Asymptomatic P. falciparum and P. vivax infections: epidemiology and infectivity to mosquitoes
Year: 2019
Type: other
Abstract: The majority of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum infections in low-endemic settings are asymptomatic. Cross sectional studies indicated that these infections have non-negligible contribution to the infectious reservoir that varies between settings. The duration and dynamics of these infections, how long they remain infectious, determines their cumulative contribution to the maintenance of the infectious reservoir. We investigated the dynamics of P. vivax and P. falciparum infections in Ethiopia and Uganda ( P. falciparum only). Cohorts of individuals from all ages were followed with sensitive detection of parasites and gametocytes and repeated assessments of infectivity by mosquito feeding assays. Results indicate that the density of infections progressively declines over time but regularly coincides with transmissible densities of gametocytes with several individuals disproportionately contributing to malaria transmission. To accelerate the stride towards the ambitious goal of eliminating malaria, new tools and strategies are required to target the most relevant infections that are responsible for the maintenance of the infectious reservoir. These approach could range from serological tools, genetics, to social science and politics to keep engaging communities and politicians to maintain local ownership of malaria elimination strategies. Control programs need to also be prepared to deal with unforeseen challenges such as the recent spread of the most most efficient urban malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi , that could bring another layer on the control program. This vector typically breeds in water storage containers and transmits Plasmodium infections in urban settings which were not traditionally targeted by malaria control programs as most infections in African settings are reported from rural areas.
Institution: Armauer Hansen Research Institute
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4416489458