Seasonal variation and interspecies dynamics among <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> and <i>ovale</i> species in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa is typically focused on Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), but non-falciparum species like P. ovale curtisi (Poc) and P. ovale wallikeri (Pow) appear to be rising in prevalence, especially in East Africa.

Methods

We conducted polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based screening of 7,173 asymptomatic individuals over 5 years of age in coastal Tanzania from 2018-2022, employing real-time 18S rRNA PCR assays for P. falciparum and P. ovale, followed by Poc/Pow detection. Plasmodium positivity was compared across seasons and demographic groups, and interactions between species were analyzed via binomial regression.

Results

Pf infection (prevalence 27.4%)

SUBMITTER: Carey-Ewend K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11952601 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature