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

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. PMID: 32618263 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research