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Steinhardt LC, KC A, Tiffany A, Quincer EM, Loerinc L, Laramee N, Large A, Lindblade KA. Reactive Case Detection and Treatment and Reactive Drug Administration for Reducing Malaria Transmission: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2024; 110:82-93. [PMID: 38118166 PMCID: PMC10993791 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.22-0720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many countries pursuing malaria elimination implement "reactive" strategies targeting household members and neighbors of index cases to reduce transmission. These strategies include reactive case detection and treatment (RACDT; testing and treating those positive) and reactive drug administration (RDA; providing antimalarials without testing). We conducted systematic reviews of RACDT and RDA to assess their effect on reducing malaria transmission and gathered evidence about key contextual factors important to their implementation. Two reviewers screened titles/abstracts and full-text records using defined criteria (Patient = those in malaria-endemic/receptive areas; Intervention = RACDT or RDA; Comparison = standard of care; Outcome = malaria incidence/prevalence) and abstracted data for meta-analyses. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach was used to rate certainty of evidence (CoE) for each outcome. Of 1,460 records screened, reviewers identified five RACDT studies (three cluster-randomized controlled trials [cRCTs] and two nonrandomized studies [NRS]) and seven RDA studies (six cRCTs and one NRS); three cRCTs comparing RDA to RACDT were included in both reviews. Compared with RDA, RACDT was associated with nonsignificantly higher parasite prevalence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85; 95% CI: 0.96-3.57; one study) and malaria incidence (rate ratio [RR] = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.94-1.79; three studies), both very low CoE. Compared with control or RACDT, RDA was associated with non-significantly lower parasite incidence (RR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.36-1.47; 2 studies, moderate CoE), prevalence (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.52-1.17; 4 studies, low CoE), and malaria incidence (RR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.82-1.05; six studies, moderate CoE). Evidence for reactive strategies' impact on malaria transmission is limited, especially for RACDT, but suggests RDA might be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Steinhardt
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Achyut KC
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amanda Tiffany
- Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Nicolas Laramee
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Amy Large
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Kim A. Lindblade
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Dabaro D, Birhanu Z, Adissu W, Yilma D, Yewhalaw D. Prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria infection in Boricha District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia: implications for elimination strategies. Malar J 2023; 22:284. [PMID: 37752572 PMCID: PMC10521520 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04722-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health threat in Ethiopia despite the tremendous progress made towards the 2030 elimination targets. The silent transmission of asymptomatic infection is one of the factors that enhance the persistence of the disease as a public health issue and impedes efforts to eliminate malaria. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria infection in Boricha district, Sidama region of Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in eight selected kebeles (smallest administrative unit) in Boricha district. Representative households were chosen using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 573 participants were included in the study. Malaria diagnosis was performed using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic information. Epi data 3.1 was employed for data entry, and SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. RESULTS Of the 573 asymptomatic participants tested, 6.1% were found to be positive by RDT and 4.0% by microscopy. Participants aged under 5 years (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI 0.46-5.39) and 5-14 years old (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.08-5.40), Insecticide-treated net utilization (AOR = 8.41; 95% CI 1.09-65.08), travel history (AOR = 6.85, 95% CI 2.32-20.26) and living in a house with windows (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI 1.02-4.36) were significantly associated with the asymptomatic malaria infection. CONCLUSION The findings of this study revealed that prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection was higher in the study area. As a result, rigorous implementation of existing interventions, such as vector control and anti-malaria drugs, is strongly recommended. In addition, devising new ones that are suited to the contextual situations is highly suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desalegn Dabaro
- Yirgalem Hospital Medical College, Yirgalem, Ethiopia.
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Zewdie Birhanu
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Wondimagegn Adissu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Clinical Trial Unit, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Yilma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Clinical Trial Unit, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Newby G, Cotter C, Roh ME, Harvard K, Bennett A, Hwang J, Chitnis N, Fine S, Stresman G, Chen I, Gosling R, Hsiang MS. Testing and treatment for malaria elimination: a systematic review. Malar J 2023; 22:254. [PMID: 37661286 PMCID: PMC10476355 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04670-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global interest in malaria elimination has prompted research on active test and treat (TaT) strategies. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the effectiveness of TaT strategies to reduce malaria transmission. RESULTS A total of 72 empirical research and 24 modelling studies were identified, mainly focused on proactive mass TaT (MTaT) and reactive case detection (RACD) in higher and lower transmission settings, respectively. Ten intervention studies compared MTaT to no MTaT and the evidence for impact on malaria incidence was weak. No intervention studies compared RACD to no RACD. Compared to passive case detection (PCD) alone, PCD + RACD using standard diagnostics increased infection detection 52.7% and 11.3% in low and very low transmission settings, respectively. Using molecular methods increased this detection of infections by 1.4- and 1.1-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION Results suggest MTaT is not effective for reducing transmission. By increasing case detection, surveillance data provided by RACD may indirectly reduce transmission by informing coordinated responses of intervention targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Newby
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Chris Cotter
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michelle E Roh
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Harvard
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Adam Bennett
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- PATH, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jimee Hwang
- Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nakul Chitnis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sydney Fine
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gillian Stresman
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ingrid Chen
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roly Gosling
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michelle S Hsiang
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Zeleke MT, Gelaye KA, Hirpa AA, Teshome MB, Guma GT, Abate BT, Yenesew MA. Diagnostic performance of PfHRP2/pLDH malaria rapid diagnostic tests in elimination setting, northwest Ethiopia. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001879. [PMID: 37428720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis of malaria is vital for the effectiveness of parasite clearance interventions in elimination settings. Thus, evaluating the diagnostic performance of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) used in malaria parasite clearance interventions in elimination settings is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of rapid diagnostic tests recently used in detecting malaria parasites in northwest Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021 comparing PfHRP2/pLDH CareStart malaria RDTs with light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood samples were collected from 310 febrile patients who attended the outpatient department and examined using CareStart RDTs, light microscopy, and PCR. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA/SE version 17.0. The sensitivity of PfHRP2/pLDH CareStart malaria RDTs, regardless of species, was 81.0% [95% CI, 75.3, 86.7] and 75.8% [95% CI, 69.6, 82.0] compared to light microscopy and PCR, while the specificity was 96.8% [95% CI, 93.7, 99.9] and 93.2% [95% CI, 88.6, 97.8], respectively. The false-negative rate of CareStart malaria RDTs in comparison with light microscopy and PCR was 19.0% and 24.2%, respectively. The level of agreement beyond chance between tests was substantial, RDT versus microscopy was 75.0% and RDT versus PCR was 65.1%. The diagnostic performance of PfHRP2/pLDH CareStart RDTs in detecting malaria parasites among febrile patients in the study area was below the recommended WHO standard. The limited diagnostic performance of RDTs in the malaria elimination area undoubtedly affects the impact of malaria parasite clearance interventions. Therefore, parasite clearance intervention like targeted mass drug administration with antimalarial drugs is recommended to back up the limited diagnostic performance of the RDT or replace the existing malaria RDTs with more sensitive, field-deployable, and affordable diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adugna Abera Hirpa
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Malaria, and Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Team, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mahlet Belachew Teshome
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Malaria, and Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Team, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Geremew Tasew Guma
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Malaria, and Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Team, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Aidoo EK, Aboagye FT, Botchway FA, Osei-Adjei G, Appiah M, Duku-Takyi R, Sakyi SA, Amoah L, Badu K, Asmah RH, Lawson BW, Krogfelt KA. Reactive Case Detection Strategy for Malaria Control and Elimination: A 12 Year Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from 25 Malaria-Endemic Countries. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:tropicalmed8030180. [PMID: 36977181 PMCID: PMC10058581 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8030180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive case detection (RACD) is the screening of household members and neighbors of index cases reported in passive surveillance. This strategy seeks asymptomatic infections and provides treatment to break transmission without testing or treating the entire population. This review discusses and highlights RACD as a recommended strategy for the detection and elimination of asymptomatic malaria as it pertains in different countries. Relevant studies published between January 2010 and September 2022 were identified mainly through PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included "malaria and reactive case detection", "contact tracing", "focal screening", "case investigation", "focal screen and treat". MedCalc Software was used for data analysis, and the findings from the pooled studies were analyzed using a fixed-effect model. Summary outcomes were then presented using forest plots and tables. Fifty-four (54) studies were systematically reviewed. Of these studies, 7 met the eligibility criteria based on risk of malaria infection in individuals living with an index case < 5 years old, 13 met the eligibility criteria based on risk of malaria infection in an index case household member compared with a neighbor of an index case, and 29 met the eligibility criteria based on risk of malaria infection in individuals living with index cases, and were included in the meta-analysis. Individuals living in index case households with an average risk of 2.576 (2.540-2.612) were more at risk of malaria infection and showed pooled results of high variation heterogeneity chi-square = 235.600, (p < 0.0001) I2 = 98.88 [97.87-99.89]. The pooled results showed that neighbors of index cases were 0.352 [0.301-0.412] times more likely to have a malaria infection relative to index case household members, and this result was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The identification and treatment of infectious reservoirs is critical to successful malaria elimination. Evidence to support the clustering of infections in neighborhoods, which necessitates the inclusion of neighboring households as part of the RACD strategy, was presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Krampah Aidoo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - Frank Twum Aboagye
- Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Water Research Institute, Accra AH 38, Ghana
| | - Felix Abekah Botchway
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - George Osei-Adjei
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - Michael Appiah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - Ruth Duku-Takyi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Accra Technical University, Accra GP 561, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi AK 039, Ghana
| | - Linda Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra LG 581, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Badu
- Department of Theoretical & Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi AK 039, Ghana
| | - Richard Harry Asmah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic and Biomedical Science, University of Health & Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana
| | - Bernard Walter Lawson
- Department of Theoretical & Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, University Post Office, Kumasi AK 039, Ghana
| | - Karen Angeliki Krogfelt
- Department of Science and Environment, Unit of Molecular and Medical Biology, The PandemiX Center, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Virus and Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zeleke MT, Gelaye KA, Yenesew MA. Spatiotemporal variation of malaria incidence in parasite clearance interventions and non-intervention areas in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274500. [PMID: 36121809 PMCID: PMC9484658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Ethiopia, malaria remains a major public health problem. To eliminate malaria, parasite clearance interventions were implemented in six kebeles (the lowest administrative unit) in the Amhara region. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of malaria is essential for targeting appropriate parasite clearance interventions to achieve the elimination goal. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal distribution of malaria incidence in the intervention and non-intervention areas. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of community-based malaria in the intervention and non-intervention kebeles between 2013 and 2018 in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods Malaria data from 212 kebeles in eight districts were downloaded from the District Health Information System2 (DHIS2) database. We used Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to investigate seasonal variations; Anselin Local Moran’s I statistical analysis to detect hotspot and cold spot clusters of malaria cases; and a discrete Poisson model using Kulldorff scan statistics to identify statistically significant clusters of malaria cases. Results The result showed that the reduction in the trend of malaria incidence was higher in the intervention areas compared to the non-intervention areas during the study period with a slope of -0.044 (-0.064, -0.023) and -0.038 (-0.051, -0.024), respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The Global Moran’s I statistics detected the presence of malaria clusters (z-score = 12.05; p<0.001); the Anselin Local Moran’s I statistics identified hotspot malaria clusters at 21 locations in Gendawuha and Metema districts. A statistically significant spatial, temporal, and space-time cluster of malaria cases were detected. Most likely type of spatial clusters of malaria cases (LLR = 195501.5; p <0.001) were detected in all kebeles of Gendawuha and Metema districts. The temporal scan statistic identified three peak periods between September 2013 and November 2015 (LLR = 8727.5; p<0.001). Statistically significant most-likely type of space-time clusters of malaria cases (LLR = 97494.3; p<0.001) were detected at 22 locations from June 2014 to November 2016 in Metema district. Conclusion There was a significant decline in malaria incidence in the intervention areas. There were statistically significant spatiotemporal variations of malaria in the study areas. Applying appropriate parasite clearance interventions is highly recommended for the better achievement of the elimination goal. A more rigorous evaluation of the impact of parasite clearance interventions is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melkamu Tiruneh Zeleke
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Muluken Azage Yenesew
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Malaria Test Positivity Outcomes and Programme Interventions in Low Transmission Settings in Southern Africa, 2000-2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116776. [PMID: 35682356 PMCID: PMC9180605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most significant causes of mortality and morbidity globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. It harmfully disturbs the public’s health and the economic growth of many developing countries. Despite the massive effect of malaria transmission, the overall pooled proportion of malaria positivity rate in Southern Africa is still elusive. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to pool estimates of the incidence of the malaria positivity rate, which is the first of its kind in South African countries. A literature search is performed to identify all published articles reporting the incidence of malaria positivity in Southern Africa. Out of the 3359 articles identified, 17 studies meet the inclusion for systematic review and meta-analysis. In addition, because substantial heterogeneity is expected due to the studies being extracted from the universal population, random-effects meta-analyses are carried out to pool the incidence of the malaria positivity rate from diverse diagnostic methods. The result reveals that between-study variability is high (τ2 = 0.003; heterogeneity I2 = 99.91% with heterogeneity chi-square χ2 = 18,143.95, degree of freedom = 16 and a p-value < 0.0001) with the overall random pooled incidence of 10% (95%CI: 8−13%, I2 = 99.91%) in the malaria positivity rate. According to the diagnostic method called pooled incidence estimate, the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is the leading diagnostic method (17%, 95%CI: 11−24%, I2 = 99.95%), followed by RDT and qPCR and RDT and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), respectively, found to be (3%, 95%CI: 2−3%, I2 = 0%) and (2%, 95%CI: 1−3%, I2 = 97.94%).Findings of the present study suggest high malaria positive incidence in the region. This implies that malaria control and elimination programmes towards malaria elimination could be negatively impacted and cause delays in actualising malaria elimination set dates. Further studies consisting of larger samples and continuous evaluation of malaria control programmes are recommended.
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Okebe J, Dabira E, Jaiteh F, Mohammed N, Bradley J, Drammeh NF, Bah A, Masunaga Y, Achan J, Muela Ribera J, Yeung S, Balen J, Peeters Grietens K, D'Alessandro U. Reactive, self-administered malaria treatment against asymptomatic malaria infection: results of a cluster randomized controlled trial in The Gambia. Malar J 2021; 20:253. [PMID: 34098984 PMCID: PMC8186162 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selectively targeting and treating malaria-infected individuals may further decrease parasite carriage in low-burden settings. Using a trans-disciplinary approach, a reactive treatment strategy to reduce Plasmodium falciparum prevalence in participating communities was co-developed and tested. METHODS This is a 2-arm, open-label, cluster-randomized trial involving villages in Central Gambia during the 2017 and 2018 malaria transmission season. Villages were randomized in a 1:1 ratio using a minimizing algorithm. In the intervention arm, trained village health workers delivered a full course of pre-packed dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine to all residents of compounds where clinical cases were reported while in the control arm, compound residents were screened for infection at the time of the index case reporting. All index cases were treated following national guidelines. The primary endpoint was malaria prevalence, determined by molecular methods, at the end of the intervention period. RESULTS The trial was carried out in 50 villages: 34 in 2017 and 16 additional villages in 2018. At the end of the 2018 transmission season, malaria prevalence was 0.8% (16/1924, range 0-4%) and 1.1% (20/1814, range 0-17%) in the intervention and control arms, respectively. The odds of malaria infection were 29% lower in the intervention than in the control arm after adjustment for age (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.27-1.84, p = 0.48). Adherence to treatment was high, with 98% (964/979) of those treated completing the 3-day treatment. Over the course of the study, only 37 villages, 20 in the intervention and 17 in the control arm, reported at least one clinical case. The distribution of clinical cases by month in both transmission seasons was similar and the odds of new clinical malaria cases during the trial period did not vary between arms (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.57-1.91, p = 0.893). All adverse events were classified as mild to moderate and resolved completely. CONCLUSION The systematic and timely administration of an anti-malarial treatment to residents of compounds with confirmed malaria cases did not significantly decrease malaria prevalence and incidence in communities where malaria prevalence was already low. Treatment coverage and adherence was very high. Results were strongly influenced by the lower-than-expected malaria prevalence, and by no clinical cases in villages with asymptomatic malaria-infected individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02878200. Registered 25 August 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02878200 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Okebe
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Edgard Dabira
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Fatou Jaiteh
- Medical Anthropology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nuredin Mohammed
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - John Bradley
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ndey-Fatou Drammeh
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Amadou Bah
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Yoriko Masunaga
- Medical Anthropology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Amsterdam Institute of Social Science Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jane Achan
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
- Malaria Consortium, Cambridge Heath, London, UK
| | | | - Shunmay Yeung
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Julie Balen
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Umberto D'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia At the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia.
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Nkya TE, Fillinger U, Dlamini M, Sangoro OP, Marubu R, Zulu Z, Chanda E, Mutero CM, Dlamini Q. Malaria in Eswatini, 2012-2019: a case study of the elimination effort. Malar J 2021; 20:159. [PMID: 33743727 PMCID: PMC7980328 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03699-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Eswatini was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to pass a National Malaria Elimination Policy in 2011, and later set a target for elimination by the year 2020. This case study aimed to review the malaria surveillance data of Eswatini collected over 8 years between 2012 and 2019 to evaluate the country's efforts that targeted malaria elimination by 2020. Coverage of indoor residual spraying (IRS) for vector control and data on malaria cases were provided by the National Malaria Programme (NMP) of Eswatini. The data included all cases treated for malaria in all health facilities. The data was analysed descriptively. Over the 8 years, a total of 5511 patients reported to the health facilities with malaria symptoms. The case investigation rate through the routine surveillance system increased from 50% in 2012 to 84% in 2019. Incidence per 1000 population at risk fluctuated over the years, but in general increased from 0.70 in 2012 to 1.65 in 2019, with the highest incidence of 3.19 reported in 2017. IRS data showed inconsistency in spraying over the 8 years. Most of the cases were diagnosed by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits in government (87.6%), mission (89.1%), private (87%) and company/industry-owned facilities (84.3%), either singly or in combination with microscopy. Eswatini has fallen short of achieving malaria elimination by 2020. Malaria cases are still consistently reported, albeit at low rates, with occasional localized outbreaks. To achieve elimination, it is critical to optimize timely and well-targeted IRS and to consider rational expansion of tools for an integrated malaria control approach in Eswatini by including tools such as larval source management, long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), screening of mosquito house entry points, and chemoprophylaxis. The establishment of rigorous routine entomological surveillance should also be prioritized to determine the local malaria vectors' ecology, potential species diversity, the role of secondary vectors and insecticide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresia Estomih Nkya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya. .,University of Dar Es Salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mbeya, Tanzania.
| | - Ulrike Fillinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Onyango P Sangoro
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rose Marubu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Zulisile Zulu
- National Malaria Programme, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Emmanuel Chanda
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Clifford Maina Mutero
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya.,University of Pretoria Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Quinton Dlamini
- National Malaria Programme, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
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Perera R, Caldera A, Wickremasinghe AR. Reactive Case Detection (RACD) and foci investigation strategies in malaria control and elimination: a review. Malar J 2020; 19:401. [PMID: 33172462 PMCID: PMC7653886 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03478-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reactive case detection (RACD) and foci investigation are key strategies in malaria elimination and prevention of its re-establishment. They are a key part of surveillance that has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be considered as a core intervention and as one of the three pillars of the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030. Methods A search using the key words “Reactive Case Detection”, “RACD”, “RCD” and “Malaria” was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Taylor and Francis online databases for studies published until 31st July 2019. The inclusion criteria for selection of articles for review included (1) how RACD is implemented in each country; (2) challenges faced in RACD implementation; (3) suggestions on how the effectiveness of RACD process can be improved. Results 411 titles were identified, 41 full text articles were screened and 29 were found eligible for inclusion in the review. Published literature on RACD, and case and foci investigations has mostly assessed the process of the activity. Most studies have documented that the yield of positives in RACD has been highest in the index case’s household and the immediate neighbourhood of the index case. Microscopy and RDTs are the common tests used in RACD. The guidelines for case and foci investigation, and RACD and PACD, are not universally adopted and are country-specific. Some of the limitations and challenges identified include lack of proper guidelines, logistic issues and problems with public compliance. Conclusions Although there is no documented evidence that RACD is useful in malaria elimination settings, most authors have opined that RACD is necessary for malaria elimination. Lack of knowledge in the target populations, a target radius and how to carry out the RACD process is a major challenge in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruwanthi Perera
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, P. O. Box 6, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, 11010, Sri Lanka
| | - Amandhi Caldera
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, P. O. Box 6, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, 11010, Sri Lanka
| | - A Rajitha Wickremasinghe
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, P. O. Box 6, Thalagolla Road, Ragama, 11010, Sri Lanka.
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Tesfahunegn A, Berhe G, Gebregziabher E. Risk factors associated with malaria outbreak in Laelay Adyabo district northern Ethiopia, 2017: case-control study design. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:484. [PMID: 31046711 PMCID: PMC6498533 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally in 2015 about 214 million malaria cases and 438,000 deaths were reported with 75% were from Sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria transmission in Ethiopia is unstable, and outbreaks are considered public health emergencies. Understanding the trigger for outbreaks in low-transmission areas can help facilitate malaria elimination. On July 8th malaria outbreak was reported from Laelay Adyabo district. The objective was to investigate the magnitude and associated factors with malaria outbreak. Methods We defined a case as confirmed malaria using microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test for Plasmodium parasites in a resident of Laelay-Adyabo District from July 9–28, 2017. We identified cases by reviewing health facility records and conducted a case-control study using randomly-selected cases from a line list, and two neighborhood controls per case. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire adapted from WHO malaria guidelines was used to collect data from case-patients and controls. We calculated crude (COR) and adjusted (AOR) odds ratios to identify factors associated with malaria. Result A total of 145 confirmed malaria cases (57.9% males) were identified with village attack rate (AR) of 12.1/1000. The AR was higher among males than females (14.1 verses 10.1/1000), children aged 5–14 years (12.9/1000), and in Zelazle Kebelle (13.6/1000 population). Wearing protective clothing (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.11–0.66), having good knowledge of malaria transmission (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.75), having waste collection material at home (AOR = 0.25 95% CI 0.11–0.61), availability of mosquito breeding sites around home (AOR = 9.08, 95% CI 3.6–22.93), and staying outdoor overnight (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.44–9.56) were independently associated with malaria. Conclusion The overall attack rate for malaria during this outbreak was high affecting > 1% of the population. Wearing protective clothing at night, knowing about malaria transmission, having mosquito breeding sites around the home, staying outdoors overnight, and having waste collection material in their house were predictors of the infection. Laelay Adyabo district health office should provide health education on malaria transmission and prevention measures and how to clear mosquito breeding sites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6798-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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