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Dian ND, Muhammad AB, Azman EN, Eddie NA, Azmi NI, Yee VCT, Rahim MAFA, Munajat MB, Rakna MIMS, Kasri MRM, Mohamed AI, Ghazali N, Hassan NW, Manap SNAA, Osman E, Wahid W, Chuangchaiya S, Lubis IND, Divis PCS, Chan S, Idris ZM. Evidence of Submicroscopic Plasmodium knowlesi Mono-Infection in Remote Indigenous Communities in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:1081-1085. [PMID: 37748768 PMCID: PMC10622472 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaysia has maintained zero cases of indigenous human malaria since 2018. However, zoonotic malaria is still prevalent in underdeveloped areas and hard-to-reach populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria among remote indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six settlements in Kelantan state, from June to October 2019. Blood samples were tested for malaria using microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the Plasmodium cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3) gene. Of the 1,954 individuals who appeared healthy, no malaria parasites were found using microscopy. However, nPCR revealed seven cases of Plasmodium knowlesi mono-infection (0.4%), and six out of seven infections were in the group of 19 to 40 years old (P = 0.026). No human malaria species were detected by nPCR. Analysis of the DNA sequences also showed high similarity that reflects common ancestry to other P. knowlesi isolates. These findings indicate low submicroscopic P. knowlesi infections among indigenous communities in Malaysia, requiring PCR-based surveillance to support malaria control activities in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Diyana Dian
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Basyir Muhammad
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Elora Nor Azman
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Ashrina Eddie
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Iman Azmi
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Valerie Chong Tze Yee
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Amirul Fitri A. Rahim
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Bakhtiar Munajat
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Nuraffini Ghazali
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noor Wanie Hassan
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Emelia Osman
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wathiqah Wahid
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sriwipa Chuangchaiya
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
| | - Inke Nadia D. Lubis
- Department of Paediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Paul C. S. Divis
- Malaria Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak
, Malaysia
| | - Sherwin Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zulkarnain Md Idris
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Rahim MAFA, Munajat MB, Dian ND, Seri Rakna MIM, Wahid W, Ghazali N, Hassan NW, Abdul Manap SNA, Kasri MRM, Mohamed AI, Osman E, Chuangchaiya S, Lubis IND, Divis PCS, Kaneko A, Tetteh KKA, Idris ZM. Naturally acquired antibody response to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax among indigenous Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1165634. [PMID: 37153151 PMCID: PMC10157193 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1165634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a public health problem in many parts of the world. In Malaysia, the significant progress towards the national elimination programme and effective disease notification on malaria has resulted in zero indigenous human malaria cases since 2018. However, the country still needs to determine the extent of malaria exposure and transmission patterns, particularly in high-risk populations. In this study, a serological method was used to measure transmission levels of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax among indigenous Orang Asli communities in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three Orang Asli communities (i.e., Pos Bihai, Pos Gob, and Pos Kuala Betis) in Kelantan from June to July 2019. Antibody responses to malaria were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two P. falciparum (PfAMA-1 and PfMSP-119) and two P. vivax (PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119) antigens. Age-adjusted antibody responses were analysed using a reversible catalytic model to calculate seroconversion rates (SCRs). Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with malaria exposure. The overall malaria seroprevalence was 38.8% for PfAMA-1, 36.4% for PfMSP-119, 2.2% for PvAMA-1, and 9.3% for PvMSP-119. Between study areas, the proportion of seropositivity for any P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens was significantly highest in Pos Kuala Betis with 34.7% (p < 0.001) and 13.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. For all parasite antigens except for PvAMA-1, the proportion of seropositive individuals significantly increased with age (all p < 0.001). Based on the SCR, there was a higher level of P. falciparum transmission than P. vivax in the study area. Multivariate regression analyses showed that living in Pos Kuala Betis was associated with both P. falciparum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.6, p < 0.001) and P. vivax (aOR 2.1, p < 0.001) seropositivities. Significant associations were also found between age and seropositivity to P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens. Analysis of community-based serological data helps describe the level of transmission, heterogeneity, and factors associated with malaria exposure among indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia. This approach could be an important adjunct tool for malaria monitoring and surveillance in low malaria transmission settings in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Amirul Fitri A. Rahim
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Bakhtiar Munajat
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Diyana Dian
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Wathiqah Wahid
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nuraffini Ghazali
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noor Wanie Hassan
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Emelia Osman
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sriwipa Chuangchaiya
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
| | - Inke Nadia D. Lubis
- Department of Paediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Paul C. S. Divis
- Malaria Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Akira Kaneko
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kevin K. A. Tetteh
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zulkarnain Md Idris
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Zulkarnain Md Idris,
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Rahim MAFA, Chuangchaiya S, Chanpum P, Palawong L, Kantee P, Dian ND, Lubis IND, Divis PCS, Kaneko A, Tetteh KKA, Idris ZM. Seroepidemiological surveillance, community perceptions and associated risk factors of malaria exposure among forest-goers in Northeastern Thailand. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:953585. [PMID: 36093204 PMCID: PMC9450859 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.953585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Thailand. Continuous assessment and understanding of the behavior and perceptions related to malaria exposure in the high-risk group are necessary to achieve the elimination goal. This study aimed to investigate the parasite prevalence, seroprevalence rate, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), and malaria risk factors in rural communities living close to a forested area in the northeastern part of Thailand. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three forest-goer communities (i.e., Ban Khok, Ban Koh, and Dong Yang) located in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan Province, Thailand, from July to August 2019. Demographic, socioeconomic information and KAP data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Parasite prevalence was determined by microscopy. Seroprevalence was determined via ELISA using two Plasmodium falciparum (PfAMA-1 and PfMSP-119) and two Plasmodium vivax (PvAMA-1 and PvMSP-119) antigens. Age-adjusted antibody responses were analyzed using a reversible catalytic model to calculate seroconversion rate (SCR). Malaria parasite was not detected in any of the 345 participants. The overall malaria seroprevalence was 72.2% for PfAMA-1, 18.8% for PfMSP-119, 32.5% for PvAMA-1, and 4.4% for PvMSP-119. The proportion of seroprevalence for P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens was significantly highest in Ban Koh (35.1%, P < 0.001) and Don Yang (18.8%, P < 0.001), respectively. For all parasite antigens except PvMSP-119, the proportion of seropositive individuals significantly increased with age (P < 0.001). Based on the SCRs, there was a higher level of P. falciparum transmission than P. vivax. Regarding KAP, almost all respondents showed adequate knowledge and awareness about malaria. Nevertheless, significant effort is needed to improve positive attitudes and practices concerning malaria prevention measures. Multivariate regression analyses showed that living in Ban Koh was associated with both P. falciparum (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 12.87, P < 0.001) and P. vivax (aOR 9.78, P < 0.001) seropositivities. We also found significant associations between age and seropositivity against P. falciparum and P. vivax antigens. The data suggest that seroepidemiological surveillance using AMA-1 and MSP-119 antigens may provide further evidence to reconstruct malaria exposure history. The absence of weak evidence of recent malaria transmission in Mukdahan Province is promising in the context of the disease elimination program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Amirul Fitri A. Rahim
- Deparment of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sriwipa Chuangchaiya
- Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Zulkarnain Md Idris, ; Sriwipa Chuangchaiya,
| | - Paisit Chanpum
- Vector Borne Disease Unit, Ban Koh Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital, Mukdahan, Thailand
| | - Laun Palawong
- Vector Borne Disease Unit, Ban Koh Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital, Mukdahan, Thailand
| | - Panuwat Kantee
- Vector Borne Disease Unit, Ban Koh Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital, Mukdahan, Thailand
| | - Nor Diyana Dian
- Deparment of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Inke Nadia D. Lubis
- Department of Paediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Paul C. S. Divis
- Malaria Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Akira Kaneko
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kevin K. A. Tetteh
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zulkarnain Md Idris
- Deparment of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Zulkarnain Md Idris, ; Sriwipa Chuangchaiya,
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Munajat MB, Rahim MAFA, Wahid W, Seri Rakna MIM, Divis PCS, Chuangchaiya S, Lubis IND, Osman E, Mohd Kasri MR, Idris ZM. Perceptions and prevention practices on malaria among the indigenous Orang Asli community in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. Malar J 2021; 20:202. [PMID: 33906645 PMCID: PMC8077949 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03741-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaysia is on track towards malaria elimination. However, several cases of malaria still occur in the country. Contributing factors and communal aspects have noteworthy effects on any malaria elimination activities. Thus, assessing the community's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards malaria is essential. This study was performed to evaluate KAP regarding malaria among the indigenous people (i.e. Orang Asli) in Peninsular Malaysia. METHODS A household-based cross-sectional study was conducted in five remote villages (clusters) of Orang Asli located in the State of Kelantan, a central region of the country. Community members aged six years and above were interviewed. Demographic, socio-economic and KAP data on malaria were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Overall, 536 individuals from 208 households were interviewed. Household indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage and bed net ownership were 100% and 89.2%, respectively. A majority of respondents used mosquito bed nets every night (95.1%), but only 50.2% were aware that bed nets were used to prevent malaria. Nevertheless, almost all of the respondents (97.9%) were aware that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes. Regarding practice for managing malaria, the most common practice adopted by the respondents was seeking treatment at the health facilities (70.9%), followed by self-purchase of medication from a local shop (12.7%), seeking treatment from a traditional healer (10.5%) and self-healing (5.9%). Concerning potential zoonotic malaria, about half of the respondents (47.2%) reported seeing monkeys from their houses and 20.1% reported entering nearby forests within the last 6 months. CONCLUSION This study found that most populations living in the villages have an acceptable level of knowledge and awareness about malaria. However, positive attitudes and practices concerning managing malaria require marked improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Bakhtiar Munajat
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Amirul Fitri A Rahim
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wathiqah Wahid
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Paul C S Divis
- Malaria Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Sriwipa Chuangchaiya
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, 47000, Thailand
| | - Inke Nadia D Lubis
- Department of Paediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, 20154, Indonesia
| | - Emelia Osman
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Zulkarnain Md Idris
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Chuangchaiya S, Navanesan S, Jaichuang S, Rahim MAFA, Idris ZM. Current prevalence of Opisthorchis viverrini infection and associated risk factors in Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeastern Thailand. Trop Biomed 2020; 37:986-999. [PMID: 33612751 DOI: 10.47665/tb.37.4.986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Opisthorchiasis caused by Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a major public health concern in Thailand. Despite many decades of national campaigns in place to reduce and control opisthorchiasis in Thailand, the infections remain to exist particularly in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. This study aimed to evaluate the current prevalence of O. viverrini infection in rural communities in northeast Thailand. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and October 2018 in three districts (Na Kae, That Phanom and Wang Yang) in Nakhon Phanom Province, Thailand. Demographic data were collected using a standardised questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and processed using the Kato-Katz technique to determine the presence of O. viverrini and other intestinal parasites. In total, 564 individuals were enrolled. The overall intestinal helminth infections were 15.2% (95% CI: 12.4-18.5). Species distribution included a majority of O. viverrini mono-infections (12.9%), followed by Strongyloides stercoralis (1.4%) and Taenia spp. (0.4%). The prevalence of O. viverrini was significantly higher in Wang Yang district (P = 0.022), in males (P = 0.004) and those previously positive with helminth infections (P<0.001) and received treatment of anti-helminths (P<0.001), than in their counterparts. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that being male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77, P = 0.035) and those who previously tested positive for helminth infections (aOR 8.69, P<0.001) were significantly associated with a higher odd of O. viverrini infections, but lower in those who had previous stool examination (aOR 0.22, P = 0.001). This study demonstrated that the updated prevalence of O. viverrini infection is still high in rural communities in northeast Thailand. The data of this study will be useful to guide and improve strategies for future O. viverrini and other helminths prevention and control in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chuangchaiya
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon Province, 47000, Thailand
| | - S Navanesan
- Secretariat for Medical Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S Jaichuang
- Nakhon Phanom Provincial Public Health Office, Muang District, Nakhon Phanom Province, 48000, Thailand
| | - M A F A Rahim
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Z M Idris
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Rahim MAFA, Munajat MB, Idris ZM. Malaria distribution and performance of malaria diagnostic methods in Malaysia (1980-2019): a systematic review. Malar J 2020; 19:395. [PMID: 33160393 PMCID: PMC7649001 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03470-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaysia has already achieved remarkable accomplishments in reaching zero indigenous human malaria cases in 2018. Prompt malaria diagnosis, surveillance and treatment played a key role in the country's elimination success. Looking at the dynamics of malaria distribution during the last decades might provide important information regarding the potential challenges of such an elimination strategy. This study was performed to gather all data available in term of prevalence or incidence on Plasmodium infections in Malaysia over the last four decades. METHODS A systematic review of the published English literature was conducted to identify malaria distribution from 1980 to June 2019 in Malaysia. Two investigators independently extracted data from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Elsevier databases for original papers. RESULTS The review identified 46 epidemiological studies in Malaysia over the 39-year study period, on which sufficient information was available. The majority of studies were conducted in Malaysia Borneo (31/46; 67.4%), followed by Peninsular Malaysia (13/46; 28.3%) and in both areas (2/46; 4.3%). More than half of all studies (28/46; 60.9%) were assessed by both microscopy and PCR. Furthermore, there was a clear trend of decreases of all human malaria species with increasing Plasmodium knowlesi incidence rate throughout the year of sampling period. The summary estimates of sensitivity were higher for P. knowlesi than other Plasmodium species for both microscopy and PCR. Nevertheless, the specificities of summary estimates were similar for microscopy (40-43%), but varied for PCR (2-34%). CONCLUSIONS This study outlined the epidemiological changes in Plasmodium species distribution in Malaysia. Malaria cases shifted from predominantly caused by human malaria parasites to simian malaria parasites, which accounted for the majority of indigenous cases particularly in Malaysia Borneo. Therefore, malaria case notification and prompt malaria diagnosis in regions where health services are limited in Malaysia should be strengthened and reinforced to achieving the final goal of malaria elimination in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Amirul Fitri A Rahim
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Bakhtiar Munajat
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zulkarnain Md Idris
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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