Antimalarial resistance risk in Mozambique detected by a novel quadruplex droplet digital PCR assay.

While the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite continues to cause severe disease globally, Mozambique is disproportionally represented in malaria case totals. Acquisition of copy number variations (CNVs) in the parasite genome contributes to antimalarial drug resistance through overexpression of drug targets. Of interest, piperaquine resistance is associated with plasmepsin 2 and 3 CNVs (pfpmp2 and pfpmp3, respectively), while CNVs in the multidrug efflux pump, multidrug resistance-1 (pfmdr1), increase resistance to amodiaquine and lumefantrine. These antimalarials are partner drugs in artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) and therefore, CNV detection with accurate and efficient tools is necessary to track ACT resistance risk. Here, we evaluated ~300 clinically derived samples collected from three sites in Mozambique for resistance-associated CNVs. We developed a novel, medium-throughput, quadruplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay to simultaneously quantify the copy number of pfpmp3, pfpmp2, and pfmdr1 loci in these clinical samples. By using DNA from laboratory parasite lines, we show that this nanodroplet-based method is capable of detecting picogram levels of parasite DNA, which facilitates its application for low yield and human host-contaminated clinical surveillance samples. Following ddPCR and the application of quality control standards, we detected CNVs in 13 of 229 high-quality samples (prevalence of 5.7%). Overall, our study revealed a low number of resistance CNVs present in the parasite population across all three collection sites, including various combinations of pfmdr1, pfpmp2, and pfpmp3 CNVs. The potential for future ACT resistance across Mozambique emphasizes the need for continued molecular surveillance across the region.

Anti-malarial resistance in Mozambique: Absence of Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 (K13) propeller domain polymorphisms associated with resistance to artemisinins.

BACKGROUND: Malaria remains one of the most serious public health problems in sub-Saharan Africa and Mozambique is the world's fourth largest contributor, with 4.7% of disease cases and 3.6% of total deaths due to malaria. Its control relies on the fight against the vector and treatment of confirmed cases with anti-malarial drugs. Molecular surveillance is an important tool for monitoring the spread of anti-malarial drug resistance. METHODS: A cross-sectional study recruited 450 participants with malaria infection detected by Rapid Diagnostic Tests, from three different study sites (Niassa, Manica and Maputo) between April and August 2021. Correspondent blood samples were collected on filter paper (Whatman® FTA® cards), parasite DNA extracted and pfk13 gene sequenced using Sanger method. SIFT software (Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant) was used, predict whether an amino acid substitution affects protein function. RESULTS: No pfkelch13-mediated artemisinin resistance gene mutation was detected in this study settings. However, non-synonymous mutations were detected at prevalence of 10.2%, 6% and 5% in Niassa, Manica and Maputo, respectively. Most (56.3%) of the reported non-synonymous mutations were due to substitution at the first base of the codon, 25% at the second base and 18.8% at the third base. Additionally, 50% of non-synonymous mutations showed a SIFTscore bellow cut off value of 0.05, therefore, they were predicted to be deleterious. CONCLUSION: These results do not show an emergence of artemisinin resistance cases in Mozambique. However, the increased number of novel non-synonymous mutations highlights the relevance of increasing the number of studies focused on the molecular surveillance of artemisinin resistance markers, for its early detection.

Molecular surveillance for polymorphisms associated with artemisinin-based combination therapy resistance in Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected in Mozambique, 2018.

BACKGROUND: Due to the threat of emerging anti-malarial resistance, the World Health Organization recommends incorporating surveillance for molecular markers of anti-malarial resistance into routine therapeutic efficacy studies (TESs). In 2018, a TES of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) was conducted in Mozambique, and the prevalence of polymorphisms in the pfk13, pfcrt, and pfmdr1 genes associated with drug resistance was investigated. METHODS: Children aged 6-59 months were enrolled in four study sites. Blood was collected and dried on filter paper from participants who developed fever within 28 days of initial malaria treatment. All samples were first screened for Plasmodium falciparum using a multiplex real-time PCR assay, and polymorphisms in the pfk13, pfcrt, and pfmdr1 genes were investigated by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: No pfk13 mutations, associated with artemisinin partial resistance, were observed. The only pfcrt haplotype observed was the wild type CVMNK (codons 72-76), associated with chloroquine sensitivity. Polymorphisms in pfmdr1 were only observed at codon 184, with the mutant 184F in 43/109 (39.4%) of the samples, wild type Y184 in 42/109 (38.5%), and mixed 184F/Y in 24/109 (22.0%). All samples possessed N86 and D1246 at these two codons. CONCLUSION: In 2018, no markers of artemisinin resistance were documented. Molecular surveillance should continue to monitor the prevalence of these markers to inform decisions on malaria treatment in Mozambique.

In vivo efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine and amodiaquine-artesunate for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mozambique, 2018.

BACKGROUND: Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Mozambique since 2006, with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and amodiaquine-artesunate (AS-AQ) as the first choice. To assess efficacy of currently used ACT, an in vivo therapeutic efficacy study was conducted. METHODS: The study was conducted in four sentinel sites: Montepuez, Moatize, Mopeia and Massinga. Patients between 6 and 59 months old with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (2000-200,000 parasites/µl) were enrolled between February and September of 2018, assigned to either an AL or AS-AQ treatment arm, and monitored for 28 days. A Bayesian algorithm was applied to differentiate recrudescence from new infection using genotyping data of seven neutral microsatellites. Uncorrected and PCR-corrected efficacy results at day 28 were calculated. RESULTS: Totals of 368 and 273 patients were enrolled in the AL and AS-AQ arms, respectively. Of these, 9.5% (35/368) and 5.1% (14/273) were lost to follow-up in the AL and AS-AQ arms, respectively. There were 48 and 3 recurrent malaria infections (late clinical and late parasitological failures) in the AL and AS-AQ arms, respectively. The day 28 uncorrected efficacy was 85.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 81.3-89.2%) for AL and 98.8% (95% CI 96.7-99.8%) for AS-AQ, whereas day 28 PCR-corrected efficacy was 97.9% (95% CI 95.6-99.2%) for AL and 99.6% (95% CI 97.9-100%) for AS-AQ. Molecular testing confirmed that 87.4% (42/48) and 33.3% (1/3) of participants with a recurrent malaria infection in the AL and AS-AQ arms were new infections; an expected finding in a high malaria transmission area. Adverse events were documented in less than 2% of participants for both drugs. CONCLUSION: Both AL and AS-AQ have therapeutic efficacies well above the 90% WHO recommended threshold and remain well-tolerated in Mozambique. Routine monitoring of therapeutic efficacy should continue to ensure the treatments remain efficacious. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04370977.

Drug-Resistant Polymorphisms and Copy Numbers in Plasmodium falciparum, Mozambique, 2015.

One of the fundamental steps toward malaria control is the use of antimalarial drugs. The success of antimalarial treatment can be affected by the presence of drug-resistant populations of Plasmodium falciparum. To assess resistance, we used molecular methods to examine 351 P. falciparum isolates collected from 4 sentinel sites in Mozambique for K13, pfmdr1, pfcrt, and pfdhps polymorphisms and for plasmepsin2 (pfpm2) and pfmdr1 copy numbers. We found multiple copies of pfpm2 in 1.1% of isolates. All isolates carried K13 wild-type alleles (3D7-like), except 4 novel polymorphisms (Leu619Leu, Phe656Ile, Val666Val, Gly690Gly). Prevalence of isolates with pfcrt mutant (K76T) allele was low (2.3%). Prevalence of isolates with pfdhps mutant alleles (A437G and K540E) was >80%, indicating persistence of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine resistance; however, markers of artemisinin were absent, and markers of piperaquine resistance were low. Piperaquine resistance isolates may spread in Mozambique as dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine drug pressure increases.

Uptake of intermittent preventive treatment and pregnancy outcomes: health facilities and community surveys in Chókwè district, southern Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: Malaria in pregnancy leads to serious adverse effects on the mother and the child and accounts for 75,000-200,000 infant deaths every year. Currently, the World Health Organization recommends intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) at each scheduled antenatal care (ANC) visit. This study aimed to assess IPTp-SP coverage in mothers delivering in health facilities and at the community. In addition, factors associated with low IPTp-SP uptake and malaria adverse outcomes in pregnancy were investigated. METHODS: A community and a health facility-based surveys were conducted in mothers delivering in Chókwè district, southern Mozambique. Social-demographic data, malaria prevention practices and obstetric history were recorded through self-report and antenatal records. For women delivering at health facilities, a clinical examination of mother and child was performed, and malaria infection at delivery was determined by rapid diagnostic test, microscopy, quantitative PCR and placental histology. RESULTS: Of 1141 participants, 46.6, 30.2, 13.5 and 9.6% reported taking ≥ 3, two, one and none SP doses, respectively. Low IPTp uptake (< 3 doses) was associated with non-institutional deliveries (AOR = 2.9, P < 0.001), first ANC visit after week 28 (AOR = 5.4, P < 0.001), low awareness of IPTp-SP (AOR = 1.6, P < 0.002) and having no or only primary education (AOR = 1.3, P = 0.041). The overall prevalence of maternal malaria (peripheral and/or placental) was 16.8% and was higher among women from rural areas compared to those from urban areas (AOR = 1.9, P < 0.001). Younger age (< 20 years; AOR = 1.6, P = 0.042) and living in rural areas (AOR = 1.9, P < 0.001) were predictors of maternal malaria at delivery. Being primigravidae (AOR = 2.2, P = 0.023) and preterm delivery (AOR = 2.6, P < 0.001) predicted low birth weight while younger age was also associated with premature delivery (AOR = 1.4, P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: The coverage for two and ≥ 3 doses of IPTp-SP is moderately higher than estimates from routine health facility records in Gaza province in 2015. However, this is still far below the national target of 80% for ≥ 3 doses. Ongoing campaigns aiming to increase the use of malaria prevention strategies during pregnancy should particularly target rural populations, increasing IPTp-SP knowledge, stimulate early visits to ANC, improve access to health services and the quality of the service provided.

Efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria at sentinel sites in Mozambique, 2015.

The resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to anti-malarial drugs continues to challenge malaria control. We assessed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine (AL), the first-line treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, in children under five years of age in Mozambique. We conducted a prospective one-arm study to evaluate the clinical and parasitological efficacy of AL over 28days at four sentinel sites, using the WHO protocol for assessing the efficacy of antimalarial treatment. msp1, msp2 and glurp genes were analysed by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to differentiate recrudescence from re-infection with malaria parasites. Haemoglobin concentration was recorded at baseline and on days 7, 14 and 28. A total of 349 children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were recruited at the four sentinel sites. Adequate clinical and parasitological response to AL on day 28 follow-up varied from 96.3% to 100% after correction by PCR. The drug was well tolerated, and no adverse event related to the drug was reported. AL, the current first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Mozambique, remains highly efficacious at the study sites. Monitoring of the efficacy of the recommended antimalarial drugs should be continued in order to detect any emerging threat to their efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12616001680459.

In vivo efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine and amodiaquine-artesunate for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mozambique, 2018

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Mozambique since 2006, with artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and amodiaquine-artesunate (AS-AQ) as the first choice. To assess efficacy of currently used ACT, an in vivo therapeutic efficacy study was conducted. Methods: The study was conducted in four sentinel sites: Montepuez, Moatize, Mopeia and Massinga. Patients between 6 and 59 months old with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (2000-200,000 parasites/µl) were enrolled between February and September of 2018, assigned to either an AL or AS-AQ treatment arm, and monitored for 28 days. A Bayesian algorithm was applied to differentiate recrudescence from new infection using genotyping data of seven neutral microsatellites. Uncorrected and PCR-corrected efficacy results at day 28 were calculated. Results: Totals of 368 and 273 patients were enrolled in the AL and AS-AQ arms, respectively. Of these, 9.5% (35/368) and 5.1% (14/273) were lost to follow-up in the AL and AS-AQ arms, respectively. There were 48 and 3 recurrent malaria infections (late clinical and late parasitological failures) in the AL and AS-AQ arms, respectively. The day 28 uncorrected efficacy was 85.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 81.3-89.2%) for AL and 98.8% (95% CI 96.7-99.8%) for AS-AQ, whereas day 28 PCR-corrected efficacy was 97.9% (95% CI 95.6-99.2%) for AL and 99.6% (95% CI 97.9-100%) for AS-AQ. Molecular testing confirmed that 87.4% (42/48) and 33.3% (1/3) of participants with a recurrent malaria infection in the AL and AS-AQ arms were new infections; an expected finding in a high malaria transmission area. Adverse events were documented in less than 2% of participants for both drugs. Conclusion: Both AL and AS-AQ have therapeutic efficacies well above the 90% WHO recommended threshold and remain well-tolerated in Mozambique. Routine monitoring of therapeutic efficacy should continue to ensure the treatments remain efficacious. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov

In vivo efficacy and safety of artemetherlumefantrine and amodiaquine­artesunate for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Mozambique, 2018

Background: Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has been the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in Mozambique since 2006, with artemether­lumefantrine (AL) and amodiaquine­artesunate (AS­AQ) as the first choice. To assess efficacy of currently used ACT, an in vivo therapeutic efficacy study was conducted. Methods: The study was conducted in four sentinel sites: Montepuez, Moatize, Mopeia and Massinga. Patients between 6 and 59 months old with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (2000­200,000 parasites/µl) were enrolled between February and September of 2018, assigned to either an AL or AS­AQ treatment arm, and monitored for 28 days. A Bayesian algorithm was applied to differentiate recrudescence from new infection using genotyping data of seven neutral microsatellites. Uncorrected and PCR-corrected efficacy results at day 28 were calculated. Results: Totals of 368 and 273 patients were enrolled in the AL and AS­AQ arms, respectively. Of these, 9.5% (35/368) and 5.1% (14/273) were lost to follow-up in the AL and AS­AQ arms, respectively. There were 48 and 3 recurrent malaria infections (late clinical and late parasitological failures) in the AL and AS­AQ arms, respectively. The day 28 uncorrected efficacy was 85.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 81.3­89.2%) for AL and 98.8% (95% CI 96.7­99.8%) for AS­AQ, whereas day 28 PCR-corrected efficacy was 97.9% (95% CI 95.6­99.2%) for AL and 99.6% (95% CI 97.9­100%) for AS­AQ. Molecular testing confirmed that 87.4% (42/48) and 33.3% (1/3) of participants with a recurrent malaria infection in the AL and AS­AQ arms were new infections; an expected finding in a high malaria transmission area. Adverse events were documented in less than 2% of participants for both drugs. Conclusion: Both AL and AS­AQ have therapeutic efficacies well above the 90% WHO recommended threshold and remain well-tolerated in Mozambique. Routine monitoring of therapeutic efficacy should continue to ensure the treatments remain efficacious.

Drug-resistant polymorphisms and copy numbers in plasmodium falciparum, mozambique, 2015

One of the fundamental steps toward malaria control is the use of antimalarial drugs. The success of antimalarial treatment can be affected by the presence of drug-resistant populations of Plasmodium falciparum. To assess resistance, we used molecular methods to examine 351 P. falciparum isolates collected from 4 sentinel sites in Mozambique for K13, pfmdr1, pfcrt, and pfdhps polymorphisms and for plasmepsin2 (pfpm2) and pfmdr1 copy numbers. We found multiple copies of pfpm2 in 1.1% of isolates. All isolates carried K13 wild-type alleles (3D7-like), except 4 novel polymorphisms (Leu619Leu, Phe656Ile, Val666Val, Gly690Gly). Prevalence of isolates with pfcrt mutant (K76T) allele was low (2.3%). Prevalence of isolates with pfdhps mutant alleles (A437G and K540E) was >80%, indicating persistence of sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine resistance; however, markers of artemisinin were absent, and markers of piperaquine resistance were low. Piperaquine resistance isolates may spread in Mozambique as dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine drug pressure increases.

Uptake of intermittent preventive treatment and pregnancy outcomes: health facilities and community surveys in Chókwè district, southern Mozambique

Malaria in pregnancy leads to serious adverse effects on the mother and the child and accounts for 75,000-200,000 infant deaths every year. Currently, the World Health Organization recommends intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) at each scheduled antenatal care (ANC) visit. This study aimed to assess IPTp-SP coverage in mothers delivering in health facilities and at the community. In addition, factors associated with low IPTp-SP uptake and malaria adverse outcomes in pregnancy were investigated. Methods: A community and a health facility-based surveys were conducted in mothers delivering in Chókwè district, southern Mozambique. Social-demographic data, malaria prevention practices and obstetric history were recorded through self-report and antenatal records. For women delivering at health facilities, a clinical examination of mother and child was performed, and malaria infection at delivery was determined by rapid diagnostic test, microscopy, quantitative PCR and placental histology. Results: Of 1141 participants, 46.6, 30.2, 13.5 and 9.6% reported taking ≥ 3, two, one and none SP doses, respectively. Low IPTp uptake (< 3 doses) was associated with non-institutional deliveries (AOR = 2.9, P < 0.001), first ANC visit after week 28 (AOR = 5.4, P < 0.001), low awareness of IPTp-SP (AOR = 1.6, P < 0.002) and having no or only primary education (AOR = 1.3, P = 0.041). The overall prevalence of maternal malaria (peripheral and/or placental) was 16.8% and was higher among women from rural areas compared to those from urban areas (AOR = 1.9, P < 0.001). Younger age (< 20 years; AOR = 1.6, P = 0.042) and living in rural areas (AOR = 1.9, P < 0.001) were predictors of maternal malaria at delivery. Being primigravidae (AOR = 2.2, P = 0.023) and preterm delivery (AOR = 2.6, P < 0.001) predicted low birth weight while younger age was also associated with premature delivery (AOR = 1.4, P = 0.031). Conclusion: The coverage for two and ≥ 3 doses of IPTp-SP is moderately higher than estimates from routine health facility records in Gaza province in 2015. However, this is still far below the national target of 80% for ≥ 3 doses. Ongoing campaigns aiming to increase the use of malaria prevention strategies during pregnancy should particularly target rural populations, increasing IPTp-SP knowledge, stimulate early visits to ANC, improve access to health services and the quality of the service provided.

Efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria at sentinel sites in Mozambique, 2015

he resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to anti-malarial drugs continues to challenge malaria control. We assessed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine (AL), the first-line treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria, in children under five years of age in Mozambique. We conducted a prospective one-arm study to evaluate the clinical and parasitological efficacy of AL over 28days at four sentinel sites, using the WHO protocol for assessing the efficacy of antimalarial treatment. msp1, msp2 and glurp genes were analysed by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to differentiate recrudescence from re-infection with malaria parasites. Haemoglobin concentration was recorded at baseline and on days 7, 14 and 28. A total of 349 children with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were recruited at the four sentinel sites. Adequate clinical and parasitological response to AL on day 28 follow-up varied from 96.3% to 100% after correction by PCR. The drug was well tolerated, and no adverse event related to the drug was reported. AL, the current first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Mozambique, remains highly efficacious at the study sites. Monitoring of the efficacy of the recommended antimalarial drugs should be continued in order to detect any emerging threat to their efficacy.

Diversidade genética do gene que codifica a proteína-2 da superfície de merozoítos (MSP-2) de plasmodium falciparum em indivíduos co-infectados pelo hiv no distrito de chókwè, Moçambique / Genetic diversity of the gene encoding Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein-2 (MSP-2) in HIV co-infected individuals in Chókwè district, Mozambique

As infecções pelo Plasmodium falciparum (P.falciparum) e pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) constituem problema de Saúde Pública particularmente na África subsaariana onde as duas infecções têm o seu maior peso. A sobreposição geográfica das duas infecções implica a ocorrência da co-infecção com impacto negativo na epidemiologia de ambas. Em Moçambique as duas infecções são endémicas, por isso o conhecimento do impacto da co-infecção na epidemiologia da infecção por P. falciparum pode ser importante no desenho de medidas de prevenção e controlo da malária. A diversidade genética do P. falciparum e a respectiva multiplicidade das infecções estão relacionadas com o nível de transmissão da malária e da idade, e tem implicações na imunopatogênese da malária. Foi usado o gene que codifica para Proteína-2 da Superfície de Merozoítos (MSP-2) do P. falciparum para avaliar a diversidade genética do P. falciparum; avaliaram-se a densidade parasitária e a multiplicidade das infecções pelo P. falciparum em função do nível da contagem das células T CD4+ em paciente co-infectados numa região do Sul de Moçambique. Para atingir esses objetivos, amostras de sangue de 51 pacientes com sintomas clínicos de malária foram colhidas para o diagnóstico e genotipagem do P. falciparum, mediram-se os níveis da hemoglobina e contaram-se as células T CD4+. O diagnóstico da infecção pelo P. falciparum foi feito por microscopia e confirmada pela técnica da nested-PCR; e usou-se a mesma técnica para a genotipagem do P. falciparum. A densidade parasitária foi maior no grupo de pacientes com contagem das células T CD4+ menor ou igual a 250 células/lµ comparado ao grupo de pacientes com contagem de células T CD4+ maior que 250 células/µl (p<0,05), mas não variou em função da idade. A frequência dos episódios da malária não mostrou relação com a idade. Não foi encontrada nenhuma relação entre o nível da hemoglobina e a densidade parasitária. Vinte e cinco (25) genótipos foram identificados nas 48 amostras genotipadas com sucesso. A multiplicidade das infecções variou de 1 a 8 genótipos/infecção com a média de 3,71 [IC 95% (3,19 ­ 4,22)] genótipos/infecção. Também não foi encontrada nenhuma relação entre a multiplicidade das infecções e a contagem das células T CD4+, idade e densidade parasitária (p>0,05). Os dados deste estudo sugerem que a multiplicidade das infecções em pacientes infectados pelo HIV não está associada com a contagem das células T CD4+ e que a densidade parasitária aumenta com o decréscimo da contagem das células T CD4+. Mas a nossa amostra é muito pequena para assumir afirmações conclusivas, sugerindo a realização de mais estudos

Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections are public health problem particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where both infections are endemic and have their major burden. The geographic overlap of these infections implies the occurrence of co-infection with impact on the epidemiology of these infections. P. falciparum malaria and HIV are endemic in Mozambique and therefore it is important to know the impact of co-infection in the molecular malaria epidemiology to design malaria control and prevention strategies looking at the group of patients infected with HIV. The genetic diversity of P. falciparum and multiplicity of infections are related to the level of malaria transmission and age, have implications on the immunopathogenesis of malaria. In the present study were used the gene encoding for Protein-2 of the Merozoite Surface (MSP-2) to assessed the genetic diversity of P. falciparum and multiplicity of parasitic infection; were evaluate the density and multiplicity of parasitic infection according to the immune status measured by counting CD4+ T cells in patients co-infected with HIV in a region of southern Mozambique. To achieve these objectives, blood samples from 51 HIV patients with clinical symptoms of malaria were collected for diagnosis and genotyping of P. falciparum; hemoglobin levels and CD4+ T cells were measured. P. falciparum diagnosis was made by microscopy and confirmed by nested-PCR. The same technique was applied to P. falciparum genotyping. The parasite density was high in patients with CD4+ T cells count less than or equal to 250 cells/µl compared with individuals with CD4+ T cells count greater than 250 cells/uL (p <0,05) but did not change according to the of age. The frequency of malaria episodes was not related to age. We found no association between level of hemoglobin and parasite density. Twenty-five (25) genotypes have been identified in 48 specimens genotyped. The multiplicity of infection ranged 1-8 genotypes / infection with an average of 3,71 [95% CI (3,19 to 4,22)] genotypes / infection. No association were found between multiplicity of infection and the level of CD4+ T cells, age and parasite density (p>0,05). These data suggest that the multiplicity of infections in HIV infected patients is not related to the level of CD4+ T cells but it was found that the parasite density increases with the decrease of the level of CD4+ T cells. But our sample was very small to take assumptive affirmative conclusions, suggesting more studies

Directriz de garantia da qualidade do diagnóstico laboratorial da malária em moçambique / Warranty Guideline Diagnosis Quality Malaria Laboratory in Mozambique

A malária é um problema de saúde pública em Moçambique sendo endémica em todo o país, variando de zonas de baixa a alta endemicidade. As condições climáticas como a temperatura e a precipitação e as condições ambientais como locais propícios para a reprodução do vector contribuem para esta endemicidade. Segundo dados do Inquérito Nacional sobre Indicadores da Malária ­ IIM de 2018 ­ a prevalência da malária em crianças entre os 6-59 meses por teste de diagnóstico rápido foi de 39%...