Seasonal Variation and Interspecies Dynamics Among Plasmodium falciparum and ovale 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 parts of East Africa.

Methods

We conducted polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based screening of 7173 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

Plasmodium falciparum infection (prevalence 27.4%) was associated with younger age, male sex, and higher re

SUBMITTER: Carey-Ewend K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12521942 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature