Malaria Journal最新文献

{"title":"Preliminary assessment of serum endocan as a biomarker of disease severity in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria.","authors":"Kwannan Nantavisai, Srisombat Puttikamonkul, Parnpen Viriyavejakul","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05483-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05483-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endocan, a component of endothelial glycocalyx, is a recognized biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in various inflammatory and infectious diseases. Malaria, characterized by marked endothelial activation and microvascular pathology, may involve endocan, but its role remains unclear. This study aimed to assess serum endocan levels in various clinical presentations of malaria and evaluate its correlation with laboratory parameters of disease severity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Leftover serum samples from 99 participants were categorized into four groups: healthy controls (n = 20), Plasmodium vivax malaria (n = 36), uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (n = 30), and severe P. falciparum malaria (n = 13). Serum endocan concentrations were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 0 (pre-treatment) and day 7 (post-treatment). Correlation analyses examined associations between endocan levels and laboratory parameters, including parasite density, white blood cell count, haemoglobin, and platelet count.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All malaria groups showed significantly higher serum endocan levels compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Levels were highest in severe P. falciparum (median 4.67 [IQR 2.85-7.93] ng/ml), followed by uncomplicated P. falciparum (median 3.27 [IQR 2.24-4.33] ng/ml), and P. vivax malaria (median 1.85 [IQR 1.44-3.23] ng/ml). Endocan correlated positively with parasite density in P. vivax (r_s = 0.4632, p = 0.0066) and severe P. falciparum malaria (r_s = 0.6264, p = 0.0251) and negatively with platelet count in P. vivax infections (r_s = - 0.5523, p = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Serum endocan is elevated in malaria in a severity-dependent manner-highest in severe P. falciparum malaria-and correlates with circulating parasite density and thrombocytopenia, highlighting its potential as a biomarker of endothelial injury in malaria.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"236"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12273299/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144667930","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":"Evaluation of anti-malarial treatment for elimination of malaria in South West Ethiopia: a concurrent triangulation design for prompt decision.","authors":"Mathewos Alemu Gebremichael, Tadesse Gebremedhin, Wondwossen Niguse, Girma Mamo, Bezuayehu Alemayehu, Ephrem Negeri, Ibrahim Temam, Haile Zewude, Tamerat Bogale, Endale Sahile, Erkyihun Pawlos","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05396-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05396-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria case management is a vital component of strategies to ensure malaria elimination programme. Despite continuous preventive strategies in place, malaria remains a major public health problem in resource-limited countries particularly in Ethiopia due to treatment-related problems. Hence, this study aimed to determine the level of adherence to malaria diagnosis and treatment guidelines among healthcare providers working in the public health facilities in Southwest Ethiopian Peoples Regional State (SWEPRS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A facility-based cross-sectional study triangulated with qualitative inquiry was applied from March 2024 and July 2024. A multi-stage stratified and purposive sampling technique was used for the quantitative and qualitative study, respectively. Data were collected by the records review, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and In-depth Interviews (IDIs). The adherence of healthcare providers was evaluated according to recommendations of the current malaria diagnosis and treatment guidelines. The findings in the qualitative analysis were presented in the thematic analysis and triangulated with the quantitative findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>1,684 patient cards were reviewed. The mean age of patients was 20.99 (± 15.61) years. 1,616 (95.96%) patients were screened through microscopy and/or multispecies rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). The overall adherence of healthcare providers to the updated malaria treatment standards was 36.99% (95%CI: 33.93-38.52%) and the majority, 982 (58.31%) were diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum followed by Plasmodium vivax, and mixed infections. Shortage of anti-malarial drugs was reported as the foremost barrier followed by lack of training on the updated malaria case management guideline, shortage of health professionals, and lack of laboratory materials. In addition, shortage of electric supply, shortage of computers, shortage of outpatient department (OPD) rooms, lack of transport, distance from a health facility, community resistance, improper use of prescribed anti-malarial drugs, perceived inefficacy of drugs, inability to afford the anti-malarial drugs, lack of new malaria case management guideline, lack of private pharmacy, language barriers, and poor quality of Giemsa, were identified barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The adherence level of healthcare providers was found to be low. Hence, ensuring the availability of all nationally recommended anti-malarial drugs and supplies, qualified health professionals, providing continuous training, strengthening continuous follow-up and supervision in the public health facilities are recommended to improve the adherence level of health professionals to national malaria treatment guideline.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"237"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12273387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144667929","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":"Malaria epidemics and its drivers in Uganda in 2022.","authors":"Maru W Aregawi, Catherine Maiteki, John C Rek, Bosco Agaba, Charles Katureebe, Mansour Ranjbar, Chunzhe Zhang, Samson Kiware, Jimmy Opigo","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05351-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05351-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Uganda, malaria is a year-round health threat, with transmission intensity varying across regions. Despite ongoing intensified interventions, an unprecedented malaria resurgence in early 2022 affected several districts, prompting a swift response from the National Malaria Control Division (NMCD). This study aims to assess the scale and underlying causes of the epidemics, quantify the excess cases and deaths, and propose targeted prevention and response strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>District Health Information System (DHIS2) data from 2017 to 2022 were analysed. A 75th percentile threshold from 2017 to 2021 was used to define true malaria epidemics and compare them to the suspected 2022 epidemic. Excess cases, admissions, and deaths were quantified using area under the curve (AUC) calculations. The level of epidemics was compared across districts with Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) interventions. Precipitation data from multiple sources were used to evaluate rainfall patterns and their impact on malaria epidemics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Malaria cases were lowest in 2018 but rose by 31% in 2022 compared to the 2017-2021 3rd quartile. Sixty-four of 146 districts experienced epidemics, with 4 facing persistent epidemics year-round. The 2022 epidemic accounted for 3,379,309 (95% CI 1,553,714, 5,339,709) total excess outpatient malaria cases (confirmed and presumed), 3,018,920 (95% CI 1,321,951, 4,661,201) excess confirmed cases, 149,789 (95% CI 66,029, 235,743) excess inpatient cases. Paradoxically, more epidemics occurred in IRS and iCCM districts. Precipitation patterns were consistent across years and were insignificantly correlated with the 2022 epidemic. Provinces with bimodal rainfall patterns were more prone to epidemics, while unimodal regions had fewer epidemics but higher incidence rates. Rainfall lagged by two months (Lag 2) significantly increased malaria incidence (p < 0.01), with each millimetre of rainfall two months prior associated with 13.4 additional malaria cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The 2022 malaria epidemic affected 64 districts, with over 3.3 million excess cases and nearly 150,000 excess admissions. Gaps in IRS, iCCM, and intervention coverage, along with minimal rainfall correlation and high vulnerability in bimodal regions, highlight the need for better surveillance, sustainable funding, and tailored responses. While climate was not the main driver, programmatic deficiencies, vector composition shift, reduced efficacy of insecticides, coverage and effectiveness of the interventions likely fueled the epidemic. Strengthening epidemic preparedness, response, and investment will be crucial to preventing future outbreaks and achieving long-term malaria control in Uganda.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"235"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12273352/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659600","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":"Barriers to effective usage of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNS) among women of reproductive age in Tanzania: a national cross-sectional survey.","authors":"Kelly Taremwa, Ebuka Louis Anyamene, Gideon Ikemdinachi Nwankwo, Miracle Kenile Agbontale, Isaac Isiko","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05417-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05417-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Tanzania, with women of reproductive age particularly vulnerable to its effects. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) are a proven vector control strategy; however, their usage remains suboptimal due to various barriers. This study examines the sociodemographic, behavioural, and environmental factors associated with ITN use among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). A total of 15,254 women aged 15-49 years were included in the study. Survey-weighted logistic regression was employed to determine adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with ITN usage. All data cleaning and analyses were done using STATA 17 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Several factors were significantly associated with ITN use. Women with primary education had 2.2 times higher odds of ITN use compared to those with no education (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.23-4.06). Women residing in the Southern zone had nearly three times higher odds of using ITNs (AOR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.57-5.09), while those in the Lake zone had 1.6 times higher odds (AOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.12-2.33) compared to the Western zone. Women in polygamous marriages had lower odds of ITN use (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61-0.95) compared to those in monogamous relationships. Perceived ITN effectiveness was a strong predictor, with those in the high-effectiveness category having 2.7 times higher odds of ITN use (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 0.94-5.46).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ITN usage among women of reproductive age in Tanzania is influenced by education level, geographic location, marital status, and perceived ITN effectiveness. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as educational campaigns, equitable ITN distribution, and context-appropriate malaria prevention strategies, to improve ITN coverage and reduce the malaria burden.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"234"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12273030/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659599","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":"Comparative immunological study of Plasmodium knowlesi infections in humans and macaques: insights into cytokine dynamics.","authors":"Mohammad Faruq Abd Rachman Isnadi, Yean Kong Yong, Matthew J Grigg, Symphorosa Sipangkui, Ping-Chin Lee, Nor Afizah Nuin, Angelica Fiona Tan, Paul Molius, Augustine Tuuga, Jum Rafiah Abd Sukor, Giri Rajahram, Sylvia Daim, Tock H Chua","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05478-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05478-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria parasite endemic to Southeast Asia, is transmitted from macaques to humans via mosquitoes and has seen a surge due to human encroachment into macaque habitats. While the primary host, Macaca fascicularis, can regulate P. knowlesi and alleviate disease symptoms, infected humans face a different scenario. A study was conducted in Sabah, Malaysia to compare the effects of parasite genomic DNA (gDNA) and host (both human and macaques) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release on cytokine profiles in humans and macaques infected with P. knowlesi.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Blood samples from 30 Plasmodium knowlesi-infected individuals and 30 healthy controls, along with serum samples from 35 wild macaques, were analysed using PCR and immunological assays. Nested PCR and real-time PCR were performed on macaque blood samples to confirm mono-infection with P. knowlesi. Parasite genomic DNA (gDNA) levels were quantified via qPCR. Additionally, the concentrations of six cytokines-TNF, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10-were measured in the samples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Parasitaemia levels, determined through microscopy method, exhibited strong correlations with parasite gDNA. Notably, the infected macaques displayed significantly higher parasite gDNA and mtDNA levels compared to humans. Cytokine analysis unveiled IL-10 dominance in humans, positively associated with parasite gDNA, while macaques showed IL-6 dominance unrelated to parasite gDNA. Despite lower parasite gDNA levels, patients exhibited a higher IL-10/TNF ratio, indicative of disease severity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results suggestively highlight variations in immune responses between two distinct hosts in two different phases of infection: human (acute infection) and macaque (presumed chronic infection) hosts. The correlations and interplay between parasite gDNA, host's mtDNA (both human and macaques) and cytokine levels observed in this study further emphasizing the need for further research to comprehensively understand P. knowlesi pathogenesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"233"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12269140/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144649865","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":"Investing in traditional medicine: leveraging evidence and innovative research to strengthen the fight against malaria in Nigeria.","authors":"Francisca Ogochukwu Onukansi, Collins Chibueze Anokwuru, Stanley Chinedu Eneh, Goodness Ogeyi Odey, Dough Owojoku Onah, Taiwo Sokunbi, David Chinaecherem Innocent, Ugonma Winnie Dozie, Prince Christian Umoke, Temitope Olumuyiwa Ojo, Cosmas Nnadozie Ezejindu","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05359-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05359-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Traditional medicine (TM) has been a cornerstone of healthcare across various cultures, especially in Africa, where it has played an integral role in the management of diseases such as malaria. Despite the popularity and historical significance of TM, scientific validation remains a key challenge, hindering its widespread acceptance in modern healthcare systems. This study explores the potential of traditional African medicine, particularly in the context of Nigeria, as a vital resource in the fight against malaria. Drawing on the success of plants like Artemisia annua in the development of modern anti-malarial drugs, the research emphasizes the need for comprehensive investment in TM research. With Nigeria facing the highest malaria burden globally, the research advocates for increased funding, scientific investigations into the efficacy of traditional remedies, and enhanced regulation of herbal medicine. The paper also highlights the growing trust and reliance on herbal remedies in rural areas of Nigeria and the importance of ensuring their safety through pharmacological testing. This study examines these issues through an analysis of existing literature, historical applications, and documented successes of herbal treatments. By integrating traditional medicine into national health systems, Nigeria could unlock new strategies for combating malaria and other infectious diseases, advancing toward sustainable health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"232"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12261709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144642918","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":"Efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine, artesunate-amodiaquine, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine and artesunate-pyronaridine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mozambique, 2022.","authors":"Abel Nhama, Arlindo Chidimatembue, Lídia Nhamussua, Quique Bassat, Clemente da Silva, Arsénio Nhacolo, Paulo Arnaldo, Crizolgo Salvador, Annette Cassy, Baltazar Candrinho, Mércia Dimene, Eva Carvalho, Abuchahama Saifodine, Flavio Wate, Hélio Mucavele, Yaritbel Torres-Mendoza, Breanna Horton, Mateusz Plucinski, Pau Cistero, Alfredo Mayor, Pedro Aide","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05473-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05473-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate-amodiaquine (AS-AQ) are the first-line treatments against malaria in Mozambique. Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) has been used in-country for mass drug administration campaigns, and artesunate-pyronaridine (AS-PY) is considered an alternative drug to delay AL resistance in the country. To assess whether AL and AS-AQ remain efficacious and to confirm that DP and AS-PY are potential alternatives for uncomplicated malaria treatment, an in vivo therapeutic efficacy study was conducted in Mozambique at five sentinel sites.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted in the districts of Montepuez (AL), Dondo (AL and AS-AQ), Mopeia (AL and AS-PY), Moatize (AL and AS-AQ), and Massinga (AL and DP) following the 2009 World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended protocol. Patients aged 6 months to 11 years with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (1000-200,000 parasites/µl) were enrolled, followed, and assessed for 28 days (AL and AS-AQ) or 42 days (DP and AS-PY). Genotyping for msp1/msp2/poly-α markers and match counting via the WHO/Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) 3/3 algorithm were used to differentiate recrudescences from new infections. The primary outcome was polymerase chain reaction corrected efficacy for each drug.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 828 participants were enrolled in the four study arms: AL (462), AS-AQ (183), DP (91), and AS-PY (92). Among the recruited participants, 10.2% (85/828) were lost to follow-up or withdrew, and 60 had recurrent malaria infections, 55 of which were considered new infections and five recrudescences. Day 28 corrected AL efficacy was 100% (95% CI 94.3-100) in Massinga, 100% in Dondo, 100% (95% CI 95.5-100) in Moatize, 97.63% (95% CI 94.4-100) in Mopeia, and 98.68% (95% CI 96.2-100) in Montepuez. Day 28 corrected AS-AQ efficacy was 100% in Dondo and 100% (95% CI 95.4-100) in Moatize. For DP, the corrected efficacy on day 42 was 100% (95% CI 94.1-100) in Massinga, and that on day 42 was 97.75% (95% CI 94.7-100) in Mopeia. All drugs were well tolerated, with adverse events reported in less than 2% of the participants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AL and AS-AQ remain effective, as their efficacy remained above the 90% WHO-recommended cut-off. DP and AS-PY also showed therapeutic efficacy above the WHO-acceptable cut-off and could be used as first-line treatments when needed. All four artemisinin-based combinations were well tolerated, with minimal safety concerns.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05343312.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"231"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257838/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144637401","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":"Physical and insecticidal durability of PermaNet^® 3.0 and Olyset^® plus piperonyl butoxide-synergist insecticide-treated nets in Sierra Leone: results of durability monitoring from 2020 to 2023.","authors":"Raymond Kiprop Sudoi, Keith Esch, Frederick Yamba, Laurent Iyikirenga, Charlene Youssef, Prince Nallo, Isabel Swamidoss, Carla Mapp, Dennis Marke, Samuel Juana Smith, Ronald Carshon-Marsh, Musa Sillah-Kanu, Dave Schnabel, Jacky Raharinjatovo, Jenny Carlson, Rebecca Levine, Evelyne Alyko, Ramlat Jose, Tony Hughes, Djenam Jacob, Yemane Yihdego, Kevin Opondo, Stephen Poyer","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05421-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05421-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The performance of two piperonyl butoxide (PBO-synergist) insecticide-treated net (ITN) brands, PermaNet^® 3.0 and Olyset^® Plus, were evaluated under field conditions in two neighboring districts in Sierra Leone over 36 months to estimate median ITN survival, understand insecticidal efficacy, and identify factors influencing ITN durability. This assessment can help guide future PBO-synergist ITN procurement and replacement strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective study tracked 370 households and 652 campaign-distributed ITNs from 2020, followed annually for 36 months. Districts were purposefully selected based on shared characteristics. Household surveys were conducted, and 30 ITNs per round were tested for bioefficacy and chemical residue. Key indicators included ITN survival, 24-h mosquito mortality, and chemical content reduction compared to manufacturer targets doses. Cox proportional hazard models identified factors influencing ITN survival.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median useful life was 3.0 (95% CI 2.7-3.5) years for PermaNet^® 3.0 ITNs in Bo and 2.2 (95% CI 2.0-2.4) years for Olyset^® Plus ITNs in Moyamba. PermaNet^® 3.0 ITNs displayed 13% 24-h mortality against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes on roof panels, with a 46% reduction in PBO content 34 months post-distribution. Olyset^® Plus ITNs had 3% f24-hour mortality against pyrethroid-resistant mosquitoes, with a 77% reduction in PBO content. Several factors were associated with improved ITN survival, including cohort ITNs from Bo (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.33, p < 0.001), households without children under five (CU5) (aHR = 0.64, p = 0.003), highest socio-economic status tertile (aHR = 0.63, p = 0.016), exposure to social and behaviour change (SBC) messages combined with positive net attitudes (aHR = 0.63, p = 0.008), lack of food storage in sleeping spaces (aHR = 0.56, p = 0.006), exclusive adult use of ITNs (aHR = 0.72, p = 0.048), net folding when not in use (aHR = 0.67, p = 0.015), and drying nets outside (aHR = 0.44, p = 0.008).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ITNs in Bo outperformed those in Moyamba in both physical and insecticidal performance. However, ITN survival is highly context specific, and further investigation into field performance of new ITN types is necessary across diverse epidemiological settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"230"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12257677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144626684","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":"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}