FocaL mass drug administration for Plasmodium vivax malaria elimination (FLAME): study protocol for an open-label cluster randomized controlled trial in Peru.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Outside of sub-Saharan Africa, Plasmodium vivax has become the dominant species of malaria. Focal mass drug administration (fMDA) is a potential strategy to support elimination efforts, but controlled studies are lacking.

Methods

The FocaL mass drug Administration for Plasmodium vivax Malaria Elimination (FLAME) study is a 3-year cluster randomized controlled trial to determine the impact and safety of fMDA to reduce P. vivax transmission. The study will be conducted in Loreto, Peru, where standard interventions have reduced P. vivax cases, but transmission persists due to a high proportion of subclinical infections. Thirty low transmission communities (API < 250 cases/1000 population) will be randomized 1:1 to fMDA versus control using a restricted randomization.

SUBMITTER: Fine SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12522803 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature