Malaria Journal最新文献

{"title":"Effects of Plasmodium berghei infection on the expression of salivary gland immune-related genes in the Anopheles stephensi mosquito.","authors":"Sakineh Pirahmadi, Zahra Sadat Mousavi Shafi, Zeinab Mohammadi Firouz, Akram Abouie Mehrizi, Jafar J Sani, Hemn Yousefi, Sepideh Siasi, Abbasali Raz, Flora Forouzesh, Leila Darzi","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05430-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05430-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Achieving malaria eradication by 2050 will require the development of novel transmission-blocking strategies alongside existing and emerging control measures. Since the innate immune responses of Anopheles salivary glands determine its vectorial capacity, a detailed assessment of vector-parasite interactions could help identify novel targets that play key roles in the immune response against Plasmodium. In this study, six candidate immune-related genes from Anopheles stephensi salivary gland transcriptomic datasets were selected, and their expression changes were assessed following Plasmodium berghei infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using RT-qPCR, gene expression profiles at 18 days (early phase) and 21 days (late phase) post-infection were analysed, and the results were compared with those of uninfected mosquitoes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant upregulation of LRIM8A and DEF1 gene expression was observed at both time points, whereas TEP-12 expression was significantly increased only at day 21. However, no significant changes were observed for P37NB, CLIPA4, and CLIPC4. Among the highly expressed genes, LRIM8A exhibited the highest expression during both the early and later phases of salivary gland infection.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The highest expression levels of LRIM8A at both early and late phases of salivary gland infection underscore its potential as a key immune effector. However, further functional assays are required to validate the role of LRIM8A in mosquito innate immunity. A deeper understanding of the immune mechanisms in Anopheles following Plasmodium infection could contribute to the development of novel malaria control strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"180"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144816/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144248664","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":"Clinicians' experience with quinine-based treatment of malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy in Ghana: a phenomenological study.","authors":"Prosper Gyebuni, Yula Salifu, Joseph Lasong","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05342-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05342-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In pregnancy, treating malaria with quinine and reducing its adverse effects on pregnant women has posed a significant challenge to clinicians in malaria-endemic areas such as Ghana for over 2-decades. Clinicians' experiences, therefore, play a significant role in clinicians' choices of drugs to safeguard pregnant women. Thus, this study aims to explore clinicians' experiences with quinine-based treatment (QBT) of malaria in early pregnancy in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An exploratory qualitative approach, using a phenomenological design, was employed to allow for an in-depth exploration of the experiences of clinicians with QBT during first trimester pregnancy. The data were collected in-between June to July 2023, through key informant interviews with obstetricians/gynaecologists and in-depth interviews with other cadre of healthcare professionals, with a purposive sample of 26 participants, selected across the 2 largest healthcare facilities (Tamale Central Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital) in the Tamale Metropolis. The data were audio-recorded, transcribed and manually analysed using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study revealed that clinicians have negative experiences, beliefs, and attitudes towards quinine-based treatment of malaria in pregnancy. Clinicians' experiences include deleterious side effects of quinine, professional norms, and institutional bottlenecks. Participants also encounter challenges related to clinicians and patient concordance, such as patients' beliefs, adherence to review schedules, fears of medico-legal issues, and myths about quinine which affect treatment choices. Participants' attitudes towards malaria treatment include \"watchful waiting\" and the tension to treat promptly amidst concerns about potential treatment risks. The novel findings of this study were \"watchful waiting\" and the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in early pregnancy with intravenous artesunate.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Clinicians' experiences with quinine-based treatment of malaria in pregnancy affect their attitude towards malaria treatment in pregnancy. Most clinicians with experiences of the side effects of quinine and patient negative beliefs about quinine, desist from prescribing it. It is important for the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to provide feedback systems that allow clinicians to communicate experiences on malaria treatment to policy makers to enable policy review on malaria treatment during pregnancy, particularly in first trimesters.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"178"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12142977/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144234494","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":"Enhanced data quality to improve malaria surveillance in Papua, Indonesia.","authors":"Liony Fransisca, Faustina Helena Burdam, Enny Kenangalem, Annisa Rahmalia, Reynold Rizal Ubra, Christel H A van den Boogaard, Benedikt Ley, Nicholas M Douglas, Jeanne Rini Poespoprodjo, Ric N Price","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05358-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05358-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Papua has a high burden of malaria, with an annual parasite incidence 300 times the national average. A key component of malaria elimination strategies is robust surveillance which is essential for monitoring trends in case numbers, guiding public health interventions, and prioritizing resource allocation. This study aimed to enhance malaria surveillance in Central Papua, Indonesia, by improving data collection, record-keeping, and treatment practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted at five public clinics in Central Papua province, Indonesia, as part of a wider health systems strengthening programme to promote safer and more effective anti-malarial treatment (The SHEPPI Study). Clinical and laboratory details of patients with malaria and their treatment were documented in clinic registers which were digitalized into an electronic database. Automated reports were generated each month and used to provide regular feedback to clinic staff. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) workshops were conducted with clinic staff using the Plan-Do-Study-Act approach to address challenges and drive sustained improvements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Between January 2019 and December 2023, a total of 314,561 patients were tested for malaria, of whom 41.9% (131,948) had peripheral parasitaemia detected. The first round of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) workshops were held in May 2019 and improved data quality significantly, increasing data completeness from 46.3% (4540/9802) in the initial period (Jan-May 2019) to 71.5% (9053/12,665) after the first CQI (Jun-Oct 2019), p < 0.001. The second CQI round reduced DHP prescribing errors from 17.1% (1111/6489) in the initial period to 5.7% (607/10,669) after the second CQI (Sep 2019-Jan 2020) and PQ prescribing errors from 17.4% (552/3175) to 3.4% (160/4659) over the same time interval, p < 001. In total, 347 patients were prescribed fewer than the recommended number of PQ tablets during the initial period, 89 (25.6%) of whom were erroneously given only a single dose. Over the 4 year study period, a total of 11 workshops were conducted, driving continuous improvements in data quality and prescribing practices.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>One or two rounds of CQI, supported by regular follow-up, can enhance the quality of malariometric surveillance, however interventions needed to be tailored to address specific needs of participating clinics. Improvements in data quality and prescribing practices have potential to contribute to better malaria management, improved clinical outcomes, and strengthened trust in healthcare providers.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"177"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135496/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144225872","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":"Perceptions and practices of household heads toward malaria: a community based cross sectional study in Southwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Girma Mamo Zegene, Bezuayehu Alemayehu, Tadesse Gebremedhin, Mathewos Alemu Gebremichael, Wondwossen Niguse, Ephrem Negeri","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05413-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05413-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite ongoing preventive efforts, malaria remains a significant global public health agenda. While numerous studies focus on malaria prevalence, and inadequately assess community perceptions and beliefs regarding the disease. Addressing these perceptions is crucial for developing effective and sustainable interventions. This study aims to address these gaps by evaluating the perceptions and practices of household heads and representative family members concerning malaria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 1,883 households, calculated using the double population proportion formula  via  OpenEpi calculator. This calculation was based on a bed net utilization rate of 72.2% in the Ilu Galan District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, with a 95% confidence level, 80% power, a 3% margin of error, a 10% non-response rate, and a design effect of 2. A multi-stage stratified sampling technique was employed to select administrative Woredas and towns across six zones in Southwest Ethiopia, further divided into 44 urban and rural kebeles. Kebeles and household selections were made through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. After ensuring data completeness and consistency, statistical analysis was performed. Predictor variables with p ≤ 0.25 during bivariable analysis were  subjevted for multivariable logistic regression, and associations measured using adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, considering statistical significance at p ≤ 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study achieved 82.4% response rate. Among participants, 31% from 69% of households reported that malaria they were infected in the past 28 days. Of these, 55.2% did not complete their prescribed treatments, and 61.8% believed malaria could be transmitted through contact with an infected person's sweat. Daughters and housewives showed lower knowledge of malaria transmission (p ≤ 0.01). Higher education levels among household heads were linked to better practices regarding insecticide-treated bed nets (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.63, p ≤ 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights a significant proportion of the population affected by malaria, alongside misconceptions that may hinder prevention efforts. Therefore, malaria prevention strategies should be comprehensive, sustainable, targeting households importantly and gender-inclusive.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12128301/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144208922","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":"Performance of malaria rapid diagnostic test, microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, and histopathology to diagnose malaria among pregnant and parturient women using peripheral, placental, and cord blood, and placental biopsy in Majang Zone of Gambella Region, Southwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Aklilu Alemayehu, Ahmed Zeynudin, Joseph Beyene, Delenasaw Yewhalaw","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05426-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05426-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Accurate, reliable, and timely diagnosis is essential for mitigating malaria in pregnancy (MiP) and its adverse outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of malaria diagnostic tests for detecting Plasmodium infection in peripheral, placental, and cord blood and placental biopsy in the Majang Zone of Gambella Region, Southwest Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study involving 640 (460 pregnant and 180 parturient) women visiting five public health facilities for antenatal care and delivery services in Majang Zone was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023. Peripheral, placental, and cord blood were collected to detect Plasmodium infection by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), microscopy, and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Placental biopsy was collected for placental malaria (PM) diagnosis by histopathology. Performance indices, Kappa Coefficient, and Receiver Operating Characteristic were determined using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 26.0, Microsoft Excel Version 19.0, and Stata Version 17.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One thousand blood (640 peripheral, 180 placental, and 180 cord) and 180 placental biopsy specimens collected from pregnant and parturient women were analysed in this study. Malaria positivity rate among pregnant and parturient women was 21.1% and 28.9%, respectively. Considering peripheral blood qPCR as a reference, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and agreement of RDT were (63.5%, 93.0%, 0.807, and 0.683), and microscopy were (73.1%, 98.0%, 0.855, and 0.764) to detect Plasmodium infection in combined peripheral blood of pregnant and parturient women, respectively. Considering placental blood qPCR as a reference, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and agreement of RDT were (56.3%, 95.5%, 0.759, and 0.574), microscopy were (81.3%, 97.7%, 0.895, and 0.822), and histopathology (87.5%, 100.0%, 0.892, and 0.911) to detect Plasmodium infection in placental blood of parturient women, respectively. Considering placental histopathology a as reference, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and agreement of RDT were (56.8%, 97.1%, 0.753, and 0.609), microscopy were (68.2%, 98.5%, 0.918, and 0.735), and qPCR (100.0%, 95.7%, 0.978, and 0.911) to detect Plasmodium infection in placental blood of parturient women, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Diagnostic performance of RDT and microscopy was sub-optimal to detect Plasmodium infection among pregnant and parturient women. More sensitive diagnostic tests are needed to mitigate MiP.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"175"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12128499/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144199581","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 limitations of mobile phone data for measuring movement patterns of populations at risk of malaria.","authors":"Greta Tam, Ipsita Sinha, Kulchada Pongsoipetch, Keobouphaphone Chindavongsa, Mayfong Mayxay, Sonexay Phalivong, Benjamin J Cowling, Olivo Miotto, Supaporn Mahaphontrakoon, Saiamphone Xayvanghang, Richard J Maude","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05416-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05416-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As global mobile phone adoption increases, mobile phone data has been increasingly used to measure movement patterns of populations at risk of malaria. However, the representativeness of mobile phone data for populations at risk of malaria has not been assessed. This study aimed to assess this representativeness using prospectively collected data on mobile phone ownership and use from malaria patients in Lao PDR.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective observational study was conducted from 2017 to 2021. 6320 patients with confirmed malaria in 107 health facilities in the five southernmost provinces of Lao PDR were surveyed regarding their demographics, mobile phone ownership and use. Data on the demographics of mobile phone owners and users in the general population of Lao PDR were obtained from the 2017 Lao Social Indicator Survey II, which was a nationally representative survey sample. Descriptive analysis was performed, and logistic regression with weights on aggregate data was used to compare the demographic distribution of mobile phone ownership and use in malaria patients with that in the general population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most patients with malaria (76%) did not own or use a mobile phone. From 2017 to 2021, mobile phone usage in the general population consistently ranged between 53 and 67%, whereas among malaria patients, usage remained significantly lower, fluctuating between 20 and 28%. At the district level, log malaria incidence rate (API) was weakly negatively correlated with the proportion of mobile owners (R² = 0.3, p = 0.005). Mobile phone ownership and usage among malaria patients were significantly lower than in the general population (p-value < 0.001). This trend was consistent across all provinces, suggesting a widespread issue rather than isolated cases. Both male and female malaria patients showed reduced mobile phone access compared to their peers in the general population. Furthermore, this disparity persisted across all age groups, indicating that regardless of age or gender, malaria patients faced barriers to mobile phone ownership and usage. This could have implications for communication and access to health resources, highlighting a critical area for public health interventions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Mobility data from anonymized and aggregated call data records (CDR) from the general population may not sufficiently represent the population at risk of malaria to accurately model disease transmission. Yet mobile phone data is commonly used to model malaria transmission in endemic countries. Before doing so, it is critical to quantify mobile usage among the population at risk of malaria. Where this is low, either movement estimates derived from mobile phone data need to be adjusted to increase model accuracy, or another method should be used to measure the mobility of populations with malaria.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"174"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12126860/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191964","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":"An integrative review of the combined use of mathematical and statistical models for estimating malaria transmission parameters.","authors":"Alessandro Grosso, Niel Hens, Steven Abrams","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05415-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05415-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Characterizing malaria burden and its evolution is complicated by the high levels of spatio-temporal heterogeneity and by the complexity of the transmission process.</p><p><strong>Main body: </strong>This manuscript presents an integrative review of the combined use of mathematical and statistical models to estimate malaria transmission parameters. Therefore, this work aims to provide a solid methodological foundation for the estimation of transmission intensity and other relevant quantities. A perspective covering both mathematical and statistical models to appraise commonly used metrics is adopted and subsequently their inclusion as parameters in compartmental models as well as their estimation from available data is discussed. The current review argues in favour of a more widespread consideration of the Force of Infection (FOI) as a malaria transmission metric. Using the FOI dispenses the analyst from explicitly describing vector dynamics in compartmental modelling, simplifying the system of differential equations describing transmission dynamics. In turn, its estimation can be flexibly performed by solely relying on host data, such as parasitaemia or serology, avoiding the need for entomological data.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present work argues that the interaction between mathematical and statistical models, although previously exemplified by others, is underappreciated when modelling malaria transmission. Orienting the exposition around the FOI provides an illustration of the potential borne by the existing methodology. A connection between the two modelling frameworks warrants better scrutiny, as it leads to the possibility of exploiting the full range of modern statistical methods.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"173"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12125835/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144187259","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":"Heterogeneous malaria transmission patterns in southeastern Tanzania driven by socio-economic and environmental factors.","authors":"Linda N Mukabana, Issa H Mshani, John Gachohi, Elihaika G Minja, Frank M Jackson, Najat F Kahamba, Polius G Pinda, Letus Muyaga, Dickson S Msaky, Halfan S Ngowo, Susan N Mambo, Amos Olwendo, Donal Bisanzio, Fredros O Okumu","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05418-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05418-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>As malaria-endemic countries progress towards elimination, distinct patterns of heterogeneous transmission are emerging. In south-eastern Tanzania, despite intensive control efforts, localized transmission shows prevalence ranging from under 1% to over 50% among nearby villages. This study investigated the socioeconomic and environmental factors driving this spatial heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Kilombero and Ulanga districts of south-eastern Tanzania between 2022 and 2023, screening 3,249 individuals (ages 5-60) across 10 villages for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Socioeconomic data was collected from all surveyed households and villages via questionnaires, while environmental data were obtained from remote sensing data sources. Associations between socioeconomic factors and malaria infection were analysed using a zero-inflated negative binomial model and employed a generalized additive model (GAM) to assess the impact of rainfall, and temperature on malaria infection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Greater elevation and higher rainfall were positively associated with malaria infection (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.38-2.05, p < 0.001 and OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.14-1.87, p < 0.05 respectively), while temperature showed no significant effect (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-1.13, p = 0.117). Households in densely vegetated areas had higher malaria infections compared to those in more developed, built-up areas. At the individual level, males had a higher prevalence (355; 28.6%) and displayed significantly greater odds of infection (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.15-2.03, p < 0.05) than females (433; 21.6%). School-aged children (5-17 years) had a higher prevalence (36.9%) compared to adults (18-60 years) (15.9%). The probability of infection declined with increasing age (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.25-0.31, p < 0.001). Larger household sizes (more than four members) were positively associated with malaria infection (OR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.29-2.29, p < 0.001). Open-eave housing was associated with higher odds of malaria, whereas closed eaves (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.82, p < 0.05) and metal roofs (OR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.44-0.87, p < 0.05) were protective factors. Open water sources were positively associated with malaria infection compared to protected water sources (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.38-0.85, p < 0.05). Lack of bed net use was positively associated with malaria but this was not statistically significant (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 0.68-3.48, p = 0.299).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the complex interplay between socioeconomic and environmental factors contributing to the fine-scale spatial heterogeneity of malaria in south-eastern Tanzania. Understanding these localized drivers is essential for designing targeted, effective strategies that support broader malaria elimination goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"172"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144181726","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":"Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites with pfhrp2 exon 2 gene deletion in symptomatic malaria patients across Ghana in 2021.","authors":"Dorcas G Bredu, Alexander Asamoah, George A Adu, Bernice C Abban, Sherik-Fa Anang, Nana Y Peprah, Prosper K Tey, Sebastian S Kwapong, Martin Chamai, Eunice O Amoako, Benjamin Abuaku, Linda E Amoah, Keziah L Malm","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05419-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05419-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2-based rapid diagnostic tests (PfHRP2-based RDTs) are the most widely used malaria RDTs across Africa. The emergence and spread of pfhrp2 gene-deleted parasites have prompted nationwide surveillance to monitor trends and potential hotspots for P. falciparum with pfhrp2 gene deletions. This study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of P. falciparum with pfhrp2 gene deletions in Ghana in 2021.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study utilized the First Response^® HRP2 RDT (First Response RDT) and the CareStart™ HRP2/panLDH Combo RDT (Combo kit) to screen individuals with suspected malaria seeking care in 160 public healthcare facilities across the 16 regions of Ghana between June and August 2021. Whole blood was collected from each study participant and used to prepare filter paper blood spots. Genomic DNA (gDNA) was extracted from the dried blood spots. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify and confirm the presence of P. falciparum and, subsequently, the pfhrp2 gene in each sample .</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall malaria positivity for the two RDTs was similar: 72.3% (95% CI: 71.4-73.2) for the First Response RDT and 71.5% (95% CI: 70.6-72.4) for the HRP2/panLDH Combo kit (p = 0.215). There were no pfhrp2 exon 2 gene deletions resulting from a false negative RDT, however, deletions were identified in 0.3% (19/5,611) of samples that tested positive for both the First Response RDT and the panLDH band of the Combo kit, and 9.1% (2/22) of the missed infections, leading to an overall pfhrp2 exon 2 gene deletion of 0.4% (21/5,633) in the population.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>No false negative sample was identified in this study, and less than 1% of parasites with pfhrp2 gene deletions (mainly from RDT positive samples) were found in the population . This finding offers assurance for the continued reliance on HRP2-based RDTs for malaria screening in public health clinics in Ghana. Nonetheless, continued surveillance is needed to determine the expansion of P. falciparum with these gene deletions.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"170"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12121147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144174051","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":"Co-design of a routine clinical review to improve the safety of high dose radical cure treatment for Plasmodium vivax malaria: findings from Cambodia and Ethiopia.","authors":"Sarah A Cassidy-Seyoum, Muthoni Mwaura, Keoratha Chheng, Muhaba Kejela, Kansite Gellebo Korra, Tsegaberhan Wodaj, Tamiru Shibiru Degaga, Michelle S Hsiang, Lorenz von Seidlein, Rupam Tripura, Bipin Adhikari, Benedikt Ley, Dysoley Lek, Ric N Price, Nora Engel, Kamala Thriemer","doi":"10.1186/s12936-025-05425-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-025-05425-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Low dose primaquine regimens are widely used to treat Plasmodium vivax malaria, but they have limited efficacy and effectiveness. Short courses with higher daily doses as well as single dose tafenoquine have the potential to improve effectiveness but can increase the risk of adverse events. A clinical review visit on day 3 post-treatment initiation could facilitate adherence and improve safety, but it is unclear how it could be integrated into routine malaria care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between March and September 2023, focus group discussions (FGDs) with P. vivax malaria patients and healthcare providers were conducted in Cambodia and Ethiopia. In the FGDs participants co-designed a day 3 review suitable for their setting based on material infrastructure 'building blocks' (location, implementer, procedures, and support mechanisms). Nine FGDs were completed in three health facility catchment areas in Cambodia and six FGDs in four facilities in Ethiopia. Data were analysed using an inductive-deductive analytical process allowing the development of themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants in Cambodia and Ethiopia had different preferences for the material infrastructure of the day 3 review, from which a model for each country was developed. In Cambodia, proximity to patients was prioritized, maintaining the existing referral mechanism in which the initial day 3 review is conducted in the community, focusing on an enhanced symptom assessment. In Ethiopia, continuity of care was prioritized, resulting in the day 3 review occurring at the location of initial diagnosis, with a tiered approach to procedures conducted during the visit. In addition, the dynamics and relationships between people (relational infrastructure), specifically collaboration, were identified as key facilitators for the review's implementation in both study countries. Collaboration across levels of the health system and among healthcare providers was found to be a process influenced and necessitated by the environment (e.g., the infrastructural and epidemiological contexts), contributing to quality of care, continuity of care, safety, and effective treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Identifying how clinical review visits could be adapted to local settings is important and can be achieved through co-creation. Collaboration has the potential to enable quality of care and patient safety. Suitable ways of reinforcing this relational infrastructure are required to optimize case management of patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":"24 1","pages":"171"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12121043/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144173909","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}