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Doumbia S, Toure M, Sogoba N, Alifrangis M, Diakite M, Diarra A, Keita M, Konaté D, Diawara SI, Thiam SM, Keita S, Tounkara M, Cissé I, Sanogo V, Magassa MH, Barry AE, Winch PJ, Marker HC, Shaffer JG, Traoré SF, Müller GC, Cui L, Beier JC, Mihigo J. The West Africa ICEMR Partnerships for Guiding Policy to Improve the Malaria Prevention and Control. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:84-89. [PMID: 36228908 PMCID: PMC9662222 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mali National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) recently established a phased set of goals for eliminating malaria in Mali by 2030. Over the past decade, the scale-up of NMCP-led malaria control interventions has led to considerable progress, as evidenced by multiple malariometric indicators. The West Africa International Center of Excellence in Malaria Research (WA-ICEMR) is a multidisciplinary research program that works closely with the NMCP and its partners to address critical research needs for malaria control. This coordinated effort includes assessing the effectiveness of control interventions based on key malaria research topics, including immune status, parasite genetic diversity, insecticide and drug resistance, diagnostic accuracy, malaria vector populations and biting behaviors, and vectorial capacity. Several signature accomplishments of the WA-ICEMR include identifying changing malaria age demographic profiles, testing innovative approaches to improve control strategies, and providing regular reporting on drug and insecticide resistance status. The NMCP and WA-ICEMR partnership between the WA-ICEMR and the NMCP offers a comprehensive research platform that informs the design and implementation of malaria prevention and control research programs. These efforts build local expertise and capacity for the next generation of malaria researchers and guide local policy, which is crucial in sustaining efforts toward eliminating malaria in West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seydou Doumbia
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamoudou Toure
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Nafomon Sogoba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Michael Alifrangis
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ayouba Diarra
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Moussa Keita
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Konaté
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sory I. Diawara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sidibé M’Baye Thiam
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Soumba Keita
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Moctar Tounkara
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Idrissa Cissé
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Bamako, Mali
| | - Vincent Sanogo
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | - Peter J. Winch
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hannah C. Marker
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Sékou F. Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Günter C. Müller
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Liwang Cui
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - John C. Beier
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Jules Mihigo
- U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, United States Agency for International Development Office, Bamako, Mali
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Doumbia S, Sogoba N, Diakite M, Toure M, Keita M, Konaté D, Diawara SI, Diarra A, Sanogo D, Kane F, Diakite SAS, Traore K, Thiam SM, Traoré SF, Cisse I, Mihigo J, Coulibaly MB, Dabitao D, Alifrangis M, Barry AE, Müller GC, Beier JC, Shaffer JG. A Decade of Progress Accelerating Malaria Control in Mali: Evidence from the West Africa International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:75-83. [PMID: 36228923 PMCID: PMC9662231 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This article highlights over a decade of signature achievements by the West Africa International Centers for Excellence in Malaria Research (WA-ICEMR) and its partners toward guiding malaria prevention and control strategies. Since 2010, the WA-ICEMR has performed longitudinal studies to monitor and assess malaria control interventions with respect to space-time patterns, vector transmission indicators, and drug resistance markers. These activities were facilitated and supported by the Mali National Malaria Control Program. Research activities included large-scale active and passive surveillance and expanded coverage of universal long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). The findings revealed substantial declines in malaria occurrence after the scale-up of control interventions in WA-ICEMR study sites. WA-ICEMR studies showed that SMC using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine was highly effective in preventing malaria among children under 5 years of age. An alternative SMC regimen (dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine) was shown to be potentially more effective and provided advantages for acceptability and compliance over the standard SMC regimen. Other findings discussed in this article include higher observed multiplicity of infection rates for malaria in historically high-endemic areas, continued antimalarial drug sensitivity to Plasmodium falciparum, high outdoor malaria transmission rates, and increased insecticide resistance over the past decade. The progress achieved by the WA-ICEMR and its partners highlights the critical need for maintaining current malaria control interventions while developing novel strategies to disrupt malaria transmission. Enhanced evaluation of these strategies through research partnerships is particularly needed in the wake of reported artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia and East Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seydou Doumbia
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Nafomon Sogoba
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamoudou Toure
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Moussa Keita
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Drissa Konaté
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sory I. Diawara
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ayouba Diarra
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Daouda Sanogo
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fousseyni Kane
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Seidina A. S. Diakite
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Karim Traore
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sidibé M’Baye Thiam
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sékou F. Traoré
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Idrissa Cisse
- National Malaria Control Program, Ministry of Health, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jules Mihigo
- U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, United States Agency for International Development Office, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mamadou B. Coulibaly
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Djeneba Dabitao
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Michael Alifrangis
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Günter C. Müller
- Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
- University Clinical Research Center, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - John C. Beier
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Shaffer JG, Mather FJ, Wele M, Li J, Tangara CO, Kassogue Y, Srivastav SK, Thiero O, Diakite M, Sangare M, Dabitao D, Toure M, Djimde AA, Traore S, Diakite B, Coulibaly MB, Liu Y, Lacey M, Lefante JJ, Koita O, Schieffelin JS, Krogstad DJ, Doumbia SO. Expanding Research Capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa Through Informatics, Bioinformatics, and Data Science Training Programs in Mali. Front Genet 2019; 10:331. [PMID: 31031807 PMCID: PMC6473184 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinformatics and data science research have boundless potential across Africa due to its high levels of genetic diversity and disproportionate burden of infectious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS, Ebola virus disease, and Lassa fever. This work lays out an incremental approach for reaching underserved countries in bioinformatics and data science research through a progression of capacity building, training, and research efforts. Two global health informatics training programs sponsored by the Fogarty International Center (FIC) were carried out at the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Mali (USTTB) between 1999 and 2011. Together with capacity building efforts through the West Africa International Centers of Excellence in Malaria Research (ICEMR), this progress laid the groundwork for a bioinformatics and data science training program launched at USTTB as part of the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) initiative. Prior to the global health informatics training, its trainees published first or second authorship and third or higher authorship manuscripts at rates of 0.40 and 0.10 per year, respectively. Following the training, these rates increased to 0.70 and 1.23 per year, respectively, which was a statistically significant increase (p < 0.001). The bioinformatics and data science training program at USTTB commenced in 2017 focusing on student, faculty, and curriculum tiers of enhancement. The program's sustainable measures included institutional support for core elements, university tuition and fees, resource sharing and coordination with local research projects and companion training programs, increased student and faculty publication rates, and increased research proposal submissions. Challenges reliance of high-speed bandwidth availability on short-term funding, lack of a discounted software portal for basic software applications, protracted application processes for United States visas, lack of industry job positions, and low publication rates in the areas of bioinformatics and data science. Long-term, incremental processes are necessary for engaging historically underserved countries in bioinformatics and data science research. The multi-tiered enhancement approach laid out here provides a platform for generating bioinformatics and data science technicians, teachers, researchers, and program managers. Increased literature on bioinformatics and data science training approaches and progress is needed to provide a framework for establishing benchmarks on the topics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Frances J. Mather
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Mamadou Wele
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Cheick Oumar Tangara
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yaya Kassogue
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sudesh K. Srivastav
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Oumar Thiero
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamadou Diakite
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Modibo Sangare
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Djeneba Dabitao
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mahamoudou Toure
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Abdoulaye A. Djimde
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekou Traore
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Brehima Diakite
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mamadou B. Coulibaly
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yaozhong Liu
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Michelle Lacey
- Department of Mathematics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - John J. Lefante
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ousmane Koita
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - John S. Schieffelin
- Sections of Pediatric & Adult Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Donald J. Krogstad
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Seydou O. Doumbia
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
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Shaffer JG, Doumbia SO, Ndiaye D, Diarra A, Gomis JF, Nwakanma D, Abubakar I, Ahmad A, Affara M, Lukowski M, Valim C, Welty JC, Mather FJ, Keating J, Krogstad DJ. Development of a data collection and management system in West Africa: challenges and sustainability. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:125. [PMID: 30541626 PMCID: PMC6292095 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0494-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing and sustaining a data collection and management system (DCMS) is difficult in malaria-endemic countries because of limitations in internet bandwidth, computer resources and numbers of trained personnel. The premise of this paper is that development of a DCMS in West Africa was a critically important outcome of the West African International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research. The purposes of this paper are to make that information available to other investigators and to encourage the linkage of DCMSs to international research and Ministry of Health data systems and repositories. METHODS We designed and implemented a DCMS to link study sites in Mali, Senegal and The Gambia. This system was based on case report forms for epidemiologic, entomologic, clinical and laboratory aspects of plasmodial infection and malarial disease for a longitudinal cohort study and included on-site training for Principal Investigators and Data Managers. Based on this experience, we propose guidelines for the design and sustainability of DCMSs in environments with limited resources and personnel. RESULTS From 2012 to 2017, we performed biannual thick smear surveys for plasmodial infection, mosquito collections for anopheline biting rates and sporozoite rates and year-round passive case detection for malarial disease in four longitudinal cohorts with 7708 individuals and 918 households in Senegal, The Gambia and Mali. Major challenges included the development of uniform definitions and reporting, assessment of data entry error rates, unstable and limited internet access and software and technology maintenance. Strengths included entomologic collections linked to longitudinal cohort studies, on-site data centres and a cloud-based data repository. CONCLUSIONS At a time when research on diseases of poverty in low and middle-income countries is a global priority, the resources available to ensure accurate data collection and the electronic availability of those data remain severely limited. Based on our experience, we suggest the development of a regional DCMS. This approach is more economical than separate data centres and has the potential to improve data quality by encouraging shared case definitions, data validation strategies and analytic approaches including the molecular analysis of treatment successes and failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G. Shaffer
- Departments of Biostatistics (1440 Canal St., Suite 1610) and Tropical Medicine, (#8317 1430 Tulane Avenue, J.B. Johnston Building, Room 510), New Orleans, LA 70112-2699 USA
| | - Seydou O. Doumbia
- University of the Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | - Ayouba Diarra
- University of the Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | | | | | | | | | - Muna Affara
- Medical Research Council Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | | | - Clarissa Valim
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - James C. Welty
- Departments of Biostatistics (1440 Canal St., Suite 1610) and Tropical Medicine, (#8317 1430 Tulane Avenue, J.B. Johnston Building, Room 510), New Orleans, LA 70112-2699 USA
| | - Frances J. Mather
- Departments of Biostatistics (1440 Canal St., Suite 1610) and Tropical Medicine, (#8317 1430 Tulane Avenue, J.B. Johnston Building, Room 510), New Orleans, LA 70112-2699 USA
| | - Joseph Keating
- Departments of Biostatistics (1440 Canal St., Suite 1610) and Tropical Medicine, (#8317 1430 Tulane Avenue, J.B. Johnston Building, Room 510), New Orleans, LA 70112-2699 USA
| | - Donald J. Krogstad
- Departments of Biostatistics (1440 Canal St., Suite 1610) and Tropical Medicine, (#8317 1430 Tulane Avenue, J.B. Johnston Building, Room 510), New Orleans, LA 70112-2699 USA
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Wilson ML, Krogstad DJ, Arinaitwe E, Arevalo-Herrera M, Chery L, Ferreira MU, Ndiaye D, Mathanga DP, Eapen A. Urban Malaria: Understanding its Epidemiology, Ecology, and Transmission Across Seven Diverse ICEMR Network Sites. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:110-123. [PMID: 26259941 PMCID: PMC4574269 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A major public health question is whether urbanization will transform malaria from a rural to an urban disease. However, differences about definitions of urban settings, urban malaria, and whether malaria control should differ between rural and urban areas complicate both the analysis of available data and the development of intervention strategies. This report examines the approach of the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) to urban malaria in Brazil, Colombia, India (Chennai and Goa), Malawi, Senegal, and Uganda. Its major theme is the need to determine whether cases diagnosed in urban areas were imported from surrounding rural areas or resulted from transmission within the urban area. If infections are being acquired within urban areas, malaria control measures must be targeted within those urban areas to be effective. Conversely, if malaria cases are being imported from rural areas, control measures must be directed at vectors, breeding sites, and infected humans in those rural areas. Similar interventions must be directed differently if infections were acquired within urban areas. The hypothesis underlying the ICEMR approach to urban malaria is that optimal control of urban malaria depends on accurate epidemiologic and entomologic information about transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L. Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana; Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Mulago Hospital Campus, Kampala, Uganda; Caucaseo Research Center/School of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia; Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal; College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi; National Institute of Malaria Research (Indian Council of Medical Research), National Institute of Epidemiology Campus, Tamil Nadu, India
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Golassa L, Baliraine FN, Enweji N, Erko B, Swedberg G, Aseffa A. Microscopic and molecular evidence of the presence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections in an area with low, seasonal and unstable malaria transmission in Ethiopia. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:310. [PMID: 26242405 PMCID: PMC4526179 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1070-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of asymptomatic infections has serious implications for malaria elimination campaigns. Since asymptomatic carriers do not seek treatment for their infection and may become gametocyte carriers, they undoubtedly contribute to the persistence of malaria transmission in a population. The presence of asymptomatic parasitemias was noted in areas with seasonal malaria transmission. In Ethiopia there is a paucity of data regarding the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria carriage. This study was undertaken to assess the presence and prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections in south-central Oromia, Ethiopia. METHODS A total of 1094 apparently healthy individuals ≥ 2 years of age in south-central Oromia, Ethiopia, an area with seasonal and unstable malaria transmission, were screened for the presence of asymptomatic plasmodial infections. Finger-prick blood samples were taken from each participant for blood film preparation for microscopy and the rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Blood samples were also spotted on Whatman 3MM filter paper for parasite DNA extraction. RESULTS The prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium carriage (P. falciparum, P. vivax and mixed species) was 5.0 % (55/1,094) as determined by microscopy, while the prevalence as determined using RDT was 8.2 % (90/1,094). PCR was done on 47 of 55 microscopy-confirmed and on 79 of 90 RDT-confirmed samples. PCR detected parasite DNA in 89.4 % (42/47) of the microscopy-positive samples and in 77.2 % (61/79) of the RDT-positive samples. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum or P. vivax infections in the study area (P > 0.1). However, the prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia was significantly associated with gender (OR = 0.47, P = 0.015; being higher in males than females) and age (X(2) = 25, P < 0.001; being higher in younger than in older individuals). Age and parasite densities had an inverse relationship. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the presence of asymptomatic P. falciparum and P. vivax infections in south-central Oromia, an area with low, seasonal and unstable malaria transmission in Ethiopia. Of 55 microscopically confirmed asymptomatic infections, P. falciparum monoinfection accounted for 45.5 % and of 90 RDT positive asymptomatic infections, 66.7 % were P. falciparum. Although not statistically significant, P. falciparum accounted for a relatively large number of the asymptomatic infections as determined by both tests. The prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia was highest in the younger age group. HRP-2-based RDTs specific for P. falciparum showed high false positivity rate compared to Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) specific to P. vivax. Although microscopy and RDT detected substantial numbers of asymptomatic infections in apparently healthy inhabitants, the use of a highly sensitive molecular diagnostics offers a more accurate assessment of the magnitude of asymptomatic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. .,Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | | | - Nizar Enweji
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Berhanu Erko
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Göte Swedberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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The relationship between Plasmodium infection, anaemia and nutritional status in asymptomatic children aged under five years living in stable transmission zones in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Malar J 2015; 14:83. [PMID: 25880427 PMCID: PMC4336722 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0595-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is preventable and treatable when recommended interventions are properly implemented. Thus, diagnosis and treatment focus on symptomatic individuals while asymptomatic Plasmodium infection (PI) plays a role in the sustainability of the transmission and may also have an impact on the morbidity of the disease in terms of anaemia, nutritional status and even cognitive development of children. The objective of this study was to assess PI prevalence and its relationship with known morbidity factors in a vulnerable but asymptomatic stratum of the population. METHODS A simple random sample, household survey in asymptomatic children under the age of five was conducted from April to September 2012 in two health areas of the health zone of Mont Ngafula 1, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. RESULTS The PI prevalence were 30.9% (95% CI: 26.5-35.9) and 14.3% (95% CI: 10.5-18.1) in Cité Pumbu and Kindele health areas, respectively, (OR: 2.7; p <0.001). All were Plasmodium falciparum infected and 4% were co-infected with Plasmodium malariae. In Cité Pumbu and Kindele, the prevalence of anaemia (haemoglobin <11 g/dL) was 61.6% (95% CI: 56.6-66.5) and 39.3% (95% CI: 34.0-44.6), respectively, (OR: 2.5; p <0.001). The health area of Cité Pumbu had 32% (95% CI: 27.5-37.0) of chronic malnutrition (HAZ score ≤ -2SD) compared to 5.1% (95% CI: 2.8-7.6) in Kindele. PI was predictor factor for anaemia (aOR: 3.5, p =0.01) and within infected children, there was an inverse relationship between parasite density and haemoglobin level (β = -5*10(-5), p <0.001). Age older than 12 months (aOR: 3.8, p = 0.01), presence of anaemia (aOR: 3.4, p =0.001), chronic malnutrition (aOR: 1.8, p = 0.01), having a single parent/guardian (aOR: 1.6, p =0.04), and the non-use of insecticide-treated nets (aOR: 1.7, p = 0.04) were all predictors for PI in the overall population. CONCLUSION PI in asymptomatic children was correlated with anaemia and chronic malnutrition and was thus a harmful condition in the study population. Malaria control initiatives should not only focus on treatment of symptomatic infections but also take into consideration asymptomatic but infected children.
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Deme AB, Park DJ, Bei AK, Sarr O, Badiane AS, Gueye PEHO, Ahouidi A, Ndir O, Mboup S, Wirth DF, Ndiaye D, Volkman SK. Analysis of pfhrp2 genetic diversity in Senegal and implications for use of rapid diagnostic tests. Malar J 2014; 13:34. [PMID: 24472178 PMCID: PMC3913323 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Senegalese National Malaria Control Programme has recommended use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that target the histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2), specific to Plasmodium falciparum, to diagnose malaria cases. The target antigen has been shown to be polymorphic, which may explain the variability in HRP2-based RDT results reported in field studies. The genetic diversity of the pfhrp2 gene has not been investigated in depth in many African countries. The goal of this study is to determine the extent of polymorphism in pfhrp2 among Senegal, Mali and Uganda parasite populations, and discuss the implications of these findings on the utility of RDTs that are based on HRP2 detection. Methods Sequencing data from the pfhrp2 locus were used to analyze the genetic diversity of this gene among three populations, with different transmission dynamics and malaria parasite ecologies. Nucleotide diversity (π) and non-synonymous nucleotide diversity (πNS) were studied in the pfhrp2 gene from isolates obtained in Senegal. Amino acid repeat length polymorphisms in the PfHRP2 antigen were characterized and parameters of genetic diversity, such as frequency and correlation between repeats in these populations, were assessed. Results The diversity survey of the pfhrp2 gene identified 29 SNPs as well as insertion and deletion polymorphisms within a 918 bp region. The Senegal pfhrp2 exhibited a substantial level of diversity [π = 0.00559 and πNS = 0.014111 (πS = 0.0291627)], similar to several polymorphic genes, such as msp1, involved in immune responses, and the gene encoding the SURFIN polymorphic antigen, which are surface exposed parasite proteins. Extensive repeat length polymorphisms in PfHRP2, as well as similar patterns in the number, organization and the type of predicted amino acid repeats were observed among the three populations, characterized by an occurrence of Type 2, Type 4 and Type 7 repeats. Conclusions These results warrant deeper monitoring of the RDT target antigen diversity and emphasize that development of other essential genes as a target for diagnostic tools is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sarah K Volkman
- Broad Institute: The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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Geiger C, Agustar HK, Compaoré G, Coulibaly B, Sié A, Becher H, Lanzer M, Jänisch T. Declining malaria parasite prevalence and trends of asymptomatic parasitaemia in a seasonal transmission setting in North-Western Burkina Faso between 2000 and 2009-2012. Malar J 2013; 12:27. [PMID: 23339523 PMCID: PMC3639197 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria transmission was reported to have declined in some East African countries. However, a comparable trend has not been confirmed for West Africa. This study aims to assess the dynamics of parasite prevalence and malaria species distribution over time in an area of highly seasonal transmission in Burkina Faso. The aim was also to compare frequency of asymptomatic parasitaemia between wet and dry season by parasite density status and age group. Methods During the years 2009–2012, six cross-sectional studies were performed in the rural village Bourasso in the Nouna Health District in north-west Burkina Faso. In subsequent rainy and dry seasons blood samples were collected to assess the parasite prevalence, species, density and clinical parameters. In total, 1,767 children and adults were examined and compared to a baseline collected in 2000. Results The microscopical parasite prevalence (mainly P. falciparum) measured over the rainy seasons decreased significantly from 78.9% (2000) to 58.4%, 55.9% and 49.3%, respectively (2009–2011; p <0.001). The frequency of Plasmodium malariae infections (mono- and co-infections) decreased parallel to the overall parasite prevalence from 13.4% in 2000 to 2.1%, 4.1% and 4.7% in 2009–2011 (p <0.001). Comparing parasite-positive subjects from the rainy season versus dry season, the risk of fever was significantly reduced in the dry season adjusting for parasite density (grouped) and age group. Conclusions The results of this study suggest a decline of malaria transmission over the rainy seasons between 2000 and 2009–2011 in the region of Nouna, Burkina Faso. The decreased transmission intensity was associated with lower prevalence of P. malariae infections (both mono-infections and co-infections). Asymptomatic parasitaemia was more frequent in the dry season even adjusting for parasite density and age group in a multivariate regression. Possible reasons for this observation include the existence of less pathogenic Plasmodium falciparum genotypes prevailing in the dry season, or the effect of a reduced incidence density during the dry season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Geiger
- Department for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
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Hamed K, Grueninger H. Coartem ®: a decade of patient-centric malaria management. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2012; 10:645-659. [DOI: 10.1586/eri.12.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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Mpimbaza A, Achan J. Editorial commentary on: Malaria parasitaemia among long distance truck drivers in the Niger delta of Nigeria. Afr Health Sci 2012; 12:89. [PMID: 23056011 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v12i2.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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