. The difference in exposure to malaria was estimated using a regression logistic model. A total of 13525 patients underwent malaria diagnostic tests, with a general malaria prevalence of 65.3%. A greater prevalence of malaria was observed in males (68.39%) compared to females (63.14%). The frequency of consultations in health centers was dominated by females, with a gender ratio (M/F) of 0.66. Annual trends in malaria prevalence slightly varied from 2016 to 2020, exceeding 60%: 65.2% in 2016; 66.7% in 2017, 68.1% in 2018, 63.2% in 2019, and 65.3% in 2020, with a significant seasonal variation (p < 0.0001). The highest malaria prevalence was observed during the short rainy season, no matter the year. Among positive cases, the most represented age groups were 6-15 (p < 0.0001), followed by those under 5, while the age group >25 years was the least represented. Close monitoring and additional intervention measures for malaria control are needed, as are more studies on vector bionomics and transmission patterns.

Placental Malaria Induces a Unique Methylation Profile Associated with Fetal Growth Restriction.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with perinatal death and adverse birth outcomes, as well as long-term complications, including increased childhood morbidity, abnormal neurodevelopment, and cardio-metabolic diseases in adulthood. Placental epigenetic reprogramming associated with FGR may mediate these long-term outcomes. Placental malaria (PM), characterized by sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in placental intervillous space, is the leading global cause of FGR, but its impact on placental epigenetics is unknown. We hypothesized that placental methylomic profiling would reveal common and distinct mechanistic pathways of non-malarial and PM-associated FGR. We analyzed placentas from a US cohort with no malaria exposure (n = 12) and a cohort from eastern Uganda, a region with a high prevalence of malaria (n = 12). From each site, 8 cases of FGR (defined as birth weight <10%ile for gestational age by Intergrowth-21 standard curves) and 4 healthy controls with normal weight were analyzed. PM was diagnosed by placental histopathology. We compared the methylation levels of over 850K CpGs of the placentas using Infinium MethylationEPIC v1 microarray. Non-malarial FGR was associated with 65 differentially methylated CpGs (DMCs), whereas PM-FGR was associated with 133 DMCs, compared to their corresponding controls without FGR. One DMC (cg16389901, located in the promoter region of BMP4) was commonly hypomethylated in both groups. We identified 522 DMCs between non-malarial FGR vs. PM-FGR placentas, which was independent of differing geographic location or cellular composition. Placentas with PM-associated FGR have distinct methylation profiles as compared to placentas with non-malarial FGR, suggesting novel epigenetic reprogramming in response to malaria. Larger cohort studies are needed to determine the distinct long-term health outcomes in PM-associated FGR pregnancies.

Influence of Altitudinal Gradient on Human Malaria Prevalence in Plateau State, Central Nigeria: A Longitudinal Study

Study’s Excerpt The relationship between altitude and malaria transmission dynamics in Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria, is assessed. The highest malaria prevalence was observed at lower altitudes and vice-versa. Environmental factors (altitude) have an influence on malaria epidemiology in the region. Full Abstract This longitudinal study assessed the prevalence of human malaria infection across different altitudinal zones in Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria, aiming to identify the impact of altitude on malaria transmission dynamics. Malaria is a potentially lethal disease caused by protozoan parasites called Plasmodium. Abiotic factors are known to be the main factors influencing the epidemiology of the disease. In 2018 and 2019, blood samples were taken and examined for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria using the SD-PAN Ag mRDT. After that, blood film slides were created in order to calculate the parasite density for each of the four seasons' worth of positive samples. The prevalence rates of malaria in the three locations vary significantly, with the highest rates observed at lower altitudes (Pangwasa 211m) above sea level and the lowest at the highest altitude (Vwang 1330m) above sea level. Vwang has the lowest malaria prevalence of 16.25%, Jing (663m) has a higher prevalence of 40.0%, and Pangwasa has the highest prevalence at 46.9.

Malaria Rapid Tests, Febrile Illness Management, and Child Mortality Across Sub-Saharan African Countries

A prompt malaria diagnosis is crucial for the management of children with febrile illness in sub-Saharan African countries, where malaria remains a leading cause of mortality among children younger than 5 years of age. The development and distribution of point-of-care rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria has transformed practice, but limited systematic evidence exists on how malaria RDTs have affected the management of febrile illness and mortality for children younger than 5 years of age across sub-Saharan Africa countries. To evaluate the association between the distribution of malaria RDTs and the management of febrile illness and mortality among children younger than 5 years of age in sub-Saharan African countries. This quasi-experimental study used a novel dataset linking malaria RDT distribution to 165 nationally representative household surveys across 35 sub-Saharan African countries with mortality data. The sample comprised approximately 3.9 million child-year observations and approximately 260 000 febrile illness episodes in children younger than 5 years of age between 2000 and 2019. Fixed-effects linear probability models were used to analyze the association between variation in malaria RDTs distributed per child younger than 5 years of age (by country per year) and blood testing, antimalarial drug use, antibiotic use, use of symptomatic treatments, and mortality rates. Variation in the effects of testing and treatment was also assessed across the sub-Saharan African countries that had varying prevalence of malaria. The mortality sample included 1 317 866 children and the fever sample included 256 292 children. The mean age of the children with febrile illness was 2.4 years (SD, 1.3 years) and 49% were female. Each additional malaria RDT distributed per child younger than 5 years of age was associated with an increase of 3.5 percentage points (95% CI, 3.2-3.8 percentage points) in blood testing, an increase of 1.5 percentage points (95% CI, 1.2-1.8 percentage points) in the use of antimalarial drugs, an increase of 0.4 percentage points (95% CI, 0.1-0.6 percentage points) in antibiotic use, and a decrease of 0.4 percentage points (95% CI, 0.1-0.8 percentage points) in the use of treatments for symptoms. Each additional malaria RDT distributed per child younger than 5 years of age was associated with a reduction in child mortality of 0.34 deaths per 1000 child-years (95% CI, 0.15-0.52 deaths per 1000 child-years). The effects of malaria RDT distribution on medication use and child mortality varied across prevalence settings (low vs high) for malaria; there were survival improvements only in areas that had a high prevalence of malaria. Increasing distribution of malaria RDTs was associated with increased blood testing, increased use of antimalarial drugs, and modestly improved survival in children younger than 5 years of age in sub-Saharan African countries. However, malaria RDTs were associated with increases in the rates of antibiotic use that were already high, suggesting that more comprehensive approaches to case management of febrile illness are needed.

Why some countries but not others? Urbanisation, GDP and endemic disease predict global SARS-CoV-2 excess mortality patterns

ContextThe global impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been uneven, with some regions experiencing significant excess mortality while others have been relatively unaffected. Yet factors which predict this variation remain enigmatic, particularly at large spatial scales.ObjectivesWe aimed to uncover the key drivers of excess mortality across countries and regions to help understand the factors contributing to the varied impacts of the pandemic worldwide.MethodsWe used spatially explicit Bayesian models that integrate environmental, socio-demographic and endemic disease data at the country level to provide robust global estimates of excess SARS-CoV-2 mortality (P-scores) for the years 2020 and 2021.ResultsWe find that urbanization, gross domestic product (GDP) and spatial patterns are strong predictors of excess mortality, with countries characterized by low GDP but high urbanization experiencing the highest levels of excess mortality. Intriguingly, we also observed that the prevalence of malaria and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are associated with country-level SARS-CoV-2 excess mortality in Africa and the Western Pacific, whereby countries with low HIV prevalence but high malaria prevalence tend to have lower levels of excess mortality. While these associations are correlative in nature at the macro-scale, they emphasize that patterns of endemic disease and socio-demographic factors are needed to understand the global dynamics of SARS-CoV-2.ConclusionsOur study identifies factors associated with variation in excess mortality across countries, providing insights into why some were more impacted by the pandemic than others. By understanding these predictors, we can better inform global outbreak management strategies, such as targeting medical resources to highly urban countries with low GDP and high HIV prevalence to reduce mortality during future outbreaks.

Distribution of Malaria Infection Among Different Genotypes in Three Senatorial Zones of Taraba State Nigeria

Malaria infection is recognized as a severe public health problem linked to most cases of morbidity and mortality in malaria endemic areas. The study was used to determine the distribution of malaria infection among the different genotypes in three senatorial zones in Taraba state. The study employed a community and laboratory based cross sectional study. The electrophoresis machine was used to determine the genotypes of the research subjects while Rapid diagnostic technique and the gold standard microscopy was used to determine the prevalence of malaria infection. The haematology auto-analyzer (Sysmex XTI 2000) was used to determine the haematological parameters of the subjects. A total of 3084 blood samples was obtained by venepuncture. The distribution of the genotypes are AA 1721 (55.8%), AS 966 (31.3%) and SS 397 (12.9%). The overall prevalence of malaria was 620 (20.1%). Malaria infection was highest in the southern senatorial zone (29.1%) than in the north and central zones (p&lt;0.05). Infection was high with the males (21.2%), age-related malaria infection was significant (p&lt;0.05) with age 1-10yrs recording the highest infection (28.0%). No significant difference (p&gt;0.00) was recorded in the marital status of the patient with the widows/widower having 23.4% while degree of infection was significant for education-related infection (p&lt;0.05) with the non-educated subjects recording highest infection (34.4%). Occupational related prevalence was significant (p&lt;0.05) with high infection among traders (162 (28.7%). Significant difference was recorded in the marital status with the widow/widower recording a high prevalence of malaria 112 (23.4%). Our finding in the current study confirm that malaria remains a major challenge and there is need for periodic prophylactic administration of malaria drugs in the treatment regime of sickle cell anaemia patients. Keywords: Malaria infection, genotypes, distribution, senatorial zones, Taraba State, Nigeria

Haematological Derangements Due to Plasmodium falciparum Among Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Taraba State Nigeria

Malaria infection is recognized as a severe public health problem linked to most cases of morbidity and mortality in malaria endemic areas. The study was used to determine the hematological derangement of plasmodium falciparum among sickle cell anaemia patients in Taraba state. The study employed a community and laboratory based cross sectional study. The findings shows that malaria infection was highest in the southern senatorial zone (29.1%) than in the north and central zones (p&lt;0.05). Infection was high with the males (21.2%), age-related malaria infection was significant (p&lt;0.05) with age 1-10yrs recording the highest infection (28.0%). No significant difference (p&gt;0.00) was recorded in the marital status of the patient with the widows/widower having 23.4% while degree of infection was significant for education-related infection (p&lt;0.05) with the non-educated subjects recording highest infection (34...4%). Occupational related prevalence was significant (p&lt;0.05) with high infection among traders (162 (28.7%). Significant difference was recorded in the marital status with the widow/widower recording a high prevalence of malaria 112 (23.4%). Haematological parameters show no significant association in malaria parasitized packed cell volume (t=0.284, p&gt;0.05) and monocytes (t=1.361, p&gt;0.05). Significant association was recorded in total white blood count (t=3.647, p&gt;0.05), neutrophil (t=20.794, p&lt;0.05), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (t=30.017, p&lt;0.05), eosinophil (t=4.847, p&lt;0.0.07), basophil (t=11.35, p&lt;0.05), platelet (t=30.378, p&lt;0.05) and lymphocytes (t=21.369, p&lt;0.03).Our finding for this current study confirm that malaria remains a major challenge and there is need for periodic prophylactic administration of malaria drugs in the treatment regime of sickle cell anaemia patients. Keywords: Malaria infection, hematological derangement, plasmodium falciparum, Taraba State, Nigeria.

High malaria PCR positivity in asymptomatic migrants from sub-Saharan Africa.

This study describes a high prevalence of malaria in 2894 asymptomatic migrants from sub-Saharan Africa over an 8-year period using qPCR as a screening technique. The use of nucleic acid amplification tests constitutes a good alternative for malaria diagnosis in this moving population.

Prevalence of Malaria among Patients attending Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

The malaria parasite is a parasitic protozoan (a group of single-celled microorganisms) that inflicts humans with malaria. It is responsible for a significant proportion of the health burden of developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of malaria among patients attending the Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 150 patients consented to participate. Malaria diagnosis was performed using rapid diagnostic test kits and microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood film. Questionnaires were administered to gather socio-demographic data. The analysis revealed a 53% prevalence of malaria. Statistical analysis indicated associations between malaria occurrence and gender, educational level, and economic status. This study highlights the high prevalence of malaria among patients at FMC Owerri.

High prevalence and risk of malaria among asymptomatic individuals from villages with high prevalence of artemisinin partial resistance in Kyerwa district of Kagera region, north-western Tanzania

BackgroundAlthough Tanzania adopted and has been implementing effective interventions to control and eventually eliminate malaria, the disease is still a leading public health problem, and the country experiences heterogeneous transmission. Recent studies reported the emergence of parasites with artemisinin partial resistance (ART-R) in Kagera region with high prevalence (> 10.0%) in two districts of Karagwe and Kyerwa. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors/risk of malaria infections among asymptomatic individuals living in a hyperendemic area where ART-R has emerged in Kyerwa District of Kagera region, north-western Tanzania.MethodsThis was a community-based cross-sectional survey which was conducted in July and August 2023 and involved individuals aged ≥ 6 months from five villages in Kyerwa district. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, parasitological, type of house inhabited and socio-economic status (SES) data were collected using electronic capture tools run on Open Data Kit (ODK) software. Predictors/risks of malaria infections were determined by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and the results were presented as crude (cORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOverall, 4454 individuals were tested using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and 1979 (44.4%) had positive results. The prevalence of malaria infections ranged from 14.4% to 68.5% and varied significantly among the villages (p < 0.001). The prevalence and odds of infections were significantly higher in males (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.08 –1.51, p = 0.003), school children (aged 5–≤10 years (aOR = 3.88, 95% CI 3.07–4.91, p < 0.001) and 10–≤15 years (aOR = 4.06, 95% CI 3.22–5.13, p < 0.001)) and among individuals who were not using bed nets (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.03–1.46, p = 0.024). The odds of malaria infections were also higher in individuals with lower SES (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.17–1.72, p < 0.001), and living in houses without windows (aOR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.46–2.96, p < 0.001), partially open (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.11–1.58, p = 0.002) or fully open windows (aOR = 1.30, 95%CI 1.05–1.61, p = 0.015).ConclusionThe five villages had a high prevalence of malaria infections and heterogeneity at micro-geographic levels. Groups with higher odds of malaria infections included school children, males, and individuals with low SES, living in poorly constructed houses or non-bed net users. These are important baseline data from an area with high prevalence of parasites with ART-R and will be useful in planning interventions for these groups, and in future studies to monitor the trends and potential spread of such parasites, and in designing a response to ART-R.

Prevalence of Malaria among Children in urban area at Byahi Health Center, Rubavu District, Rwanda

Background: Malaria is one of the most public health and life-threatening parasitic infections caused by the protozoan parasite. Since children are immunologically naive to the malaria parasite, they are the main vulnerable groups to be affected by malaria. Aim: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria among children in urban area at Byahi Health Center, Rubavu district. Methods: Cross-sectional study was used to achieve the objectives. To obtain the information regarding social demographic characteristics, written questionnaires in native language were distributed to caregivers. Blood smears were collected and sent to laboratory department for analysis. Data were analyzed using Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS). Results: Among 50 children who participated in the study, the majority were males over females with 58% and 42% respectively. The prevalence of malaria among children in urban area was higher with 30%. Among the participants, children of age range 1-5 years shown a high prevalence of malaria than those of 5-8 months with 13 and 2 positive cases respectively and children of 1-5 years old was statistically significant with a p-value (p 0.027). Conclusion: After getting the results above, we have seen that children from urban area are affected by malaria with the overall prevalence of 30%. There is a need of improving and rechecking the existing malaria in children, prevention and control measures of the country. Byahi health center should create awareness about the importance early malaria checkup recommended reducing malaria infection. The parents are recommended to protect their children and district leaders should make researcher in others school. It must be reported to Ministry of Health that malaria infection mostly affects children. Keywords: Malaria parasite, children, blood smear, Plasmodium

PfHDAC1 is an essential regulator of P. falciparum asexual proliferation and host cell invasion genes with a dynamic genomic occupancy responsive to artemisinin stress.

Malaria is a major public health problem, with the parasite Plasmodium falciparum causing most of the malaria-associated mortality. It is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes and results in symptoms such as cyclic fever, chills, and headache. However, if left untreated, it can quickly progress to a more severe and life-threatening form. The World Health Organization currently recommends the use of artemisinin combination therapy, and it has worked as a gold standard for many years. Unfortunately, certain countries in southeast Asia and Africa, burdened with a high prevalence of malaria, have reported cases of drug-resistant infections. One of the major problems in controlling malaria is the emergence of artemisinin resistance. Population genomic studies have identified mutations in the Kelch13 gene as a molecular marker for artemisinin resistance. However, several reports thereafter indicated that Kelch13 is not the main mediator but rather hinted at transcriptional deregulation as a major determinant of drug resistance. Earlier, we identified PfGCN5 as a global regulator of stress-responsive genes, which are known to play a central role in artemisinin resistance generation. In this study, we have identified PfHDAC1, a histone deacetylase as a cell cycle regulator, playing an important role in artemisinin resistance generation. Taken together, our study identified key transcriptional regulators that play an important role in artemisinin resistance generation.

Microheterogeneity of Transmission Shapes Submicroscopic Malaria Carriage in Coastal Tanzania.

Asymptomatic carriage of malaria parasites persists even as malaria transmission declines. Low-density infections are often submicroscopic, not detected with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or microscopy but detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To characterize submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum carriage in an area of declining malaria transmission, asymptomatic persons >5 years of age in rural Bagamoyo District, Tanzania, were screened using RDT, microscopy, and PCR. We investigated the size of the submicroscopic reservoir of infection across villages, determined factors associated with submicroscopic carriage, and assessed the natural history of submicroscopic malaria over 4 weeks. Among 6076 participants, P. falciparum prevalences by RDT, microscopy, and PCR were 9%, 9%, and 28%, respectively, with roughly two-thirds of PCR-positive individuals harboring submicroscopic infection. Adult status, female sex, dry season months, screened windows, and bed net use were associated with submicroscopic carriage. Among 15 villages encompassing 80% of participants, the proportion of submicroscopic carriers increased with decreasing village-level malaria prevalence. Over 4 weeks, 23% of submicroscopic carriers (61 of 266) became RDT positive, with half exhibiting symptoms, while half (133 of 266) were no longer parasitemic at the end of 4 weeks. Progression to RDT-positive patent malaria occurred more frequently in villages with higher malaria prevalence. Microheterogeneity in transmission observed at the village level appears to affect both the size of the submicroscopic reservoir and the likelihood of submicroscopic carriers developing patent malaria in coastal Tanzania.

Exploring the Potential Relationship between Malaria Immunity and COVID-19 Protection

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, countries in the equatorial and tropical zones seem to have the lowest figures in terms of incidence and mortality. Throughout the pandemic, Africa has remained as lowest continent of accumulative cases and deaths. Since the African region is characterized by a high prevalence of malaria, the lowest number of cases of confirmed COVID-19 attracts scientists to look for possible links between the two diseases. Through this article, we reviewed existing literature concerning a possible explanation between low incidence and less severe COVID-19 in malaria-endemic areas. Different explanations were reviewed including malaria-COVID-19 cross-immunity, population structure, specific receptor’s role, and Vitamin D. The most important factor investigated was malaria immunity through previous exposure (s) which possibly explains these associations.

Prevalence of Malaria among Under-5 Children in a Secondary Care Level, Ondo State, Nigeria

Background: Malaria continues to be a leading cause of ill health among children. Globally, this infection remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among the under-five. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate and document the prevalence of malaria infection among age groups, genders, birth orders, and blood groups of children who attend a secondary health care level, south-west, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: Blood samples of 500 children whose ages ranged between 1 day and 5 years were collected through venipuncture, and these were tested for malaria parasites through the microscopy method, positivity was confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study. The children were recruited from various points of entry into the hospital which included the emergency room, newborn unit, and outpatient department (OPD). Data analyses were done using the SPSS statistical software and p-value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The prevalence of malaria among the neonates (age group 0 to 28 days) was 60.2%, the prevalence of malaria was 49.2% among the infants (aged 29 days to 1 year) while the prevalence was 52.9% among children aged 1 to 5 years (χ2 = 0.004, p &lt; 0.05). The gender prevalence of malaria infection was 30.4% for males and 21.8% for females (χ2 =0.000, p&lt;0.05). The prevalence of malaria infection among birth orders showed that children in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth birth orders are 41.0%, 28.0%, 22.6%, 5.4%, and 3.1%, respectively (χ2 = 0.0210, p &lt; 0.05). Prevalence of malaria among the blood groups are; A− (1.92%), A+ (13.41%), B− (1.15%), B+ (19.54%), O− (6.51%), O+ (51.73%), AB− (0.38%) and AB+ (5.36%). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of malaria among the children examined in this study, there is therefore the need to intensify efforts to reduce the burden of the infection in the study area, especially among the children.