Malaria smear positivity among Kenyan children peaks at intermediate temperatures as predicted by ecological models.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ambient temperature is an important determinant of malaria transmission and suitability, affecting the life-cycle of the Plasmodium parasite and Anopheles vector. Early models predicted a thermal malaria transmission optimum of 31 °C, later revised to 25 °C using experimental data from mosquito and parasite biology. However, the link between ambient temperature and human malaria incidence remains poorly resolved.

Methods

To evaluate the relationship between ambient temperature and malaria risk, 5833 febrile children (<18 years-old) with an acute, non-localizing febrile illness were enrolled from four heterogenous outpatient clinic sites in Kenya (Chulaimbo, Kisumu, Msambweni and Ukunda). Thick and thin blood smears were evaluated for the presence of malaria parasi

SUBMITTER: Shah MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6555721 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature