Molecular detection and species identification of Plasmodium spp. infection in adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A population-based study.
PLoS One
; 15(11): e0242713, 2020.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33227017
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
In efforts to control malaria infection, the Democratic Republic of Congo has implemented several strategies. Studies assessing their efficiency mainly involved at-risk groups, especially children under five years of age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with Plasmodium spp. infection.METHODS:
From October 2014 to March 2015, individuals aged at least 15 years were selected randomly and enrolled in a cross-sectional study conducted throughout the country. Microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis were used for the detection of Plasmodium ssp.RESULTS:
From 2286 individuals recruited, 1870 with valid laboratory results were included in the study for further analysis. The prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection assessed by microscopy (355/ 1870 (19%) was lower than that estimated by PCR (580/1870 (31%). In addition, the difference between the two results was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The most prevalent Plasmodium species was P. falciparum, either as mono-infection (96.3%; 95% C.I. 93.9-98.1) or combined with P. malariae (3.7%; 95% C.I. 2.8-5.9). The mean parasite density was 3272739 trophozoites/µL of blood. Women had higher risks of being infected than men (OR 2.03, 95% C.I. 1.96. 2.62, P = 0.041)].CONCLUSION:
In this study, the molecular detection and species identification of Plasmodium spp. showed that, despite all efforts for malaria control, malaria remains a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The high prevalence and parasite density of Plasmodium spp. in adults make this age group a potential parasitic infectious reservoir for the at-risk groups and supports the need to include this age group in further programs for malaria control.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Plasmodium
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Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa
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Malaria
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
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Observational_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Aged80
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
PLoS One
Asunto de la revista:
CIENCIA
/
MEDICINA
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article