Positive Malaria Cases Research Articles

Endothelial molecule levels (VCAM-1, ICAM-1) in uncomplicated malaria cases in Lagos, Nigeria

Background. Elevated endothelial activation markers are linked to malaria syndromes due to the sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells in deep tissue vessels. This study evaluated vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels in uncomplicated malaria and their association with host factors. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four health facilities in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. Blood samples from children and adults were screened for malaria via microscopy, and plasma ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels were measured using ELISA. Results. ICAM-1 (1.03 × 106 ± 20,689.2 pg/ml) and VCAM-1 (1.11 × 106 pg/ml; range: 3,725–6,273,725 pg/ml) levels were significantly higher in malaria-positive cases compared to controls (p < 0.01). The geometric mean parasite density was 11,183 parasites/μl, but ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels did not correlate with parasite density (p > 0.1). Packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly lower in malaria-positive cases (p = 0.042), with ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 negatively correlating with PCV (p < 0.05). Both markers were also inversely associated with age (p < 0.05). Conclusion. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels are elevated in uncomplicated malaria, independent of parasite density but negatively associated with PCV and age, highlighting the role of endothelial activation in malaria pathology.

Anaemia and Thrombocytopenia in Malaria Positive Cases- A Comparative Studies in a Referral Laboratory

Malaria is one of the major health problems in worldwide particularly Southeast Asia, with significant number of morbidity and mortality. There are significant changes happen in haematological parameters of a malaria positive cases, out of which anaemia and thrombocytopenia are two quite common parameters associated with malaria positive cases. This study performed in one of the referral laboratories of Kolkata between June 2023- September 2024, within this time span 104 positive malaria cases have been reported. Complete blood count has been performed in five parts fully automated Sysmex instrument. The diagnosis of malaria is confirmed by thick and thin blood films stained by Leishman stain and by antigenic strip tests. Out of 104 cases 87 (83.65%) cases were positive with plasmodium vivax infection, 15(14.42%) cases were positive with plasmodium falciparum infection and 02 (1.92%) cases were showing mixed infection. Among the haematological parameters 77 cases (74.03) cases were showing mild to moderate degree of anaemia and 94 cases (90.38%) showing thrombocytopenia.

Implementation of the Naive Bayes Algorithm on Malaria Data Set Using Rapid Milner

Medical record data can be used as a benchmark and comparison in the health business to ascertain the rate at which a disease is developing in a given area. It would be beneficial, though, if this data could be transformed into useful information, like illness forecasts. Infectious diseases like malaria are common in tropical and subtropical regions. West Sumba Regency is the region with the highest number of malaria cases, and this figure rises year. Of the different Puskesmas labor locations, Lolo Wano Health Center has the largest number of positive cases of malaria. In order to apply information system technology and prevent malaria early, research was done at the Lolo Wano Community Health Center to predict malaria using the Naïve Bayes approach. This is because the Community Health Center does not currently have a malaria prediction system. Six of the 16 features in the patient dataset—a total of 27 patient data—were malaria symptoms. When there are suitable illness indicators, positive predictions are produced using the outcomes of Naïve Bayes computations. Before the patient proceeds with a direct medical evaluation, these anticipated results may be utilized as a provisional approximation. Naïve Bayes, Center, Prediction, Malaria

Towards malaria elimination: a reflection about digital notification modules to improve malaria cases notification speed and follow-up in the Brazilian Amazon region

BackgroundHealth information systems (HIS) are a pivotal element in epidemiological surveillance. In Brazil, malaria persists as a public health challenge, with 99% of its occurrences concentrated in the Amazon region, where cases are reported through the HIS Sivep-Malaria. Recent technological advancements indicate that case notifications can be expedited through more efficient systems with broader coverage. The objective of this study is to analyse opportunities for notification within Sivep-Malaria and explore the implementation of mobile electronic devices and applications to enhance the performance of malaria case notifications and use.MethodsThis descriptive study analyses data on malaria-positive cases in the Brazilian Amazon from 2004 to 2022. Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance System (Sivep-Malaria) data were used. The Brazilian Amazon region area is approximately 5 million km2 across nine different states in Brazil. Data entry opportunities were assessed by considering the time difference between the 'date of data entry' and the 'date of notification.' Descriptive statistics, including analyses of means and medians, were conducted across the entire Amazon region, and for indigenous population villages and gold mining areas.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2022, 6,176,878 new malaria cases were recorded in Brazil. The average data entry opportunity throughout the period was 17.9 days, with a median of 8 days. The most frequently occurring value was 1 day, and 99% of all notifications were entered within 138 days, with 75.0% entered within 20 days after notification. The states with the poorest data entry opportunities were Roraima and Tocantins, with averages of 31.3 and 31.0 days, respectively. For indigenous population villages and gold mining areas, the median data entry opportunities were 23 and 15 days, respectively.ConclusionsIn malaria elimination, where surveillance is a primary strategy for evaluating each reported case, reducing notification time, enhancing data quality and being able to follow-up cases through computerized reports offer significant benefits for cases investigation. Technological improvements in Sivep-Malaria could yield substantial benefits for malaria control in Brazil, aiding the country in achieving disease elimination and fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on the Incidence of Malaria on the Coast of Malacca Regency

Environmental conditions that support malaria transmission include the physical environment such as temperature, air humidity, rainfall, wind speed, altitude of a place or location and sunlight. The biological environment which is the environment of flora and fauna such as: mangroves, mosses and algae can affect the life of mosquito larvae. The presence of plants can protect larvae from sunlight and attacks from other living things. The mosquito population in an area is also determined by the presence of various types of larva-eating fish such as tin head fish, tilapia and tilapia. The presence of large livestock such as cows and buffaloes can reduce the number of mosquito bites in humans if the cage is located close to the house. The purpose of this study is to determine and analyze the Influence of Environmental Factors on the Incidence of Malaria on the Coast of Malacca Regency. The type of research used is quantitative research with Case Control design. The population in the study was all people living in coastal areas covering the working areas of the Weoe and Lamea health centers who carried out microscopic and RDT thick drops blood preparation examinations based on malaria register data at the Puskesmas in 2020. The case sampling technique in this study was to use a total sampling technique saturated with a total of 73 local positive malaria cases (indigenus) recorded in 2020 at the Weoe and Alkani health centers, while the control sample was set at a ratio of 1: 1, so that a large sample of 73 people was obtained. So the total sample number is 146 people. The data was then analyzed using a simple logistic regression test. The results showed that there was an influence of mosquito breeding sites, mosquito breeding sites on the incidence of malaria on the coast of Malacca Regency with a p.value value<α (0.05). While the variables Temperature, Humidity, Large livestock ownership had no influence on the incidence of Malaria (p > 0.05).

Health Education about Malaria for the Nabire Community

Nabire Regency with a total of 1,082 cases. In 2021, there was an increase in malaria cases, reaching 2,456 positive cases of malaria, of which the largest number of cases were in Nabire District with a total of 1,248 positive cases. To reduce the high number of malaria cases, the Nabire Regency Government issued Regent Regulation number 48 of 2019 concerning the Malaria Control Center, but in its implementation there are obstacles faced by the Health Service, namely the lack of community support and the lack of supporting infrastructure in implementing malaria control policies. The aim of community service activities carried out in Nabire Regency is to increase public knowledge and awareness in eradicating malaria. The population of this community service is the Nabire community using counseling methods through community leaders such as village elders, RT, RW and health cadres. The method for solving problems uses several methods and fishbone diagrams. The implementation that has been carried out in this community service is conducting a Forum Group Discussion (FGD) with community leaders consisting of health problems, namely malaria related to community compliance with healthy behavior such as using mosquito nets or installing coarse wire, using mosquito poison, keeping the house clean. After conducting the FGD, we first conducted education regarding malaria prevention through leaflets to community leaders. Health education to the community regarding malaria was assisted by community leaders who participated in the FGD. Community figures who assist in delivering health education are village elders, RT, RW and health cadres. As a result, 85% of community service activities aimed at increasing community knowledge were successful, the community became more knowledgeable about preventing malaria and improving their health. The Conclusion of this research is this community service program was implemented, and resulted in a change in accordance with the output target, namely knowledge about eradicating malaria, especially how to prevent it. It is hoped that the counseling provided can be carried out regularly and applied in people's lives so that the incidence of malaria can decrease.

Incidence of Helminthic and Viral Coinfections in Malaria Patients in the Tertiary Care Hospital Setup.

This study determines the incidence of common viral and helminth coinfections with malaria in the tertiary care hospital set up in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The multidimensional research included malaria patients admitted to different hospitals of district Kohat during January and December 2021. Stool samples and blood were assembled from the patients. Giemsa-stained microscopy-positive samples were processed by the immunochromatography technique (ICT) to identify Plasmodium species. Common viral infections such as viral hepatitis (A, B, and C), HIV, and dengue (DENV) were analyzed by ICT kits while SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed through real-time PCR. Furthermore, the intestinal helminths were identified using the Kato-Katz thick smear method. Among 1278 patients, 548 were diagnosed with malaria, 412 (75.2%) were positive for P. vivax infection, 115 (21%) for P. falciparum, and 21 (3.8%) for mixed malaria infection (P. vivax/P. falciparum), with a higher incidence among males (65.2%) than females (34.8%). Coinfection with helminths was positive in 215 (39.3%) malaria patients. The most common infections were caused by the Ascaris lumbricoides species (42.6%) followed by Enterobius vermicularis (31.7%) and hookworm. A total of 24.6% of malaria-positive cases were also coinfected with different viruses with higher frequencies of confection for HAV (8.2%) and DENV (6.2%), respectively. The patients revealed higher incidence of coinfections with P. falciparum (57%) as compared with P. vivax (39.2%) and mixed infections (3.7%). This study demonstrated that the study population exhibited a significant incidence of coinfections with intestinal helminth and viral malaria.

Meta-analytic review on the impact of factors that affect performance of malaria rapid diagnostic test in Africa

Timely, accurate diagnosis and treatment has improved malaria case management. Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (mRDT) kits are largely used in malaria diagnosis. Their performance is compromised by factors related to gene deletions, parasite density, quality of the kit, poor storage conditions and end-user inefficiencies hence diagnosis gives either positive, negative, false negative (FN) or false positive (FP) which defines consequent management strategies. This review assessed reports on prevalence of the Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2/3 (Pfhrp2/3) gene deletions in malaria infected populations in Africa and the risk of mRDT failure to identify malaria positive cases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was used for data collection. Literature search was done using Google and Mendel search for data published in a malaria journal, Journal of infectious diseases, scientific reports, Annals of Ibadan postgraduate medicine, and BMC journals published between 2019 and 2023. Fifty eight reports were identified were screened and tested for eligibility. 
 Majority of studies described the consistent use of Pfhrp2/3 mRDT for malaria diagnosis in rural health facilities in Africa and nine reports met inclusion criteria for review. Five of them certified the world health organization’s sample criteria of ‘more than 350 sample’ to estimate the prevalence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions leading to declaration of false negative results of which one study posted FN outcome resulting from these deletions. Four out of nine studies did not meet this WHO criterion. This review affirmed presence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions challenges in Africa though other countries recorded the converse. Data was pooled using random effect models with Odds ratio and 95% confidence limit. The prevalence of the gene deletions was heterogeneous, ranging from 0% to 78.1%. The review found that an average prevalence of Pfhrp2/3 deletion as 26.2%. This was above the WHO standard recommended declaration value of 5%.; a factor that demonstrated setback to the use of mRDT in malaria endemic regions. Therefore alternative methods should be used where aspersions are cast on outcome of mRDT for 
 it will help improve malaria treatment, tracking and management.

Prevalence and Socio-demographic Characteristics of Malaria in Pregnancy among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda

Malaria infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to both maternal and fetal health, particularly in regions with high transmission rates such as sub-Saharan Africa. This study, conducted at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda, aimed to comprehensively investigate the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of malaria infection among pregnant women attending the Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic. Utilizing a robust descriptive cross-sectional design, data were collected from 400 participants through structured questionnaires and subjected to rigorous statistical analysis. The findings revealed a malaria prevalence rate of 7.8% among the study population. Further analysis unveiled compelling associations between malaria infection and various socio-demographic factors. Notably, women aged 24-45 years constituted the majority of malaria-positive cases, highlighting a vulnerable age group. Additionally, lower levels of education, unemployment or self-employment status, and urban residence were significantly associated with higher rates of malaria infection. Primigravida and women in the second trimester emerged as particularly susceptible subgroups, indicating heightened risk during specific stages of pregnancy. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions aimed at reducing malaria burden among pregnant women in the study area. Effective health education programs tailored to address the needs of vulnerable demographics, particularly primigravida and women in the second trimester, are imperative. Furthermore, the sustained distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets remains paramount in combating malaria transmission. These interventions, informed by the socio demographic correlates identified in this study, hold the potential to mitigate the adverse impact of malaria on maternal and fetal health, contributing to improved pregnancy outcomes and overall public health in the region. Keywords: Malaria, pregnancy, antenatal care, prevalence, socio-demographic correlates, Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda.

Prevalence of malaria and comparative diagnostic performance of malaria rapid diagnostic test against microscopy in Nasarawa-west senatorial District, Nasarawa, Nigeria

Malaria is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species, and transmitted by the bite of an infected female anopheles mosquito. It remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, a major cause of mortality and morbidity, especially in children and pregnant women. This study evaluated the prevalence of malaria and the comparative performance of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) against Microcopy, the gold standard. A total of 385 febrile consenting patients attending randomly selected health facilities in Nasarawa-West Senatorial District were recruited using simple random sampling technique. Malaria parasite tests were conducted using RDT and microscopy technique. Of the 385 samples tested, 115 (29.9%; 95% CI = 25.34 to 34.71%) were positive by microscopy and 103 (26.8%) were positive by RDT. The RDT had a sensitivity of 89.6% (95% CI = 82.48% to 94.49%), specificity of 100.00% (95% CI = 98.64% to 100.00%), Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 100.00% (95% CI = 96.48% to 100.00%); and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 95.8% (95% CI = 92.94% to 97.46%). The accuracy of the RDT was 96.88% (95% CI = 94.62 to 98.38%). Thus, the high diagnostic performance of SD Bioline indicates that it can be effectively used for the diagnosis of malaria. Microscopy however, was able to detect a higher number of positive malaria cases thus implying that microscopy remains a better diagnostic tool for malaria parasite detection than the RDTs.

PENYULUHAN MENGENAI PENCEGAHAN DAN PENGOBATAN MALARIA DI DESA CAMPLONG, KABUPATEN KUPANG, NTT

Malaria is one of the parasitic infectious diseases that is still a world health problem, especially in tropical countries including Indonesia. Malaria is still one of the causes of death in both adults and children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) malaria report in 2020, the estimated number of malaria cases in the world in 2019 reached 229 million cases in 87 malaria-endemic countries, down from 238 million in 2000. Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health regarding the achievement of Malaria Elimination Districts / Cities shows that Indonesia's Annual Paracite Incidence (API) rate in 2020 reached 0.87. Data from the 2021 NTT Malaria Report from the NTT Provincial Health Office shows that in 2021, the number of positive malaria cases in NTT Province was 9,419 cases with an API of 1.72 per 1000 population and 10 cases of death due to malaria. In addition, in 2021 there are 14 districts/cities in NTT classified as low endemic areas, and there are still 3 districts/cities classified as high endemic areas with the dominant species being plasmodium falciparum. Kupang Regency is one of the areas targeted for malaria elimination in 2020. Camplong Village, Fatuleu District, is included in Kupang Regency which is the target of elimination in 2022. Aims and objectives: Increase awareness of the people of Camplong village on the dangers of malaria, malaria prevention and treatment so that the 2030 NTT malaria elimination target can be achieved. Method of implementation of activities: Counseling and treatment Output indicators produced: The implementation of counseling for the community in the Camplong Village area of Hamlet 2 totaling 88 residents consisting of 45 women and 43 men. Conclusion: The activities of malaria counseling and treatment services in Camplong village 2 hamlet 2 RT 5,6,7 are one of the programs that can provide benefits to the community, namely increasing knowledge about malaria, how to prevent and treat malaria. This is very important to improve the health of the Camplong community while helping the malaria elimination program carried out by the government. Similar activities must continue to be carried out and in collaboration with local Puskesmas so that the target of malaria elimination in 2030 for Kupang district in particular and Indonesia in general can be achieved.

Effect of Rainfall on Seasonality of Malaria Transmission Dynamics and Percentage Occurrence of mRDT Positives Around the Five Rural Health Facilities in Vihiga County, Kenya

Background: The negative impact and concern of malaria is felt world over with 247 million cases reported in 2021. The cases were reported in 84 malaria endemic countries with high number of casualties experienced in Africa. Normally, malaria infection is influenced by climatic factors while its treatment and resilience to drugs is controlled by health interventions measures both at the hospital level and in the community. Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDTs) are recommended by WHO for malaria testing and are expansively used in rural set-ups. However, their success in performance is controlled by many factors. This study aimed at correlating the effect of rainfall patterns to malaria positive case as tested by mRDT in Vihiga County, Kenya. Methodology: This study focused on the participation of 500 patients from a population of 18201 patients within a two (2) Kilometre radius of the five rural health facilities in Vihiga County. Facilities had poor infrastructure in terms of malaria testing and mostly relied on mRDT for malaria testing and surveillance. Data was collected from the five health facilities at the end of every month for a period of twelve months. The rain gauge reading was also collected daily by Vihiga metrological department from which the average monthly rainfall was computed. This was run from April 2022 and March 2023. Care start TM Rapid Diagnostic Tests were used to detect HRP2/3 proteins/antigens which are specifically responsive to Plasmodium falciparum antibodies. Results and Data Analysis: Average rainfall for the period between April 2022 and March 2023 was 185mm; the average percentage prevalence of malaria during the same period in this region was 21.3%. This region experienced one peak of rainfall recorded at 360mm in the month of September; 2022.The month of April recorded the highest malaria prevalence of 38.4% with an average rainfall amount of 311.7mm while February recorded the lowest malaria prevalence of 7.16% with an average rainfall amount of 0.2mm. The data showed that there were more patients in the middle age category of between five (5) and eighteen (18) years. More women came to the facilities than men; hence more women were malaria positive than men. Linear regression analysis was performed which emerged that the average rainfall accounts for 28.37% variations in prevalence (R2=0.2837). The model coefficient showed that average rainfall has a positive significant effect on prevalence (β=0.0591, p<0.05). This implies that malaria prevalence is determined by rainfall amount. Although the infection rate is on the downward trend, there was a constant of 10 from the model equation which is apparent that malaria infection is not dependent on rainfall alone; there could be other factors as well. Conclusion: This study reported fluctuating average rainfall throughout the year. There was fluctuating average malaria prevalence as well. When the average rainfall was high, average malaria prevalence was also high and the converse was true. Therefore, rainfall significantly caused the malaria infection in this region. High rainfall is a significant determinant of malaria prevalence.

Comparative evaluation of traditional and molecular diagnostic methods for malaria: An analysis of performance.

As we edge closer to the eradication of malaria, several methods for detecting Plasmodium species have been developed, including peripheral blood smear examination (PBS), rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), serological evaluations, fluorescent microscopy, polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), fluorescent in situ hybridization, and flow cytometry. The suitability of these tools for routine diagnosis requires evaluation, considering both their diagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Our study compared four diagnostic techniques for malaria: PBS, quantitative buffy coat (QBC), RDT, and PCR. We used PCR as the benchmark standard and statistically assessed the performance of PBS, QBC, and RDT against PCR in detecting malaria. Adopting a prospective observational approach, we collected blood samples from 117 patients exhibiting the symptoms suggestive of malaria. The findings from our study showed that PBS had a positivity rate of 93.4%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.881-0.987, indicating reliable results for a similar population. The QBC assay demonstrated an elevated positivity rate of 96.7% with a solid 95% CI of 0.930-1.000. Although the RDT had a slightly lower rate of 92.4%, it still delivered dependable results, presenting a significant 95% CI of 0.868-0.980, ensuring a robust diagnostic performance compared to PCR. PCR is a reliable test when the identification of the specific species is inconclusive. Conversely, the commonly used PBS occasionally overlooks positive malaria cases due to the specialized skills needed for accurate reading. The cost-effective RDT is feasible for field operations without the need for expert knowledge. However, it fails to differentiate between old and new infections. Meanwhile, the QBC test, known for its sensitivity and speed, can be consistently employed for malaria diagnosis in a tertiary care settings.

Hepatic and Renal Functions in HIV-Positive Children with Malaria in Western Kenya

Background: The burden of HIV and malaria co-infection lies disproportionately in the Sub-Saharan Africa region which bears most of the malaria endemic zones. While both malaria and HIV are known to dysregulate hepatic and renal functions, the combined effect of co-infection with malaria and HIV on hepatic and renal function among children remains poorly characterized. Objective: To assess liver and renal functions in HIV-malaria co-infected children in Western Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6-59 months with HIV and malaria coinfection at Kakamega County Referral Hospital, Western Kenya. A total of 138 children were enrolled. Microscopy and clinical chemistry analysers were used to diagnose malaria, and assay hepatic and renal function parameters respectively. Results: HIV positive-malaria positive cases had significantly higher serum creatinine and urea levels compared to the HIV positive-malaria negative controls. Likewise, serum levels of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly elevated in the HIV and malaria-positive cases compared to HIV-positive and malaria-negative controls. Significantly higher proportions of children with HIV and malaria coinfection also had elevated serum levels of ALT, ASP, GGT, total proteins, albumin and globulin compared to children without coinfection. Serum levels of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were comparable in both groups. Conclusion: Co-infection with HIV and malaria among children is generally associated with disrupted hepatic and renal function parameters.

Comparative Diagnostic Performance of Microscopy, SD-Bioline Rapid Diagnostic Test, and Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Detection of Malaria Infection among Pregnant Women at Delivery in Kumba Health District Area in the Southwest Region of Cameroon

Introduction. Malaria during pregnancy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Microcopy and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) recommended by the World Health Organization for clinical diagnosis have poor sensitivity to detect individuals with very low levels of parasitemia. Previous studies have shown that malaria in pregnancy is associated with mastitis and excessive uterine blood loss during delivery. However, information evaluating the performance of these tools in detecting malaria in pregnancy at the national level is limited. This study therefore evaluates the performance of microscopy, RDT, and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) in the detection of pregnancy-associated malaria at delivery. Methods. A total of 227 participants constituting of 201 pregnant women without and 26 with HIV were recruited from five health facilities within the Kumba health district area. Mother venous and cord blood were collected at delivery to test for malaria using the thick-film microscopy, SD-bioline RDT, and 18SrRNA-nested PCR. Results. The percentage of malaria-positive cases detected by thick-film microcopy (TFM), RDT, and PCR in pregnant women with and without HIV was 7.69%, 53.85%, and 50% and 3.48%, 23.38%, and 49.25%, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 1.99% cord blood samples of women without HIV by PCR. The positivity rate in at least two of the test methods (composite positive) was 42.31% for women with and 19.90% for women without HIV. The sensitivity of TFM and RDT when using PCR as a reference was 7.21% and 49.00%, respectively, in all samples. The specificity was 99.14% and 90.55% with kappa values of 0.064 and 0.461, respectively. When using the composite test as a reference, the sensitivity of TFM, RDT, and nPCR was 15.69%, 94.12%, and 100%, respectively. Specificity was 99.43%, 93.18%, and 65.34% with kappa values of 0.213, 0.821, and 0.458, respectively. Conclusion. This study shows that PCR is more sensitive in the detection of malaria parasite followed by SD-bioline RDT kit. However, in resource-limited settings where access to molecular diagnosis of malaria is a problem, RDT should be considered as the first option to microscopy in the diagnosis of malaria.

Strengthening Malaria Migration Surveillance at Village Level in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Borneo, Indonesia

Tanah Bumbu Regency had implemented malaria migration surveillance in illegal mining areas. This study aimed to describe the implementation of malaria migration surveillance. The study conducted in five villages with high case incidence (HCI) i.e., Gunung Raya, Temunih, Mangkal Api, Guntung, and Teluk Kepayang, from March to October 2018. The study used an observational design with a cross-sectional approach, descriptive analysis for quantitative data, and thematic content for qualitative data. The research activity included a mass blood survey, malaria vector species, environmental survey, focus group discussion with mining workers, and in-depth interviews about the implementation of malaria migration surveillance. Socialization of malaria migration surveillance in 5 HCI villages has been carried out to the wider community. The slide positivity rate of malaria was 1.45% of 1996 participants and positive cases of malaria were detected in 75 subjects. Anopheles sp and potential larvae in swamps, rivers, ponds, and wells. Mine workers consider malaria as an occupational risk of working in forests. The workers are unwilling to get checked for blood examination or to report to the local Primary Health Centers (Puskesmas) before and after traveling to endemic areas. Cross-sectoral collaboration is carried out by community empowerment through village malaria posts

Hemoglobin E Prevalence among People Residing in Malaria Areas

Background: Malaria can infect erythrocytes and hence cause different pathogenesis episodes leading to death mostly in pregnant women and children under the age of 5 years. The selective pressure of these parasites leads to the production of new human genetic diseases. The most prevalent genetic alterations in the human genome are thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies (Hb E, Hb S), which are recognized throughout the world, including Saudi Arabia. Methods: From May 2018 to August 2019, 13972 Saudi citizens from King Fahd Central Hospital and premarital facilities in the Saudi Arabian province of Jazan participated in this study. This study aims to compare the prevalence of Hb E and other hemoglobinopathies in positive versus negative cases of malaria. So, CBC, malaria test, Hb-electrophoresis, and molecular study were investigated. Result: For thalassemias and Hb disorders, 36% with abnormal Hb (47% of them) carried Hb S in their blood, 37% with á-thalassemia, 11% for â-thalassemia and 4% of Hb E. Significant variations in CBC parameters were observed in Hb E patients. There was significant decrease in MCV, MCH and MCHC and slightly increase in WBCs, RBCs, RDW and PLT as compared to controls.

Towards an integrated vector management approach for sustainable control of schistosomiasis and malaria in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Kenya: Baseline epidemiological and vector results

BackgroundVector control is an important approach in the control of most parasitic and vector-borne diseases including malaria, and schistosomiasis. Distribution of these two infections often overlaps and in such areas it’s more economically viable to employ an integrated approach in the control of their vectors which largely shares the same breeding ecosystem. We carried out a baseline epidemiological and vector surveys for malaria and schistosomiasis in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, in preparation for the upscaling of integrated vector management (IVM) for the two diseases. MethodsThis was a repeated cross sectional survey, where mosquito and snails were sampled during dry and wet seasons in three different ecological zones, Kiamaciri, Thiba and Murinduko to identify possible breeding sites. Mosquito larvae were collected using standard dippers, adults using CDC miniature light traps while snail vectors were sampled using standard snail scoops in different breeding habitats. A total of 1200 pupils from 12 primary schools were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests (Malaria Pf/PAN Ag combo). Stool samples were processed using the Kato Katz technique for intestinal schistosomiasis. ResultsThe overall prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was 9.08 % (95 % CI: 07.00–11.00), with Kiamaciri zone recording the highest prevalence at 19 % (95%CI: 15.00–23.00) and Murinduko zone the least at 0.17 % (95%CI: 0.00–0.01). Majority of the infections were of light intensity 78.9 % (95%CI: 70.04–86.13). There was no positive malaria case detected in this study. Of the 3208 adult mosquitoes sampled during the dry season, 20.6 % (95 % CI: 19.25–22.08) were Anopheles gambiae s.l while 79.4 % (95 % CI: 77.92–80.75) were culicines. During the wet season, 3378 adult mosquitoes were collected, of which 14.7 % (95 % CI: 13.56–15.98) were Anopheles gambiae s.l and 85.3 % (95 % CI: 84.02–86.44) culicines. Overall, 4085 mosquito larvae were collected during the two seasons, of which, 57.3 % and 42.7 % were anopheles and culicine respectively. Majority of the larvae (85.1 % (95%CI: 84.01–86.10) were collected during the wet season, with only 14.9 % (95%CI: 14.10–16.00) being collected during the dry season. A total of 2292 fresh water vector snails were collected with a majority (69.6 % (95%CI: 68.00–71.10) being Biomphalaria pffeiferi responsible for transmission of intestinal schistosomiasis. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that intestinal schistosomiasis is prevalent in Kiamaciri and Thiba zones, and points to the possibility of active transmission of schistosomiasis in Murinduko zone. Malaria vectors were predominantly observed in all sites despite there being no malaria positive case. Culex quinquefaciatus responsible for the spread of several arboviruses was also observed. The presence of these vectors may lead to future disease outbreaks in the area if concerted control initiatives are not undertaken. The disease vectors shared the same breeding sites and thus its economical and feasible to adopt an integrated vector management approach in control efforts for these disease in the study area.

Evaluation of performance for malaria diagnosis in health facilities by five provincial reference laboratories of China.

The provincial malaria diagnosis reference laboratories review and assess malaria cases diagnosed in health facilities for supporting the malaria elimination efforts and preventing re-transmission of imported malaria. The study aimed to evaluate the detection capability of malaria diagnosis in China from 2014 to 2021. Data on malaria cases reported in the provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) of Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Guangxi, and Zhejiang from 2014 to 2021 were collected and analyzed. In total, 5,770 malaria cases were reported from 2014 to 2021, and 99.05% (5,715/5,770) were submitted to the provincial malaria diagnosis reference laboratories. The median time between malaria cases being reported and the samples being received by reference laboratories was 6 days (Interquartile range, IQR:3-12 days) from 2017 to 2021. Diagnosis of 5,680 samples in the laboratory were confirmed by provincial reference laboratories, including 3,970 cases of Plasmodium falciparum, 414 of P. vivax, 1,055 of P. ovale, 158 of P. malariae, 1 of P. knowlesi, and 82 of mixed infections. Plasmodium species of 5,141 confirmed cases were consistent with the initial diagnosis, with a species accuracy rate of 90.53% (5,141/5,679). The accuracy of P. falciparum diagnosis in health facilities was higher than that of non-falciparum species. The inconsistency between microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) results of confirmatory diagnosis was mainly in malaria-positive versus malaria-negative cases, as well as in mixed versus single infection cases. The provincial malaria diagnosis reference laboratories have played an important role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of Plasmodium diagnosis in health facilities. However, the results of this study imply that capacity training for the identification of Plasmodium species in health facilities is warranted.

Absence of Asymptomatic Malaria Reservoirs in an Area with a Previous History of Local Malaria Transmission: A Successful Experience in Line with the Malaria Elimination Program in Iran.

Asymptomatic malaria is a major challenge to be addressed in the implementation of the malaria elimination program. The main goal of the malaria surveillance system in the elimination phase is to identify reliably all the positive cases of malaria reliably (symptomatic and asymptomatic) in the shortest possible time. This study focused on the monitoring of asymptomatic malaria reservoirs in areas where local transmission had been previously established. It was a case-study approach that was conducted in the Anarestan area. A total of 246 residents and immigrants living in the area at the age range of 4-60 years old were randomly selected to be tested for malaria by microscope, RDT, and nested-PCR techniques. The inclusion criterion for participants to be entered into the study was the absence of specific symptoms of malaria. Moreover, participants who have been taking antimalarials for the last month were excluded from the study. The results indicated no positive cases of asymptomatic malaria among the participants tested by all methods. The results of this study have shown that, without concerns for asymptomatic parasitic patients, a malaria elimination program has been successfully implemented within the studies area. In addition, the findings emphasized the existence of a strong malaria surveillance system in this area.