scholarly journals High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in adults, Ashanti Region, Ghana, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Heinemann ◽  
Richard O. Phillips ◽  
Christof D. Vinnemeier ◽  
Christina Rolling ◽  
Egbert Tannich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Plasmodium Malariae ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Transmission Season ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Asymptomatic Adult ◽  
Species Specific

Abstract Background Ghana is among the high-burden countries for malaria infection and recently reported a notably increase in malaria cases. While asymptomatic parasitaemia is increasingly recognized as a hurdle for malaria elimination, studies on asymptomatic malaria are scarce and usually focus on children and on non-falciparum species. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and non-falciparum infections in Ghanaian adults in the Ashanti region during the high transmission season. Methods Asymptomatic adult residents from five villages in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, were screened for Plasmodium species by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the rainy season. Samples tested positive were subtyped using species-specific real-time PCR. For all Plasmodium ovale infections additional sub-species identification was performed. Results Molecular prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection was 284/391 (73%); only 126 (32%) infections were detected by RDT. While 266 (68%) participants were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, 33 (8%) were infected with Plasmodium malariae and 34 (9%) with P. ovale. The sub-species P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri were identified to similar proportions. Non-falciparum infections usually presented as mixed infections with P. falciparum. Conclusions Most adult residents in the Ghanaian forest zone are asymptomatic Plasmodium carriers. The high Plasmodium prevalence not detected by RDT in adults highlights that malaria eradication efforts must target all members of the population. Beneath Plasmodium falciparum, screening and treatment must also include infections with P. malariae, P. o. curtisi and P. o. wallikeri.

scholarly journals High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in adults, Ashanti Region, Ghana, 2018

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Heinemann ◽  
Richard O. Phillips ◽  
Christof D. Vinnemeier ◽  
Christina C. Rolling ◽  
Egbert Tannich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Malariae ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Transmission Season ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Notable Increase ◽  
Asymptomatic Adult ◽  
Species Specific

Abstract Background Ghana is among the high-burden countries for malaria infections and recently reported a notable increase in malaria cases. While asymptomatic parasitaemia is increasingly recognized as a hurdle for malaria elimination, studies on asymptomatic malaria are scarce, and usually focus on children and on non-falciparum species. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and non-falciparum infections in Ghanaian adults in the Ashanti region during the high transmission season. Methods Asymptomatic adult residents from five villages in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, were screened for Plasmodium species by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the rainy season. Samples tested positive were subtyped using species-specific real-time PCR. For all Plasmodium ovale infections additional sub-species identification was performed. Results Molecular prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection was 284/391 (73%); only 126 (32%) infections were detected by RDT. While 266 (68%) participants were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, 33 (8%) were infected with Plasmodium malariae and 34 (9%) with P. ovale. The sub-species P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri were identified to similar proportions. Non-falciparum infections usually presented as mixed infections with P. falciparum. Conclusions Most adult residents in the Ghanaian forest zone are asymptomatic Plasmodium carriers. The high Plasmodium prevalence not detected by RDT in adults highlights that malaria eradication efforts must target all members of the population. Beneath Plasmodium falciparum, screening and treatment must also include infections with P. malariae, P. o. curtisi and P. o. wallikeri.

scholarly journals High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in adults, Ashanti Region, Ghana, 2018

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melina Heinemann ◽  
Richard O. Phillips ◽  
Christof D. Vinnemeier ◽  
Christina Rolling ◽  
Egbert Tannich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Malariae ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Plasmodium Ovale ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
Plasmodium Ovale Curtisi ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Asymptomatic Adult ◽  
Species Specific

Abstract Background Ghana is among the high-burden countries for malaria infection and recently reported a notably increase in malaria cases. While asymptomatic parasitemia is increasingly recognized as a hurdle for malaria elimination, studies on asymptomatic malaria are scarce and usually focus on children and on non-falciparum species. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and non-falciparum infections in Ghanaian adults in the Ashanti region during the high transmission season. Methods Asymptomatic adult residents from five villages in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, were screened for Plasmodium spp. by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the rainy season. Samples tested positive were subtyped using species-specific real-time PCR. For all P. ovale infections additional sub-species identification was performed.Results Molecular prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection was 284/391 (73%); only 126 (32%) infections were detected by RDT. While 266 (68%) participants were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, 33 (8%) were infected with Plasmodium malariae and 34 (9%) with Plasmodium ovale. The sub-species Plasmodium ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri were identified to similar proportions. Non-falciparum infections usually presented as mixed infections with Plasmodium falciparum.Conclusions Most adult residents in the Ghanaian forest zone are asymptomatic Plasmodium carriers. The high Plasmodium prevalence not detected by RDT in adults highlights that malaria eradication efforts must target all members of the population. Beneath Plasmodium falciparum, screening and treatment must also include infections with Plasmodium malariae, P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri .

scholarly journals Plasmodium falciparum DHFR and DHPS Mutations Are Associated With HIV-1 Co-Infection and a Novel DHPS Mutation I504T Is Identified in Western Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandi K. Torrevillas ◽  
Sarah M. Garrison ◽  
Alexander J. McKeeken ◽  
Dharmeshkumar Patel ◽  
James T. Van Leuven ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Haplotype Diversity ◽  
Plasmodium Malariae ◽  
Drug Binding ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Antifolate Resistance ◽  
Hiv 1

Antifolate resistance is significant in Kenya and presumed to result from extensive use and cross-resistance between antifolate antimalarials and antibiotics, including cotrimoxazole/Bactrim used for HIV-1 chemotherapy. However, little is known about antifolate-resistant malaria in the context of newly diagnosed HIV-1 co-infection prior to administration of HIV-1 chemotherapy. Blood samples from a cross-sectional study of asymptomatic adult Kenyans enrolled during voluntary HIV testing were analyzed by PCR for Plasmodium spp. More than 95% of volunteers with identifiable parasite species (132 HIV-1 co-infected) were infected with Plasmodium falciparum alone or P. falciparum with Plasmodium ovale and/or Plasmodium malariae. Deep sequencing was used to screen for mutations in P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) (N51I, C59R, S108N, I164L) and dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) (S436H, A437G, K540E, A581G) from 1133 volunteers. Individual mutations in DHPS but not DHFR correlated with HIV-1 status. DHFR haplotype diversity was significantly different among volunteers by gender and HIV-1 status. DHPS haplotype diversity by HIV-1 status was significantly different between volunteers paired by age and gender, indicating that patterns of resistance were independent of these variables. Molecular simulations for a novel DHPS mutation (I504T) suggested that the mutated protein has increased affinity for the endogenous ligand DHPPP and decreased affinity for drug binding. A sub-group of monoclonal infections revealed that age and parasitemia were not correlated and enabled identification of a rare septuple-mutant haplotype (IRNL-HGEA). In our study, adult Kenyans newly diagnosed with HIV-1 infection were predominantly infected with moderately resistant P. falciparum, with patterns of infecting parasite genotypes significantly associated with HIV-1 status. Together with the discovery of DHPS I504T, these data indicate that antifolate resistance continues to evolve in Kenya. Further, they highlight the need to understand the effects of associated mutations on both fitness and resistance of P. falciparum in the context of HIV-1 co-infection to better inform treatment for asymptomatic malaria.

scholarly journals High Prevalence of Markers for Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine Resistance in Plasmodium falciparum in the Absence of Drug Pressure in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

2005 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 1101-1105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Marks ◽  
Jennifer Evans ◽  
Christian G. Meyer ◽  
Edmund N. Browne ◽  
Christa Flessner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Parasite Prevalence ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Drug Pressure ◽  
Ashanti Region ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Resistance Markers ◽  
High Level ◽  
Weak Trend

ABSTRACT Markers of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine (CQ) and pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine (PYR-SDX) are widespread in areas where malaria is endemic. In an area where the use PYR-SDX is negligible, the Ashanti Region of Ghana, West Africa, adult individuals were enrolled in an analysis of CQ- and PYR-SDX-associated molecular resistance markers in 2001 (n = 177) and 2003 (n = 180). Parasite prevalence, as assessed by PCR assays, were 56.5 and 48.8% in 2001 and 2003, respectively. A high frequency of CQ, PYR, and SDX resistance markers was observed, whereby, as a weak trend, the frequency was higher in 2003. The quintuple combination of three pfdhfr mutations and two pfdhps mutations has previously been recognized to be the most important determinant of PYR-SDX resistance. Approximately 60% of parasite carriers harbored fourfold mutated parasites, indicative of a considerable risk for a switch to high-level PYR-SDX resistance in an area where the rate of PYR-SDX use is low. Among the factors contributing to the high frequency of PYR-SDX resistance-associated mutations are background use of PYR-SDX, past use of PYR for malaria prophylaxis, cross-resistance of trimethoprim with PYR, and the sufficient biological fitness of resistant parasites in the absence of drug pressure.

scholarly journals High cases of submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections in a suburban population of Lagos, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence A. Umunnakwe ◽  
Emmanuel T. Idowu ◽  
Olusola Ajibaye ◽  
Blessed Etoketim ◽  
Samuel Akindele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Malaria Diagnosis ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Low Sensitivity

Abstract Background Asymptomatic malaria parasites are significant sources of infections for onward malaria transmission. Conventional tools for malaria diagnosis such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic test kits (RDT) have relatively low sensitivity, hence the need for alternative tools for active screening of such low-density infections. Methods This study tested var acidic terminal sequence-based (varATS) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for screening asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections among dwellers of a sub-urban community in Lagos, Nigeria. Clinically healthy participants were screened for malaria using microscopy, RDT and varATS qPCR techniques. Participants were stratified into three age groups: 1–5, 6–14 and > 14 years old. Results Of the 316 participants screened for asymptomatic malaria infection, 78 (24.68%) were positive by microscopy, 99 (31.33%) were positive by RDT and 112 (35.44%) by varATS qPCR. Participants aged 6–14 years had the highest prevalence of asymptomatic malaria, with geometric means of ~ 116 parasites/µL and ~ 6689 parasites/µL as detected by microscopy and varATS, respectively. Conclusion This study has revealed high prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in the study population, with varATS detecting additional sub-microscopic infections. The highest concentration of asymptomatic malaria was observed among school-age children between 6 and 14 years old. A large-scale screening to identify other potential hotspots of asymptomatic parasites in the country is recommended.

scholarly journals Molecular identification and anti-malarial drug resistance profile of Plasmodium falciparum from patients attending Kisoro Hospital, southwestern Uganda

2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Godfrey Manirakiza ◽  
Kennedy Kassaza ◽  
Ivan Mugisha Taremwa ◽  
Joel Bazira ◽  
Fredrick Byarugaba
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Molecular Identification ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Plasmodium Malariae ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
Resistance Profile ◽  
Drug Resistance Profile ◽  
Southwestern Uganda

Abstract Background The evolution of malaria infection has necessitated the development of highly sensitive diagnostic assays, as well as the use of dried blood spots (DBS) as a potential source of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) yield for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. This study identified the different Plasmodium species in malaria-positive patients, and the anti-malarial drug resistance profile for Plasmodium falciparum using DBS samples collected from patients attending Kisoro Hospital in Kisoro district, Southwestern Uganda. Methods The blood samples were prospectively collected from patients diagnosed with malaria to make DBS, which were then used to extract DNA for real-time PCR and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. Plasmodium species were identified by comparing the control and test samples using HRM-PCR derivative curves. Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine (CQ) resistance transporter (pfcrt) and kelch13 to screen the samples for anti-malarial resistance markers. The HRM-PCR derivative curve was used to present a summary distribution of the different Plasmodium species as well as the anti-malarial drug profile. Results Of the 152 participants sampled, 98 (64.5%) were females. The average age of the participants was 34.9 years (range: 2 months–81 years). There were 134 samples that showed PCR amplification, confirming the species as Plasmodium. Plasmodium falciparum (N = 122), Plasmodium malariae (N = 6), Plasmodium ovale (N = 4), and Plasmodium vivax (N = 2) were the various Plasmodium species and their proportions. The results showed that 87 (71.3%) of the samples were sensitive strains/wild type (CVMNK), 4 (3.3%) were resistant haplotypes (SVMNT), and 31 (25.4%) were resistant haplotypes (CVIET). Kelch13 C580Y mutation was not detected. Conclusion The community served by Kisoro hospital has a high Plasmodium species burden, according to this study. Plasmodium falciparum was the dominant species, and it has shown that resistance to chloroquine is decreasing in the region. Based on this, molecular identification of Plasmodium species is critical for better clinical management. Besides, DBS is an appropriate medium for DNA preservation and storage for future epidemiological studies.

scholarly journals PLASMODIUM DOMINAN DALAM NYAMUK ANOPHELES BETINA (Anopheles spp.) PADA BEBERAPA TEMPAT DI DISTRIK MANOKWARI BARAT

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-36
Author(s):  
Rina A. Mogea
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Research Result ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Plasmodium Malariae ◽  
Anopheles Mosquito ◽  
Plasmodium Ovale ◽  
Aedes Mosquito ◽  
Anopheles Farauti ◽  
Male Mosquito

Malaria contagious by mosquito Anopheles Betina bringing protozoa parasite in its body (Plasmodium). Plasmodium there are four specieses that is Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum, but often becomes pathogen that is Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. As for intention of this research is to identify Plasmodium which is dominant at female Anopheles mosquito (Anopheles spp.) and knows distribution pattern of female Anopheles mosquito (Anopheles spp.) in some places in Districts Manokwari Barat. Based on research result done to four locations that is area Amban, Wosi, Sanggeng and Kota is found [by] 1024 mosquito tails. From the amounts only 115 mosquito tails was mosquito Anopheles Betina while the other is mosquito Anopheles male, mosquito Culex and Aedes. Mosquito Anopheles Betina found consisted of 4 species that is Anopheles bancrofti, Anopheles kochi, Anopheles farauti and Anopheles koliensis. Mosquito Anopheles Betina which is dissected, obtained 2 the Plasmodium species in mosquito spit gland is Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, and from calculation by index dominant can be told that both types of this very dominant Plasmodium in Districts Manokwari Barat because its the dominant index > 5%.

scholarly journals Population structure and diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in children with asymptomatic malaria living in different ecological zones of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Eva Amoah ◽  
Zakaria Abukari ◽  
Maame Esi Dawson-Amoah ◽  
Cheikh Cambel Dieng ◽  
Eugenia Lo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Population Structure ◽  
Coastal Zone ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Coastal Zones ◽  
Forest Zone ◽  
Ecological Zones

Abstract Background Genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum populations can be used to describe the resilience and spatial distribution of the parasite in the midst of intensified intervention efforts. This study used microsatellite analysis to evaluate the genetic diversity and population dynamics of P. falciparum parasites circulating in three ecological zones of Ghana. Methods A total of 1168 afebrile children aged between 3 to 13 years were recruited from five (5) Primary schools in 3 different ecological zones (Sahel (Tamale and Kumbungu), Forest (Konongo) and Coastal (Ada and Dodowa)) of Ghana. Asymptomatic malaria parasite carriage was determined using microscopy and PCR, whilst fragment analysis of 6 microsatellite loci was used to determine the diversity and population structure of P. falciparum parasites. Results Out of the 1168 samples examined, 16.1 and 39.5% tested positive for P. falciparum by microscopy and nested PCR respectively. The genetic diversity of parasites in the 3 ecological zones was generally high, with an average heterozygosity (He) of 0.804, 0.787 and 0.608 the rainy (peak) season for the Sahel, Forest and Coastal zones respectively. The mean He for the dry (off-peak) season were 0.562, 0.693 and 0.610 for the Sahel, Forest and Coastal zones respectively. Parasites from the Forest zone were more closely related to those from the Sahel than from the Coastal zone, despite the Coastal zone being closer in physical distance to the Forest zone. The fixation indexes among study sites ranged from 0.049 to 0.112 during the rainy season and 0.112 to 0.348 during the dry season. Conclusion A large asymptomatic parasite reservoir was found in the school children during both rainy and dry seasons, especially those in the Forest and Sahel savannah zones where parasites were also found to be related compared to those from the Coastal zone. Further studies are recommended to understand why despite the roll out of several malaria interventions in Ghana, high transmission still persist.

scholarly journals Detection of mixed infection of Plasmodium species in the Southern province of Rwanda. Case study: Ruhango, Bunyogombe and Kibilizi Health centres

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-115
Author(s):  
Regis Ndahiro ◽  
Pascal Bizimana ◽  
Ella Larissa Ndoricyimpaye ◽  
Alphonse Hakizimana ◽  
Jean Damascene Mfizi
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Falciparum Infection ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Plasmodium Infection ◽  
Southern Province ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Health Centres ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background: Malaria is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa including Rwanda. Though the prevalence of malaria has been reduced due to the use of indoor residual sprayings and insecticide-treated bed nets, it is still a disease that kills many people annually. Many studies conducted revealed that in sub-Saharan Africa including Rwanda there is a high prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum. However, there is still a gap in the identification of the presence of mixed Plasmodium infection. This study was conducted to determine the overall prevalence of Plasmodium species as well as that of mixed plasmodium infection in Ruhango and Kibilizi Health centres. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 126 participants in Ruhango, Bunyogombe and Kibilizi health centres located in the southern province of Rwanda. The conventional sampling strategy was used for the selection of individuals who consented to participate in the study. Blood samples were used to detect Plasmodium species and the obtained data were analyzed using Microsoft excel and IBM SPSS version 21. Results: Among 126 participants presenting with signs and symptoms of malaria, the overall positive cases of Plasmodium species were 61(48.4%) and among the total positive cases 56 (44.5%) were infected with single Plasmodium species while 5 (4%) were infected with mixed Plasmodium species. Plasmodium falciparum was the most prevalent species infecting 49 (39%) participants while Plasmodium vivax was the least prevalent infection, detected in only 1(0.8%) participant. Conclusion: The study identified the significant prevalence of mixed-species of Plasmodium infection as well as the high prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in the study population. These findings suggest that there is a need for continued monitoring of non-falciparum infection in this population and the introduction of species-specific RDTs that can be used for diagnostic purposes.

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