Absence of asymptomatic cases of malaria in a historically endemic indigenous locality of the Department of Caaguazú, Paraguay: moving toward elimination

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2016 Sep-Oct;49(5):637-640. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0197-2016.

Abstract

Introduction:: Paraguay was among the 16 countries that reported zero indigenous malaria cases in 2014.

Methods:: A cross-sectional observational descriptive study was performed in 100 adults from Santa Teresa, Paraguay. Parasite detection was carried out using seminested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy.

Results: Among the participants, 44% were female and 56% were male, and 89% had a malaria history. No parasites were detected with either of the methods.

Conclusions:: There were no asymptomatic cases in Santa Teresa, and this finding is very promising. A longitudinal study should be performed to confirm that there are no asymptomatic cases in this locality.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asymptomatic Infections / epidemiology
  • Carrier State*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indians, South American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Malaria / diagnosis
  • Malaria / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Paraguay / epidemiology
  • Prevalence