Malaria Journal最新文献

{"title":"Evaluating malaria reactive surveillance and response strategies in northeast Cambodia: a mixed-methods study.","authors":"Win Han Oo, Sovannaroth Siv, Kaungmyat Khant, Win Htike, Meach Monyth Molyta, Thet Lynn, Nilar Aye Tun, Paul A Agius, Freya J I Fowkes","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05475-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05475-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cambodia aims to eliminate malaria latest by 2030 applying the 1-3-7 malaria reactive surveillance and response (RASR) strategy which involves malaria case notification, investigation and classification on the same day as diagnosis, reactive case detection within three days, and investigation and classification of new active focus within seven days of case notification. This study investigates the implementation of the RASR strategy in terms of its timeliness, facilitators and barriers, and acceptability for implementation, thereby providing recommendations to improve the strategy in the context of the national health system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods study of secondary data analysis of aggregated routine malaria datasets, and cross-sectional survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with malaria programme stakeholders, frontline health workers and mobile and migrant populations was conducted in Ratanakiri and Stung Treng provinces. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed descriptively and thematically.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2020 and 2022, 72% and 59% of malaria cases were notified and investigated within one day after diagnosis. Timeliness of reactive case detection was 89% and 45% in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Despite having challenges including minimal community participation in reactive case detection, poor mobile phone network coverage and road conditions, a heavy workload at the commune health centre level, inadequate surveillance technical knowledge among village malaria workers and insufficient budget to execute RASR, the existing RASR strategy was deemed acceptable among all levels of health personnels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The RASR strategy implemented in northeast Cambodia was generally functioning well despite some challenges. To improve the RASR strategy to achieve 100% timeliness and progress towards malaria elimination in Cambodia, allocating sufficient budget, capacity building to frontline health workers and better community engagement strategies are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"229"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144626683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review on the ethnomedicinal plants used for the traditional treatment of malaria in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.","authors":"Sandeep Kumar Behera, Lopamudra Subudhi, Shibani Mohapatra, Alok Kumar Panda","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05477-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05477-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in the tropics and subtropics. Though Odisha has seen a decline in malaria cases over the past few years, it remains a contributing factor in deciding India's malaria journey. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-based systematic review aims to investigate and compile the ethnomedicinal evidence-based documented research data on anti-malarial medicinal plants in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. An extensive literature survey was conducted using online databases, following the PRISMA-Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines for anti-malarial prophylaxis and diagnosis using the ethnomedicinal plants in Mayurbhanj. Using appropriate exclusion and inclusion criteria, 20 literature/book chapters were included in the study. Origin 2024b was used for the analysis of the ethnomedicinal information. The study identified 40 plant species used by traditional healers in anti-malarial treatment. These 40 plant species belong to 24 families, the majority of which are the Acanthaceae and Apocyanaceae. Most of the formulations came from a decoction, paste, juice and powder. It was interesting to note that the formulations were predominantly provided by oral route. The leaves and roots were the significant parts used by the healers for the anti-malarial treatment. However, no side effects were reported for these plants. The review highlights the rich variety of ethnomedicinal plants and their recipes for anti-malarial treatment in Mayurbhanj. The disease still plagues Odisha, necessitating study on dispersed ethnomedicinal studies for a better therapeutic comprehension of the diagnosis. This will aid diagnosis and boost tribal knowledge and culture.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"228"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255974/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144619003","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated with hospitalizations due to severe malaria in the non-endemic Brazilian region: a case-control study in the extra-Amazon Region from 2011 to 2019.","authors":"Anderson Coutinho da Silva, Elisabeth Carmem Duarte, Paola Barbosa Marchesini, Giselle Maria Rachid Viana, Walter Massa Ramalho, Klauss K S Garcia","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05357-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05357-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is infectious disease with low occurrence in Brazil extra-Amazon Region. Despite this, higher lethality is observed in this region compared to the country's endemic area. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse factors associated with malaria hospitalizations (severe malaria) in the extra-Amazon Region, in order to prevent deaths.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case-control design was used, utilizing data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan) and hospitalization records from the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) from 2011 to 2019. Cases comprised hospitalized malaria patients, while controls included reported malaria notifications without hospitalization. Probabilistic record linkage techniques were employed, and associations were analysed using multiple logistic regression with a 0.05 significance level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The main risk factors identified were: Black or mixed-race ethnicity (OR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.04-1.43), low education (elementary school OR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.78-2.75 or high school OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.39-2.13), infection outside the extra-Amazon Region (Amazon Region OR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.15-1.96 or abroad OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.28-2.32), high parasite count (501 to 10,000/mm³ OR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.27-1.80, 10,001 to 100,000/mm³ OR = 1.77; 95% CI 2.87-1.96 or higher than 100,000/mm³ OR = 3.15; 95% CI 2.20-4.50) and delayed treatment (after 3-7 days symptoms onset OR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.36-2.24 or 8 days or more OR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.62-2.66). Active case detection was a protective factor (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.54-0.78).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Delayed treatment remains a key factor in the occurrence of severe malaria, leading to high parasitaemia and revealing inequalities in access to healthcare based on socioeconomic differences. Travel to the Amazon Region or other countries also poses a challenge, requiring strengthened traveller health strategies and increased surveillance awareness to promptly suspect and identify cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"227"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12255989/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144619005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Caveola-vesicle complexes of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium cynomolgi: large-scale aggregation and structure of PHIST-positive vesicles in late schizont-infected red blood cells.","authors":"Lawrence H Bannister, Anton R Dluzewski, Esmeralda V S Meyer, Stacey A Lapp, Mary R Galinski","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05405-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05405-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Numerous caveola-vesicle complexes (CVCs) form around the surface of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium cynomolgi infected erythrocytes during the asexual cycle. They include a 95 kDa protein in both species, the Plasmodium helical interspersed subtelomeric (PHIST) protein (PHIST/CVC-81₉₅) located at the cytoplasmic face of CVC vesicles and tubules. The functions and detailed structure of CVCs are poorly understood, although they are essential for parasite survival. In this study, electron and immuno-electron microscopy were used to explore structural changes to CVCs during the final phase of parasite maturation, when they may lose their importance to metabolic function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Blood with maturing parasite-infected erythrocytes was collected by venipuncture from Saimiri boliviensis and rhesus macaque monkeys infected with P. vivax and P. cynomolgi, respectively. Platelets and leukocytes were removed from the blood, and trophozoite- and schizont-infected erythrocytes were purified and concentrated. The parasitized RBCs were fixed in 2.5% v/v glutaraldehyde for morphological electron microscopy study or 2% v/v paraformaldehyde and 0.075% v/v glutaraldehyde for immuno-electron microscopy; sections were immuno-stained with rabbit anti-PHIST antibodies detected with protein A-conjugated to 10 nm gold.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Caveola-vesicle complexes, present along the periphery of trophozoite-infected erythrocytes, are dismantled in late-stage schizont-infected cells, releasing vesicles and tubules which aggregate as extensive PHIST-positive clusters within the infected cells. The clusters persist beyond the egress of merozoites, amongst the debris of the infected cells. The walls of vesicles and tubules are basket-like frameworks of fine filaments. Vesicle lumens also contain clusters of filaments and spheroidal spinous particles.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Caveolae-vesicle complex integrity is stage-specific. The CVC numbers are maximal in trophozoite and early schizont phases, and they are dismantled prior to merozoite egress when caveolae disappear and their vesicles and tubules are released to aggregate within the infected erythrocytes. This timing indicates that CVC activities are primarily related to the parasite's earlier trophic metabolism. Detailed study shows that vesicles and tubules have a unique structure which provides data relevant to the question of their function(s). The persistence of vesicle clusters after red cell lysis is also significant for the pathology of malaria.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"226"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12254962/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144619004","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomic investigation of a non-travel Plasmodium falciparum case linked to imported malaria in China's post-elimination era.","authors":"Fei Luo, Dan Jiang, Jing-Ru Xu, Yan Tan, Meng-Ping Yang, Jun Xie, Sen-Ping Yang, Hai-Mo Shen, Shuang Zhou, Jun-Hu Chen","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05476-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05476-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although China has achieved malaria elimination, the risk of reintroduction persists due to imported Plasmodium falciparum cases. Occasional infections without a clear travel history present challenge to routine epidemiological investigation and underscore the need for advanced tracing tools.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Whole-genome sequencing (WGS), principal component analysis (PCA), and identity-by-descent (IBD) analysis were applied to investigate a P. falciparum case reported in Chongqing, China, in 2019. The patient had no overseas travel history but was treated at the same hospital with a confirmed imported case from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Genomic analysis placed the unidentified case within the West and Central African parasite cluster. IBD analysis showed a high degree of relatedness (IBD = 0.9) between this case and the DRC-imported case, suggesting a potential transmission link. These findings indicate the likely Central African origin of the infection and raise concerns about local transmission risk even in a post-elimination setting.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This case highlights the limitations of traditional epidemiology in detecting cryptic transmission routes. Genomic epidemiology enables finer-scale resolution of parasite origin and relatedness, providing critical evidence in elimination-phase malaria control.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Genomic tools such as WGS, PCA, and IBD analysis can enhance national malaria surveillance systems by identifying infection sources and clarifying transmission routes. Their integration supports elimination-stage strategies and helps prevent malaria reintroduction in formerly endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"225"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12247474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144619006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A 3D culture model facilitates mass production of in vitro Plasmodium falciparum haemolymph-like sporozoites.","authors":"Kiara Hatzakis, Zachary MacMillen, Payton Kirtley, Maya Aleshnick, Thomas Martinson, Priya Gupta, Kristian E Swearingen, Brandon K Wilder, James W Davie, Marion Avril","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05471-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05471-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The in vitro cultivation of individual stages of the Plasmodium falciparum mosquito life cycle is notably challenging. The main difficulty is replicating the intricate nutrient and metabolite exchanges necessary for oocyst development and sporozoite (SPZ) formation in the three-dimensional environment of the mosquito midgut. Replicating these conditions is essential for understanding the biological interactions between mosquito and parasite, as well as advancing malaria vaccine development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An in vitro three-dimensional system was developed that closely mimics the mosquito midgut epithelium, basal lamina, and haemolymph, facilitating the production of substantial quantities of haemolymph-like Pf SPZ.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Use of an extracellular matrix-coated Alvetex^® Strata scaffold, combined with optimized culture medium, supports efficient oocyst attachment and provides the necessary nutrients for robust production of haemolymph-like SPZ. This system enables full maturation of oocysts, as shown by immunofluorescence assays (IFA), and allows timely release of in vitro SPZ (IVS) between days 11 and 15, comparable to the in vivo mosquito timeline. Haemolymph-like SPZ generated were found to be infectious, as evidenced by successful HC04 infection in in vitro and in vivo studies using FRG-huHep mice. Similar outcomes were observed across different P. falciparum strains.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Implementation of the Alvetex Strata scaffold, optimized medium, and improved ookinete production consistently enables in vitro generation of large quantities of haemolymph-like SPZ.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"224"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12243369/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144608735","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The economic burden of malaria in Africa: a systematic review of cost of illness studies.","authors":"Anteneh Lamesgen, Mamo Engidaw, Getnet Gedif, Menberu Gete, Yihalem Abebe Belay","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05390-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05390-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The burden of malaria is lower than ten years ago. However, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of malaria cases around the world. a systematic review of studies on the cost of malaria were conducted to understand its economic burden to the health system, the household, and the society as whole.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Published articles on the cost of malaria in Africa from 2000 to 2024 were included to this review. Cochrane library, PubMed, and google scholar were searched to access the included articles and the results of the studies were described using text, tables, and diagram. The costs of malaria were presented using minimum and maximum values.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total treatment cost for simple (uncomplicated) malaria per case ranged from USD 4.03 to USD 31.23 and for the severe malaria, it ranged from USD 10.48 to USD 70.86. The maximum preventive cost for insecticide-treated bed nets distribution per unit ITN, larvicide per individual, and indoor residual spraying per a single use was about USD 10.81, USD 28.43, and USD 18.55, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The cost variability across studies and/or countries might be accounted for either the use of different costing methods, spatial variation, or the population considered while estimating the cost for malaria. To synthesise the cost data using meta-analysis, studies on the COI required to follow uniform costing methods and considering the discount rates while calculating health service costs. It can also facilitate meaningful comparison of cost estimates and to apply the results for evidence-based practices. This review protocol was registered and approved by the international prospective register of systematic reviews with a Protocol ID: CRD42024563063.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"223"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12243344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144600858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Utility of rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy to detect malaria in health facilities across the Solomon Islands.","authors":"Genevieve Kerr, Lyndes Wini, John Leaburi, Joanne Macdonald, Tanya L Russell","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05468-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05468-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accurate and efficient malaria diagnosis is critical for effective malaria control and elimination. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been deployed over the last decade, particularly in rural and low-and-middle-income countries, as an alternative to microscopy-based diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study analysed retrospective health data from the Solomon Islands District Health Information System (DHIS2) for 2017-2019, focusing on factors affecting diagnostic test selection and positivity rates for microscopy versus RDTs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The national Annual Parasite Incidence (API) of malaria declined over the 3 years, with localised increases in specific health zones. The choice of malaria diagnostic test was associated with administrative division, patient age, health facility type and year. Overall, RDTs had higher malaria positivity rates than microscopy for both Plasmodium falciparum (microscopy, 6%; RDT, 11%) and Plasmodium vivax (microscopy, 10%; RDT, 14%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>RDTs were more widely used than microscopy in health facilities and had higher test positivity rates. This study highlights the factors influencing diagnostic test selection and underscores the importance of considering detection limits and potential overdiagnosis when interpreting positivity rates from different diagnostic methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"219"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12235921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144584306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Variations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers and their association with Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a cross-sectional comparative study at a clinic in Ghana.","authors":"Jaiyeola Kofi Bohli, Patrick Boateng Ansah, Turkson Ephraim Kwamena, Emmanuel Allotey, Richard Vikpebah Duneeh, Ernest Boateng Yeboah, Lynda Addo, Ransford Kyeremeh, Precious Kwablah Kwadzokpui, Kenneth Ablordey","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05474-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05474-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Ghana, with haematological alterations being a common feature of infection. Understanding these changes is crucial for improving disease management, particularly in endemic regions where resource limitations may affect diagnostic capabilities. This study aimed to evaluate variations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers and their association with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a Ghanaian setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority Clinic from January to May 2018, involving 200 participants (100 P. falciparum-infected and 100 malaria-negative participants). Full blood count parameters and derived inflammatory indices were analysed. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to determine the variations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers across malaria and non-malaria groups. Logistic regression was also used to find the haematological and inflammatory biomarkers associated with malaria. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant differences were observed in several haematological parameters between P. falciparum malaria and non-malaria groups. Plasmodium falciparum malaria patients showed markedly lower white blood cell counts (4.88 vs. 5.84 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001), lymphocyte counts (0.91 vs. 2.10 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001), and platelet counts (117.50 vs. 224.50 × 10⁹/L, p < 0.001). Inflammatory indices revealed elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (3.49 vs. 1.43, p < 0.001) and systemic inflammatory response index (1.83 vs. 0.73, p < 0.001) in P. falciparum malaria patients. Notably, the platelet-monocyte ratio was significantly reduced in malaria patients (207.45 vs. 457.78, p < 0.001). Haemoglobin levels showed significant variation across parasite densities, particularly between moderate and low parasitaemia groups (p = 0.026). The logistic regression also revealed that the odds of malaria decreased with increasing haematocrit (aOR: 0.77,95% CI 0.60-0.97, p = 0.032), platelets (aOR:0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, p = 0.013) and platelets-monocyte ratio (aOR:0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, p = 0.004), and increased with increased platelets-lymphocyte ratio (aOR:1.04, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, p = 0.031).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated significant alterations in haematological and inflammatory biomarkers during P. falciparum malaria infection. These findings reveal the importance of haematological parameters in malaria diagnosis and severity assessment, with potential implications for improving early detection, risk stratification, and clinical management of P. falciparum malaria patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"220"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12235773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144591599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hidden reservoirs of infection: prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in a high-endemic region of Zambia.","authors":"Wisdom Silwamba, David Chisompola, John Nzobokela, Martin Chakulya, Lombe Kabwe, Kingsley Tembo","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05472-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05472-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where asymptomatic cases contribute to ongoing transmission and hinder elimination efforts. Asymptomatic individuals act as hidden reservoirs, sustaining onward malaria transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in Mwandi District, Zambia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted between January to May 2024 in Mwandi District. Blood samples were collected for malaria diagnosis and simultaneously tested using rapid diagnostic tests and Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy techniques to detect Plasmodium infections. Structured questionnaires were administered to gather demographic data and information on potential risk factors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data while categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between outcomes and independent variables, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 370 participants were enrolled in the study, with females comprising the majority (52.4%) and a median age of 24 years (IQR: 9-30). The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was (4.1%), as determined by microscopy. Logistic regression analysis showed that females had significantly lower odds of asymptomatic malaria compared to males (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI 0.05-0.68; p = 0.010). Additionally, participants residing in Matoya and Sikute were more likely to have asymptomatic malaria, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.56 (95% CI 1.10-18.80; p = 0.036) and 4.72 (95% CI 1.03-21.50; p = 0.045), respectively. No significant associations were found with insecticide-treated net use, indoor residual spraying, or socioeconomic status.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance and interventions in high-risk groups and locations to curb silent transmission. Despite limitations in diagnostic sensitivity, the study underscores the importance of integrating asymptomatic malaria screening into control programmes to advance elimination efforts in Zambia and similar endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"221"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12239312/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144591598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}