Prevalence of Asymptomatic and/or Low-Density Malaria Infection among High-Risk Groups in Peninsular Malaysia

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020 Sep;103(3):1107-1110. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0268.

Abstract

Asymptomatic and/or low-density malaria infection has been acknowledged as an obstacle to achieving a malaria-free country. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic and/or low-density malaria infection in previously reported malarious localities using nested PCR in four states, namely, Johor, Pahang, Kelantan, and Selangor, between June 2019 and January 2020. Blood samples (n = 585) were collected and were extracted using a QIAamp blood kit. The DNA was concentrated and subjected to nested PCR. Thin and thick blood smears were examined as well. Of the 585 samples collected, 19 were positive: 10 for Plasmodium knowlesi, eight for Plasmodium vivax, and one for Plasmodium ovale. Asymptomatic and/or low-density malaria infection is a threat to malaria elimination initiatives. Eliminating countries should develop guidance policy on the importance of low-density malaria infection which includes detection and treatment policy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asymptomatic Infections / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Malaria / epidemiology*
  • Malaria / parasitology
  • Malaria, Vivax / epidemiology*
  • Malaria, Vivax / parasitology
  • Malaysia / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmodium / genetics
  • Plasmodium / isolation & purification*
  • Plasmodium knowlesi / genetics
  • Plasmodium knowlesi / isolation & purification
  • Plasmodium ovale / genetics
  • Plasmodium ovale / isolation & purification
  • Plasmodium vivax / genetics
  • Plasmodium vivax / isolation & purification
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prevalence
  • Young Adult