Malaria Journal最新文献

{"title":"Low prevalence of sub-microscopic malaria among rural communities of an endemic area in Kapit Division, Malaysian Borneo.","authors":"Siti Farah Norasyikeen Sidi Omar, Romano Ngui, Sam Froze Jiee, Siong Hee Lim, Timothy Jinam, Melvin Hsien Liang Chung, Micheal Pelitini Ugak, Drend Jores, Paul Cliff Simon Divis, Yvonne Ai Lian Lim","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06057-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06057-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health concern, especially with zoonotic Plasmodium knowlesi presenting specific challenges in Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, Sarawak ranks second in P. knowlesi cases after Sabah. Rural populations in endemic areas experience increased exposure to forest and forest-edge zones where vector mosquitoes breed, thereby raising infection risk and complicating routine surveillance. These groups may carry asymptomatic or submicroscopic infections that act as hidden reservoirs, potentially hindering elimination efforts. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Plasmodium infections, including submicroscopic cases, among rural communities in Kapit Division, a malaria-endemic area.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2024 to August 2025, including 376 participants aged 2 to 90 years. Venous blood samples were examined under a light microscope with Giemsa-stained thick and thin smears. Additionally, all samples underwent species-specific nested PCR to verify microscopy results and identify sub-microscopic infections. Hemoglobin levels were measured using a HemoCue® Hb 201 + analyzer. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a standardized questionnaire. The data analysis was performed with IBM SPSS version 27.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall malaria prevalence was 5.32% (20/376; 95% CI 3.47-8.07%). Of these, 18 (90%; 18/20) infected individuals were febrile and microscopy-positive. Nested PCR detected two additional afebrile, submicroscopic infections (10%; 2/20). Molecular speciation identified 16 P. knowlesi, one P. falciparum, and one P. vivax among febrile participants. Both submicroscopic cases were P. knowlesi. All infections occurred in the Kapit District. Anemia was found in 17.6% (66/376) of participants. Of these, 4 were positive for P. knowlesi, with no significant association with the infection. Infection was significantly associated with age over 40 years (p = 0.02), non-field employment (p = 0.003), and higher household income (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows low Plasmodium infection rates in Kapit, with some submicroscopic infections. This emphasizes the importance of molecular surveillance in eliminating malaria, as traditional diagnostics may overlook hidden reservoirs. To monitor ongoing transmission, prevent re-establishment of local human malaria, and control zoonotic P. knowlesi, routine surveillance should include both PCR and microscopy in endemic areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13647708/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148430616","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":"Predictors of malaria vaccine acceptability among healthcare providers in conflict-affected Sudan: a cross-sectional analysis.","authors":"Raghda M Babiker, Anas Babiker Mohammed Elamin, Weam Mohamed Meargni Ahmed, Leina Salah Yousif Omer, Dania Adil Abdalfattah Ahmad, Medrar Assadat Abdelfarag Rafai, Ayat Abdelwahab Hajtaha Mohammed, Mazin Mohammed Abdallah Ahmed, Elkhatib FathElrahman Eldaw Elmahi, Abobakr Abdulbagi Omer, BahaAldeen Osman Hassan, Yousef Mohamed Ahmed Alslawy","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06031-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06031-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In October 2024, Sudan introduced the malaria vaccine, beginning in Al-Qadarif and Blue Nile states amidst an ongoing armed conflict. Vaccine acceptance among healthcare providers (HCPs) is critical for a successful national rollout. This study assessed malaria vaccine knowledge, acceptability, concerns, and their independent predictors among HCPs in these conflict-affected regions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2025 et al.-Qadarif and Al-Damazin teaching hospitals. An online questionnaire was administered to 342 HCPs. Multivariable linear regression was employed to identify factors associated with continuous knowledge scores. Subsequently, a multivariable logistic regression model was utilized to determine the independent predictors of high vaccine acceptability, incorporating the knowledge score as a continuous independent variable.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 342 respondents, general vaccine acceptability was promising, yet specific operational knowledge remained limited. Significant overall concern about the vaccine was prevalent (64.0%), primarily regarding adverse effects (57.0%), cold-chain handling conditions in Sudan (56.4%), and vaccine effectiveness (42.7%). Social media (48.5%) and peers (45.0%) were the most common information sources. Multivariable linear regression indicated that older age (p = 0.004)and hospital of work (p < 0.001) significantly predicted higher knowledge. In the multivariable logistic regression, the continuous knowledge score emerged as the only statistically significant independent predictor in this model of high vaccine acceptability (adjusted odds ratio: 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.32, p = 0.033), with no significant influence from demographic variables.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite a generally favorable attitude toward the malaria vaccine, Sudanese HCPs exhibit critical knowledge gaps and valid systemic concerns. Our findings suggest a sequential pathway wherein accumulated clinical experience (older age) enhances technical knowledge, which in turn acts as the primary independent driver of vaccine acceptability. Consequently, health authorities must pivot from generalized promotional campaigns to targeted, technical educational interventions. Leveraging secure digital professional networks is urgently needed to bridge these knowledge gaps, optimize provider confidence, and ensure a successful vaccine rollout in this fragile setting. Trial registration Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13647539/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148430538","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":"Changes in malaria vector bionomics in Timor Leste between 2009 and 2016; a longitudinal study.","authors":"A M G M Yapabandara, M R de Fatima Mota, R Sarmento, J Don Bosco, M Gusmao, M P C Kahagallage, T U Munasinghe, A R Wickremasinghe","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-05966-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-05966-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria was the leading cause of morbidity in Timor Leste in the past which gradually declined from 223,002 cases in 2006 to 14 cases in 2020, with zero malaria deaths since 2013 leading to malaria-free certification in June 2025. We compare the changes in vector bionomics due to implementation of vector control methods and other related environmental modifications in the country between 2009 and 2016.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Anopheline adults were collected from four sites using seven standard sampling methods in 2009 and 2016: full- and partial-night indoor human landing catches and outdoor human landing catches; cattle-baited net trap collections (CBTC) and cattle-baited hut collections; light trap collections; indoor resting collections and outdoor resting collections; and window trap collections. Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay techniques were used for vector incrimination studies and insecticide susceptibility testing were carried out.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Anopheles barbirostris and An. subpictus were incriminated as malaria vectors; their estimated entomological inoculation rates were 16.25 and 2.35 infectious bites per person per year, respectively. The abundance of malaria vectors decreased from 2009 to 2016; changes in their resting and biting behaviours were observed with sustained use of targeted vector control measures including long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) in combination. The number of Anopheline species encountered reduced from 13 in 2009 to 9 in 2016. CBTC yielded the most productive collection of all vector species. The biting and resting behaviours of Anophelines changed from 2009 to 2016 with more outdoor biting in 2016 compared to 2009.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>An. barbirostris and An. subpictus were incriminated as malaria vectors in Timor Leste. The abundance of Anophelines decreased significantly in 2016 compared to 2009 with sustained control methods. Outdoor biting predominated in 2016. Partial-night human landing catches may replace full-night human landing catches as their performances were similar. Adaptation of vectors by resting and biting outdoors, reducing the effectiveness of current indoor-focused interventions especially in a setting which shares a porous land border with West Timor province of Indonesia where malaria is prevalent is a challenge. An Integrated Vector Management approach is combining application of multiple control methods is advocated.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13579755/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148422447","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":"Knowledge, attitudes and practices on malaria and mosquitoes in the Far-North region of Cameroon.","authors":"Simon Pierre Yinyang Danga, Bouladji Yonki, David Ngadvou, Amarachi Keziah Ezeike, Alain Djonga, Elias Nchiwan Nukenine, Charles Okechukwu Esimone","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06052-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06052-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a significant public health burden in Cameroon, with the Far-North region experiencing high transmission rates. Despite the widespread distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and other control measures, the disease persists. Understanding the community's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) is crucial for developing effective and targeted interventions. This study aimed to assess the KAP regarding malaria and its mosquito vectors among households in the Far-North region of Cameroon.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 50 randomly selected villages across the region from August to September 2020. A total of 500 households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire translated into local languages. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation to identify factors associated with key knowledge and practice outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>General knowledge about malaria was high: all respondents had heard of malaria, 88.2% correctly identified mosquito bites as the primary cause and 98.8% were aware it could be fatal. However, a critical lack of knowledge was identified, with 67.2% of respondents unaware that mosquito larvae develop in stagnant water. Ownership and reported use of LLINs were near-universal (98.8% and 96%, respectively), yet malaria prevalence in households was 91.6% (self-reported malaria incidence within the last year). Sub-optimal net maintenance practices were common, including washing with detergent and drying in the sunlight. A heavy reliance on self-medication (39.0%) and traditional plant-based remedies (72.4%) for treatment was reported, primarily driven by the perceived high cost of hospital care. Correlation analysis revealed that higher education levels were significantly associated with better knowledge of malaria cause (r = 0.101, p = 0.024) and mosquito larval habitats (r = 0.124, p = 0.006).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The population of the Far-North region exhibits high awareness of malaria but critical gaps in understanding mosquito breeding sites. The paradox of high LLIN coverage coupled with high malaria prevalence suggests issues with net maintenance and proper use. Economic barriers and cultural preferences drive the use of self-treatment and traditional remedies.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13647764/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148421296","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":"University students' contribution to advancing malaria eradication efforts in Rwanda.","authors":"Olivier Abayisenga, Darius Benimana, Pierre Clever Byishimo, Aline Niyigena, Gilbert Nizeyimana, Solive Jovise Umuhire, Joshua Kwizera, Iradukunda Daniel, Jerome Mfitumukiza, Olivier Uwishema","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06049-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06049-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused and spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is a global health concern, especially in tropical areas, where the WHO Africa region published 94% of malaria cases and 95% of deaths related to malaria in children under 5 years old. In Rwanda, malaria continues to affect the population, where rural communities are at risk. This narrative review has the purpose of showcasing the university student contribution to advancing malaria eradication in Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The narrative review acquired secondary data accessed from different peer-reviewed journals, Google Scholar, WHO databases, and other sources, to understand the contributions of everyone in fighting and preventing malaria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There are positive outputs when university students apply their education, outreach, awareness campaigns, and community training toward malaria prevention. People understood that they had to implement those practices learned from student outreaches in ending malaria, and also the improvement in health facilities was adopted to combat malaria, as seen in the country's Malaria Strategic Plan (MSP), which was extended from 2013 to 2020 and reduced malaria cases by 75% and deaths by 50% in Rwanda. It showed that when there is improved awareness and education and also volunteering of young people through information dissemination, the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets can eradicate malaria. Also, we have seen that the improved technology developed by university students has designed a mobile application that provides real-time malaria surveillance data. Despite their interests in researching innovation and advocacy, they faced many hurdles that prevented them from contributing fully, like limited resources, funding, lack of connections, and insufficient education and skills about malaria. That is why university students need more knowledge and other requirements to advocate fully for achieving WHO and the country's strategic plan toward malaria eradication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>University students have shown their contributions to malaria control in Rwanda through changes in community behaviors and working with other health workers. Even if there are barriers, students' engagement expresses sustainable outputs and is an advance to the country's strategic plan for malaria eradication in 2030.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13647533/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148421290","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":"Diagnostic performance of malaria microscopy among laboratory professionals in Ethiopia: a systematic review.","authors":"Bewket Mesganaw, Ketema Misganaw, Zigale Hibstu Teffera","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06023-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06023-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, where light microscopy serves as the primary diagnostic method. Accurate microscopy performance among laboratory professionals is critical for appropriate case management, rational antimalarial use, and malaria control efforts. This systematic review synthesized available evidence on the diagnostic performance of malaria microscopy in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This systematic review evaluated malaria microscopy performance in Ethiopia in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Electronic databases and manual searches were used to identify cross-sectional studies published between 2014 and 2021 that evaluated malaria microscopy performance using External Quality Assessment (EQA) components. Extracted indicators included sensitivity, specificity, detection agreement, species identification agreement, and associated factors. Due to the absence of primary numerator and denominator data in most studies, quantitative meta-analysis was not feasible; therefore, findings were summarized descriptively using ranges and means.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve cross-sectional studies involving 1173 laboratory professionals from 533 public health laboratories were included. Sensitivity ranged from 62 to 94.7% (mean: 78.9%), while specificity ranged from 79.7 to 100% (mean: 90.8%). Detection agreement averaged 85.2% (range: 71.4-97.3%). Species identification agreement was lower, averaging 70.6% (range: 43.8-95.0%). Frequently reported factors associated with suboptimal performance included inadequate refresher training, limited EQA participation, poor smear preparation and staining quality, insufficient supportive supervision, and high workload.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although malaria parasite detection and specificity by microscopy are relatively satisfactory in Ethiopia, sensitivity and species identification accuracy remain below WHO-recommended benchmarks. Strengthened competency-based training, structured EQA implementation, improved slide preparation practices, and enhanced supportive supervision are essential to improve diagnostic performance and support malaria elimination efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13637201/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148422438","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":"Preparation, characterization and pre-clinical evaluation of artemether-lumefantrine-paracetamol (AL-P) loaded nanocarriers in the treatment of malaria.","authors":"John K Muchonjo, James M Mbaria, Philemon K Towett, Wesley N Omwoyo, Mpho P Ngoepe","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06001-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06001-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a pertinent global health burden. Current artemether-lumefantrine (AL) therapy is limited by low bioavailability and drug resistance, necessitating new approaches. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a promising delivery system to mitigate these issues. This study investigates SLNs for the co-delivery of AL and paracetamol to enhance the efficacy and safety of this anti-malarial regimen.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Solid lipid nanoparticles co-loaded with artemether, lumefantrine, and paracetamol were produced using melt-emulsion ultrasonication and analyzed using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Antiplasmodial activity was established in a Plasmodium berghei-infected mouse model using daily dosing and a single 2 mg/kg dose. Parasitemia, survival, and toxicity by histology and biochemistry were quantified.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Optimized ALP-SLNs had desirable physicochemical properties, including a particle size of 187.6 ± 3.2 nm, PDI of 0.142, and a zeta potential of - 50.1 ± 1.4 mV, and TEM micrographs confirmed spherical shape. Encapsulation efficiencies were > 88% (ART: 88.79%, LUM: 99.19%, PAR: 99.85%), and loading capacities were ART: 12.4%, LUM: 11.8%, PAR: 13.1%. In vivo antiplasmodial tests for activity against Plasmodium berghei ANKA in Swiss Albino mice exhibited > 95% chemosuppression (95.67%) and 100% day-60 survival with ALP-SLNs, surpassing free drugs and placebo nanoparticles. Toxicity studies in pre-clinical experiments showed normal parameters, except for one mouse that developed a pulmonary lesion.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>ALP SLNs demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, a satisfactory safety profile in acute and sub-acute preclinical testing, and superior antiplasmodial efficacy and a highly effective delivery system for malaria triple therapy compared to free drugs. These findings highlight their potential in overcoming malaria treatment challenges, hence supporting further pharmacokinetic and translational studies toward clinical evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13629119/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148411971","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 malaria and associated risk factors in Loka Abaya district, Sidama regional state, Southern Ethiopia.","authors":"Siratu Seyoum, Mohamed Esmael","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06032-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06032-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health concern in Ethiopia, despite the widespread use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria, the proportion of Plasmodium species, and the risk factors for disease transmission in the study area.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2023 among 419 participants. Socio-demographic and environmental data were collected using structured questionnaires and observation checklists. Capillary blood samples were examined using rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall malaria prevalence was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.0-18.0). Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 59.0% of infections, Plasmodium vivax for 36.1%, and mixed infections for 4.9%. Higher prevalence was observed among symptomatic individuals (30.7%) compared to asymptomatic individuals (7.3%). Independent predictors of malaria infection included no formal education (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.10-5.94), low monthly income (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.07-8.25), lack of ITN ownership (AOR = 2.56; 95% CI: 1.14-5.75), irregular ITN use (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.13-7.32), and presence of stagnant water near households (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.14-3.99).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Malaria remains a significant public health concern in the study area. Strengthening insecticide-treated nets utilization, expanding indoor residual spraying coverage, promoting early diagnosis and prompt treatment, enhancing community awareness, and implementing effective environmental management are essential for reducing malaria transmission. Addressing socio-economic disparities is also crucial for sustainable malaria control and elimination efforts in the area.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13632385/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148411997","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":"Guillain-Barré syndrome following Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a child: a case report.","authors":"Simone Khalifeh, Fatima Hussein, Raja Sawaya, Adam Najm, Christine Saliba, Ali Ismail","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06024-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06024-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune‑mediated polyradiculoneuropathy and remains a leading cause of acquired neuromuscular paralysis. In children, it typically follows infection, but association with malaria is rare.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We report a four‑year‑old Lebanese girl living in Nigeria, who developed progressive weakness, dysphagia, inspiratory stridor, and gait ataxia 2 weeks after treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Neurological examination revealed lower‑extremity weakness with areflexia, bulbar involvement causing stridor, unilateral facial weakness, and gait ataxia (Hughes score 4). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albumin‑cytologic dissociation, and nerve conduction studies demonstrated acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Given the rapid progression and severity, therapeutic plasma exchange (PE) was administered (five exchanges over 10 days) along with supportive care. Strength improved steadily, and at 1 month she was able to walk and run independently (Hughes score 0).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This case expands the limited pediatric literature on malaria-associated GBS and highlights the importance of recognizing evolving bulbar and neurological symptoms after Plasmodium falciparum infection. Early supportive care and immunotherapy may contribute to favorable neurological recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13628948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148411994","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 prevalence and epidemiological characteristics in Northern Malawi: a nine-year retrospective hospital-based study.","authors":"Qian Wu, Qi Zhang, Dokani Michael Ndovi, Shangwu Liu, Xiaoxuan He, Yanfen Ma, Jian Hu, Ying Li, Thomas Stuart Mughogho, Xiaoqin Wang","doi":"10.1186/s12936-026-06046-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12936-026-06046-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Malawi, yet contemporary epidemiological data from northern Malawi are limited. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, demographic distribution, temporal patterns, and parasite density of malaria using routine laboratory surveillance data from a tertiary referral hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using malaria screening records from Mzuzu Central Hospital, northern Malawi, collected between January 2017 and August 2025. Laboratory-confirmed malaria cases and malaria-negative individuals were included to estimate malaria prevalence across demographic and temporal subgroups. Malaria prevalence was compared using the χ² test or Fisher's exact test, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Parasite density, available for a subset of confirmed cases from 2024-2025, was summarized as median (interquartile range [IQR]) and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 31,253 individuals were screened, of whom 3405 were laboratory-confirmed malaria cases, yielding an overall prevalence of 10.89%. Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 86.23% of identified infections. Malaria prevalence was significantly higher among males than females (11.85% vs. 10.01%, P < 0.001). Children aged < 5 years (13.11%) and 5-14 years (13.31%) had significantly higher prevalence than adults (P < 0.001). Annual malaria prevalence ranged from 7.99 to 12.81% during 2018-2024. Clear seasonal variation was observed, with prevalence consistently peaking during the second quarter (April-June) and declining during the third quarter (July-September). Parasite density decreased significantly with age (p < 0.001), with children aged 5-14 years showing the highest median density (6,285 parasites/μL), but did not differ by gender or season.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Malaria remains highly endemic in northern Malawi, with substantial age- and season-related heterogeneity in transmission. Children younger than 15 years experienced both the highest malaria prevalence and parasite densities, while transmission increased during and immediately after the rainy season. These findings provide updated region‑specific evidence to support targeted, age‑ and season‑tailored malaria control strategies, and highlight the need for strengthened surveillance and preventive interventions in high‑risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":18317,"journal":{"name":"Malaria Journal","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13632138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148412015","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}