Clinical Implications of Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections are common in Malawi; however, the implications of these infections for the burden of malaria illness are unknown. Whether asymptomatic infections eventually progress to malaria illness, persist without causing symptoms, or clear spontaneously remains undetermined. We identified asymptomatic infections and evaluated the associations between persistent asymptomatic infections and malaria illness.

Methods

Children and adults (N = 120) who presented at a health facility with uncomplicated malaria were followed monthly for 2 years. During follow-up visits, participants with malaria symptoms were tested and, if positive, treated. Samples from all visits were tested for parasites using both microscopy and polymerase chain re

SUBMITTER: Buchwald AG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6293006 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature