Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum carriage at the end of the dry season is associated with subsequent infection and clinical malaria in Eastern Gambia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chronic carriage of asymptomatic low-density Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia in the dry season may support maintenance of acquired immunity that protects against clinical malaria. However, the relationship between chronic low-density infections and subsequent risk of clinical malaria episodes remains unclear.

Methods

In a 2-years study (December 2014 to December 2016) in eastern Gambia, nine cross-sectional surveys using molecular parasite detection were performed in the dry and wet season. During the 2016 malaria transmission season, passive case detection identified episodes of clinical malaria.

Results

Among the 5256 samples collected, 444 (8.4%) were positive for P. falciparum. A multivariate model identified village of residence, male sex, age ≥ 5 y

SUBMITTER: Fogang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10792942 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature