scholarly journals Baseline malaria prevalence at the targeted pre-elimination districts in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Desalegn Nega ◽  
Adugna Abera ◽  
Bokretsion Gidey ◽  
Sindew Mekasha ◽  
Abnet Abebe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Axillary Temperature ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals

Abstract Background Encouraged by the previous success in malaria control and prevention strategies, the Ethiopian ministry of health launched malaria elimination with a stepwise approach by primarily targeting the low-transmission Districts and their adjacent areas/zones in order to shrink the country’s malaria map progressively. Hence, this community survey was conducted to establish baseline malaria information at the preliminary phase of elimination at targeted settings. Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted at 20 malaria-elimination targeted Districts selected from five Regional states and one city administration in Ethiopia. The GPS-enabled smartphones programmed with Open Data Kit were used to enumerate 9326 study households and collect data from 29,993 residents. CareStart™ Malaria PAN (pLDH) Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) were used for blood testing at the field level. Armpit digital thermometers were used to measure axillary temperature. Result Overall malaria prevalence by RDTs was 1.17% (339/28973). The prevalence at District levels ranged from 0.0 to 4.7%. The proportion of symptomatic cases (axillary temperature > 37.5oc) in the survey was 9.2% (2760/29993). Among the 2510 symptomatic individuals tested with RDTs, only 3.35% (84/2510) were malaria positive. The 75.2% (255/339) of all malaria positives were asymptomatic. Of the total asymptomatic malaria cases, 10.2% (26/255) were under-five children and 89.8% (229/255) were above 5 years of age. Conclusion The study shows a decrease in malaria prevalence compared to the reports of previous malaria indicator surveys in the country. The finding can be used as a baseline for measuring the achievement of ongoing malaria elimination efforts. Particularly, the high prevalence of asymptomatic individuals (0.88%) in these transmission settings indicates there may be sustaining hidden transmission. Therefore, active case detection with more sensitive diagnostic techniques is suggested to know more real magnitude of residual malaria in the elimination-targeted areas.

scholarly journals Baseline Malaria Prevalence at the Targeted Pre-elimination Districts in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desalegn Nega ◽  
Adugna Abera ◽  
Bokretsion Gidey ◽  
Sindew Mekasha ◽  
Abnet Abebe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Axillary Temperature ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Transmission ◽  
Total Prevalence

Abstract Background: Encouraged by the success in malaria control and prevention strategies, several malaria endemic countries have adopted elimination strategies worldwide. Accordingly, Ethiopian ministry of health launched malaria elimination with a stepwise approach by primarily targeting the low-transmission districts and their adjacent areas/zones in order to shrink the country’s malaria map progressively. Hence, this community survey was conducted to establish baseline malaria information at the preliminary phase of elimination for measuring future intervention success in elimination goal. Methods: Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted at twenty malaria elimination targeted districts selected from five regional states and one city administration in Ethiopia. The GPS enabled smart phones programmed with Open Data Kit were used to enumerate 9326 study households and collect data from 29,993 residents. Care Start™ Malaria HRP-2/PLDH Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) were used for blood testing at field level. Armpit digital thermometers were used to measure axillary temperature.Result: Overall malaria prevalence by RDTs was 1.17% (339/28973). The prevalence at district levels ranged from 0.0% to 4.7%. The total prevalence of febrile cases (axillary temperature >37.5oc) in the survey was 9.2% (2760/29993). Among the 2,510 febrile individuals tested with RDTs, only 3.35% (84/2510) were malaria positive. Among all study participants, 0.88% (255/28973) malaria positives were afebrile and 0.29% (84/28973) were febrile individuals. The 75.2% (255/339) of all malaria positives were afebrile. Of the total afebrile malaria cases, 10.2% (26/255) were under-five children and 89.8% (229/255) were above 5 years of age. Conclusion: The 1.17% malaria prevalence that ranges 0 to 4% in some districts by rapid diagnostic tests should be given due consideration by the elimination program. Especially the higher prevalence of afebrile individuals (0.88%) in these transmission settings indicates there may be sustaining hidden transmission. Therefore, active case detection with more sensitive diagnostic techniques than this conventional method is suggested to know more real magnitude of residual malaria in the elimination targeted low transmission areas and break the chain of transmission.

scholarly journals Baseline Malaria Prevalence at the Targeted Pre-elimination Districts in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Desalegn Nega ◽  
Adugna Abera ◽  
Bokretsion Gidey ◽  
Sindew Mekasha ◽  
Abnet Abebe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Rapid Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Axillary Temperature ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Transmission ◽  
Total Prevalence

Abstract Background: Encouraged by the success in malaria control and prevention strategies, several malaria endemic countries have adopted elimination strategies worldwide. Accordingly, Ethiopian ministry of health launched malaria elimination with a stepwise approach by primarily targeting the low-transmission districts and their adjacent areas/zones in order to shrink the country’s malaria map progressively. Hence, this community survey was conducted to establish baseline malaria information at the preliminary phase of elimination for measuring future intervention success in elimination goal. Methods: Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted at twenty malaria elimination targeted districts selected from five regional states and one city administration in Ethiopia. The GPS enabled smart phones programmed with Open Data Kit were used to enumerate 9326 study households and collect data from 29,993 residents. Care Start™ Malaria HRP-2/PLDH Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) were used for blood testing at field level. Armpit digital thermometers were used to measure axillary temperature.Result: Overall malaria prevalence by RDTs was 1.17% (339/28973). The prevalence at district levels ranged from 0.0% to 4.7%. The total prevalence of febrile cases (axillary temperature >37.5oc) in the survey was 9.2% (2760/29993). Among the 2,510 febrile individuals tested with RDTs, only 3.35% (84/2510) were malaria positive. Among all study participants, 0.88% (255/28973) malaria positives were afebrile and 0.29% (84/28973) were febrile individuals. The 75.2% (255/339) of all malaria positives were afebrile. Of the total afebrile malaria cases, 10.2% (26/255) were under-five children and 89.8% (229/255) were above 5 years of age. Conclusion: The 1.17% malaria prevalence that ranges 0 to 4% in some districts by rapid diagnostic tests should be given due consideration by the elimination program. Especially the higher prevalence of afebrile individuals (0.88%) in these transmission settings indicates there may be sustaining hidden transmission. Therefore, active case detection with more sensitive diagnostic techniques than this conventional method is suggested to know more real magnitude of residual malaria in the elimination targeted low transmission areas and break the chain of transmission.

High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria in Bandafassi, South-east of Senegal: Challenge for Malaria Elimination

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Badiane Aida Sadikh ◽  
Tolla NDIAYE ◽  
Thiaw Alphonse Birane ◽  
Deme Awa Binta ◽  
Diallo Mamadou Alpha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Control ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence

Abstract Background: Malaria control and elimination strategies are based on levels of transmission that are usually determined by data collected from health facilities. In endemic areas, asymptomatic malaria is thought to represent the majority of infections and is therefore not diagnosed nor treated. As a consequence, they are missed when analyzing data due to the lack of visiting the health facilities unless they are sick. Therefore, there might be an underestimation of the malaria prevalence resulting in inadequate control strategies. In addition, these untreated asymptomatic cases maintain transmission making it difficult or impossible to reach malaria elimination goals. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in southeastern Senegal. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among asymptomatic individuals (N = 122) living in the village of Andiel located in Bandafassi, Kedougou which consisting of about 200 inhabitants during the malaria transmission season in late October 2019. For each individual without malaria symptoms and who consented to participate in the study, a rapid diagnosis test (RDT) was performed in the field. Results were confirmed in the laboratory with nested PCR and photo-induced electron transfer (PET-PCR). Results: Malaria prevalence was 70.25% with PET-PCR, 41.80% with RDT and 41.32% based on the nested PCR. The majority of the study population; 92.94% was infected with a single species (mono-infection) and 7.06% had two or three species of Plasmodium. P. falciparum was predominant and represented 90.22% of the infections, while 6.52% were due to P. ovale and 3.26% to P. malariae. RDT detected more malaria cases than nested PCR among children and in individuals aged fifteen years and older; PET-PCR detected more cases (64.70%) than nested PCR (62%) and RDT (52.94%) in this age group.Conclusion: Asymptomatic infection is a threat to malaria elimination. In southeastern Senegal, where the transmission is the highest in the country, malaria control strategies should address asymptomatic cases at the community level. This high prevalence of asymptomatic malaria observed suggests that this area is eligible for mass drug administration. Moreover, non-falciparum species could be more common and its prevalence should be determined countrywide.

scholarly journals G6PD deficiency among malaria-infected national groups at the western part of Myanmar with implications for primaquine use in malaria elimination

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Thwe Han ◽  
Zay Yar Han ◽  
Kyin Hla Aye ◽  
Khin Thet Wai ◽  
Aung Thi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
G6pd Deficiency ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Radical Cure ◽  
Readiness Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) plays a central role in readiness assessment for malaria elimination in Myanmar by 2030 that includes primaquine (PQ) use. The risk of hemolysis in G6PDd individuals hampers the widespread use of primaquine safely in malaria-infected patients. In the pre-elimination era, it is important to screen initially for asymptomatic malaria in combination with G6PD deficiency by applying more sensitive diagnostic tools. Therefore, this study examined the proportion of G6PDd and the distribution of G6PD genotypes among malaria-infected national groups in Myanmar before initiation of malaria elimination strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study in one township each with high malaria burden from two states in the western part of Myanmar, was conducted during 2016-2018, and 320 participants (164 Rakhine and 156 Chin National groups) were recruited. We used RDT and ultrasensitive polymerase chain reaction (us PCR) method to confirm malaria infection, and a G6PD RDT(CareStart) to detect G6PDd and PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method to confirm the variant of G6PDd for genotyping. G6PD enzyme activity was measured by G6PD Biosensor (CareStart). Results Malaria positivity rates detected by RDT were lower than those detected by us PCR in the combined samples [13% (42/320) vs. 21% (67/320)] as well as in the Rakhine samples [17% (28/164) vs. 25% (41/164)] and in Chin samples [9% (14/156) vs. 17% (26/156)]. G6PD deficiency rates were approximately 10% in both the combined samples and specific national groups. For G6PD enzyme activity in the combined samples, G6PDd (defined as < 30% of adjusted male median) was 10% (31/320) and severe G6PDd (< 10% of AMM) was 3% (9/320). Among malaria-infected patients with positive by both RDT and usPCR, G6PDd was less than 20% in each national group. G6PD genotyping showed that the G6PD Mahidol (G487A) was the major variant. Conclusions The varying degree of G6PDd detected among malaria-infected national groups by advanced diagnostic tools, strongly support the recommend G6PD testing by the National Malaria Control Program and the subsequent safe treatment of P. vivax by primaquine for radical cure. Establishing a field monitoring system to achieve timely malaria elimination is mandatory to observe the safety of patients after PQ treatment.

scholarly journals From malaria control to elimination in South Africa: The researchers’ perspectives

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khumbulani W. Hlongwana ◽  
Joyce Tsoka-Gwegweni
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cross Border ◽  
Malaria Episodes ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background: Global decline in malaria episodes over the past decade gave rise to a debate to target malaria elimination in eligible countries. However, investigation regarding researchers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitating factors to effective implementation of a malaria elimination policy in South Africa (SA) is lacking.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the malaria researchers’ knowledge, understandings, perceived roles, and their perspectives on the factors influencing implementation of a malaria elimination policy in SA.Setting: Participants were drawn from the researchers who fulfilled the eligibility criteria as per the protocol, and the criteria were not setting-specific.Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted through an emailed self-administered semi-structured questionnaire amongst malaria researchers who met the set selection criteria and signed informed consent.Results: Most (92.3%) participants knew about SA’s malaria elimination policy, but only 45.8% had fully read it. The majority held a strong view that SA’s 2018 elimination target was not realistic, citing that the policy had neither been properly adapted to the country’s operational setting nor sufficiently disseminated to all relevant healthcare workers. Key concerns raised were lack of new tools, resources, and capacity to fight malaria; poor cross-border collaborations; overreliance on partners to implement; poor community involvement; and poor surveillance.Conclusion: Malaria elimination is a noble idea, with sharp divisions. However, there is a general agreement that elimination requires: (a) strong cross-border initiatives; (b) deployment of adequate resources; (c) sustainable multistakeholder support and collaboration; (d) good surveillance systems; and (e) availability and use of all effective intervention tools.

scholarly journals The Austrian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick L.S. van Dun ◽  
Lorenzo Arcuri ◽  
Johan Verbeeck ◽  
Jorge E. Esteves ◽  
Francesco Cerritelli
Keyword(s):  
Median Number ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Cervical Region ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
New Information ◽  
Almost All ◽  
English Opera

Abstract Background: Since the previous survey of the osteopathic profession in Austria was almost a decade ago, an update was necessary. The Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) project was developed as a Europe-based survey, whereby an updated profile of the profession not only provides new data for Austria, but also allows for a clear comparison with other European countries. Methods: A voluntary, online-based, closed-ended survey was distributed across Austria in the period between April and August 2020. The original English OPERA-questionnaire, composed of 52 questions in seven sections, was formally translated in German and adapted to the Austrian situation. Recruitment was performed through social-media and an e-based campaign.Results: The survey was completed by 338 individuals, of which 239 (71%) were female, and the median age was 40-49 years. Almost all respondents had preliminary healthcare training, mainly in physiotherapy (72%). The majority of respondents were self-employed (88%) and working as sole practitioners (54%). The median number of consultations per week was 21-25 and the majority of respondents scheduled 46-60 minutes for each consultation (69%). The most commonly used diagnostic techniques were: palpation of position/structure, palpation of tenderness and visual inspection. The most commonly used treatment techniques were cranial, visceral and articulatory/mobilisation techniques. The majority of patients estimated by respondents consulted an osteopath for musculoskeletal complaints mainly localised in the lumbar and cervical region. Although the majority of respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, only a small proportion (17%) advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. Conclusions: This study represents the first published document to determine the characteristics of the osteopathic practitioners in Austria using large, national data. It provides new information on where, how, and by whom osteopathic care is delivered. The information provided may contribute to the evidence used by stakeholders and policy makers for the future regulation of the profession in Austria.

scholarly journals Healthcare Students’ Perception of Social Distancing during the 2019 Coronavirus Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devon L Barrett ◽  
Katharine W Rainer ◽  
Chao Zhang ◽  
Travis W Blalock
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Common Definition ◽  
Grouping Students ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Definition Of

Background: Since the implementation of social distancing practices during the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic there have been a myriad of definitions for ‘social distancing.’ The objective of this study was to determine students’ awareness of the various definitions of social distancing, how strictly they adhered to social distancing guidelines, and how they perceived the importance of various social distancing practices.  Methods: This cross-sectional survey was distributed via email to students at Emory-affiliated graduate schools, including the Medical, Nursing, and Public Health Schools. Results: Of the 2,453 recipients of the survey, 415 students responded (16.9% response rate). The majority of respondents were medical students (n=225, 55.6%). Of the respondents, 357 noted that they “frequently” or “always” abided by social distancing. The most common definition of social distancing with which respondents were familiar was the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s (n=276 of 369 responses, 74.8%). There were significant differences across groups  when grouping students by the definition of social distancing that they were aware of, the social distancing guideline they most closely followed, and their school of attendance regarding the importance of specific social distancing examples (p<0.05 for each). Conclusions: A survey of healthcare students identified differences in the importance of social distancing practices based on the definition of social distancing that they were aware of. The results of this study underscore the importance of having unified definitions of public health messaging, which ultimately may impact disease spread.

scholarly journals Genotypic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency protects against Plasmodium falciparum infection in individuals living in Ghana

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257562
Author(s):  
Linda Eva Amoah ◽  
Kwame Kumi Asare ◽  
Donu Dickson ◽  
Joana Abankwa ◽  
Abena Busayo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
G6pd Deficiency ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Length Polymorphisms ◽  
G6pd Gene ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Introduction The global effort to eradicate malaria requires a drastic measure to terminate relapse from hypnozoites as well as transmission via gametocytes in malaria-endemic areas. Primaquine has been recommended for the treatment of P. falciparum gametocytes and P. vivax hypnozoites, however, its implementation is challenged by the high prevalence of G6PD deficient (G6PDd) genotypes in malaria endemic countries. The objective of this study was to profile G6PDd genotypic variants and correlate them with malaria prevalence in Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional survey of G6PDd genotypic variants was conducted amongst suspected malaria patients attending health care facilities across the entire country. Malaria was diagnosed using microscopy whilst G6PD deficiency was determined using restriction fragment length polymorphisms at position 376 and 202 of the G6PD gene. The results were analysed using GraphPad prism. Results A total of 6108 subjects were enrolled in the study with females representing 65.59% of the population. The overall prevalence of malaria was 36.31%, with malaria prevalence among G6PDd genotypic variants were 0.07% for A-A- homozygous deficient females, 1.31% and 3.03% for AA- and BA- heterozygous deficient females respectively and 2.03% for A- hemizygous deficient males. The odd ratio (OR) for detecting P. falciparum malaria infection in the A-A- genotypic variant was 0.0784 (95% CI: 0.0265–0.2319, p<0.0001). Also, P. malariae and P. ovale parasites frequently were observed in G6PD B variants relative to G6PD A- variants. Conclusion G6PDd genotypic variants, A-A-, AA- and A- protect against P. falciparum, P. ovale and P. malariae infection in Ghana.

scholarly journals Malaria Prevalence Investigation among Pregnant Women in Relation to Their Social Well Being: A Case Study of Lugbe and Gosa, Abuja, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 7-15
Author(s):  
Onyemaechi Ngozi Edith ◽  
Malann Yoila David
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Smear Preparation ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Aim: This research aim was to investigate the impact of living conditions (Socio demographic characteristics) of pregnant women on their malarial status. Study Design: In order to achieve the objectives of the study, Cross sectional survey was used. This is because only a subsect of the population was used. Descriptive designs was utilised in the Questionnaire aspect of the study. Place and Duration of Study: The Presidential Malarial initiative PMI/USAID - funded Insectary Laboratory at Nasarawa State University, Keffi/six (6) Months. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from the participating pregnant women by pricking their thumb and the blood droplet was examined using a direct thin and thick blood smear preparation stained with giemsa for the presence of the ring form stages of the parasites in the blood of the individuals in the laboratory. Qualitative data were sourced through Questionnaire administration to 589 pregnant women in Antenatal care clinics (ANC) in the area and their malaria status was also determined. Results: Study results showed a high prevalence rate of malaria in pregnancy (70.5%), the greater number of occurrences being in Lugbe (42.3%) than in Gosa (28.2%). Those living in houses built with wood recorded more positive cases of malaria and are at greater risk of infection (odds = 1.866%). Conclusion: This study has shown an increased rate of malaria infection amongst pregnant women living in wood and mud houses. The result also shows high rate of malaria occurrences due to low living conditions amongst pregnant women domiciled in this area of study. Hence, pregnant women should as a routine be placed on malaria prophylaxis and periodically checked as they can be asymptomatic, only exhibiting symptoms when its already late.

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