Plasmodium vivax populations in the western Greater Mekong Subregion evaluated using a genetic barcode.

An improved understanding of the Plasmodium vivax populations in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS) is needed to monitor the progress of malaria elimination. This study aimed to use a P. vivax single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) barcode to evaluate the population dynamics and explore the gene flow among P. vivax parasite populations in the western GMS (China, Myanmar and Thailand). A total of 315 P. vivax patient samples collected in 2011 and 2018 from four regions of the western GMS were genotyped for 42 SNPs using the high-throughput MassARRAY SNP genotyping technology. Population genetic analysis was conducted to estimate the genetic diversity, effective population size, and population structure among the P. vivax populations. Overall, 291 samples were successfully genotyped at 39 SNPs. A significant difference was observed in the proportion of polyclonal infections among the five P. vivax populations (P = 0.0012, Pearson Chi-square test, χ2 = 18.1), with western Myanmar having the highest proportion (96.2%, 50/52) in 2018. Likewise, the average complexity of infection was also highest in western Myanmar (1.31) and lowest in northeast Myanmar (1.01) in 2018. The older samples from western China in 2011 had the highest pairwise nucleotide diversity (π, 0.388 ± 0.046), expected heterozygosity (He, 0.363 ± 0.02), and the largest effective population size. In comparison, in the neighboring northeast Myanmar, the more recent samples in 2018 showed the lowest values (π, 0.224 ± 0.036; He, 0.220 ± 0.026). Furthermore, the 2018 northeast Myanmar parasites showed high and moderate genetic differentiation from other populations with FST values of 0.162-0.252, whereas genetic differentiation among other populations was relatively low (FST ≤ 0.059). Principal component analysis, phylogeny, and STRUCTURE analysis showed that the P. vivax population in northeast Myanmar in 2018 substantially diverged from other populations. Although the 42 SNP barcode is a valuable tool for tracking parasite origins of worldwide parasite populations, a more extended barcode with additional SNPs is needed to distinguish the more related parasite populations in the western GMS.

Ownership and use of insecticide-treated nets in Myanmar: insights from a nationally representative demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Malaria poses a substantial public health threat in Myanmar, indicating the need for rigorous efforts to achieve elimination of the disease nationwide by 2030. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) forms part of a pivotal strategy for preventing transmission. This study explored the ownership and use of ITNs in Myanmar and identified factors associated with non-use of ITNs. METHODS: Household datasets from the 2015-2016 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey were utilised, which encompassed all household members except children under the age of five. Descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including simple and multiple logistics regression models and Pearson correlations, were employed for analysis. All analyses, taking the two-stage stratified cluster sampling design into account, used weighting factors and the "svyset" command in STATA. The ownership and use of bed nets were also visualised in QGIS maps. RESULTS: Among the 46,507 participants, 22.3% (95% CI 20.0%, 24.5%) had access to ITNs, with only 15.3% (95% CI 13.7, 17.1%) sleeping under an ITN the night before the survey. Factors associated with the non-use of ITNs included age category (15-34 years-aOR: 1.17, 95% CI 1.01, 1.30; 50+ years-aOR: 1.19, 95% CI 1.06, 1.33), location (delta or lowland-aOR: 5.39, 95% CI 3.94, 7.38; hills-aOR: 1.80, 95% CI 1.20, 2.71; plains-aOR: 3.89, 95% CI 2.51, 6.03), urban residency (aOR: 1.63, 95% CI 1.22, 2.17), and wealth quintile (third-aOR: 1.38, 95% CI 1.08, 1.75; fourth-aOR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.23, 2.23; fifth-aOR: 1.47, 95% CI 1.02, 2.13). A coherent distribution of the ownership and use of ITNs was seen across all states/regions, and a strong correlation existed between the ownership and use of ITNs (r: 0.9795, 95% CI 0.9377, 0.9933, alpha < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified relatively low percentages of ITN ownership and use, indicating the need to increase the distribution of ITNs to achieve the target of at least one ITN per every two people. Strengthening the use of ITNs requires targeted health promotion interventions, especially among relatively affluent individuals residing in delta or lowland areas, hills, and plains.

Interventions for promoting patients' adherence to 14-day primaquine treatment in a highly malaria-endemic township in Myanmar: a qualitative study among key stakeholders.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax malaria is considered a major threat to malaria eradication. The radical cure for P. vivax malaria normally requires a 14-day administration of primaquine (PQ) to clear hypnozoites. However, maintaining adherence to PQ treatment is a significant challenge, particularly in malaria-endemic rural areas. Hence, this study aimed to formulate interventions for promoting patients' commitment to PQ treatment in a highly malaria-endemic township in Myanmar. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in Waingmaw Township in northern Myanmar, where P. vivax malaria is highly endemic. Key stakeholders including public health officers and community members participated in focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) in September 2022. Data were collected using validated guidelines, translated into English, and visualized through thematic analysis. RESULTS: Responsible individuals from different levels of the Myanmar National Malaria Control Programme participated in the IDIs. Most of them reported being aware of the markedly increasing trend of P. vivax and the possibility of relapse cases, especially among migrants who are lost to follow-up. Workload was a key concern surrounding intervention implementation. The respondents discussed possible interventions, such as implementing directly observed treatment (DOT) by family members, piloting a shorter PQ regimen, expanding the community's malaria volunteer network, and strengthening health education activities using local languages to promote reasonable drug adherence. FGDs among community members revealed that although people were knowledgeable about malaria symptoms, places to seek treatment, and the use of bed nets to prevent mosquito bites, most of them still preferred to be treated by quack doctors and rarely used insecticide-treated nets at worksites. Many often stopped taking the prescribed drugs once the symptoms disappeared. Nevertheless, some respondents requested more bed nets to be distributed and health promotion activities to be conducted. CONCLUSION: In rural areas where human resources are limited, interventions such as implementing family member DOT or shortening PQ regimens should be introduced to enhance the radical cure for the P. vivax infection. Disseminating information about the importance of taking the entire treatment course and emphasizing the burden of relapse is also essential.

Interventions for promoting patients' adherence to 14-day primaquine treatment in a highly malaria-endemic township in Myanmar: A qualitative study among key stakeholders.

Background: Plasmodium vivax malaria is considered a major threat to malaria eradication. The radical cure for P. vivax malaria normally requires a 14-day administration of primaquine (PQ) to clear hypnozoites. However, maintaining adherence to PQ treatment is a significant challenge, particularly in malaria-endemic rural areas. Hence, this study aimed to formulate interventions for promoting patients' commitment to PQ treatment in a highly malaria-endemic township in Myanmar. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Waingmaw Township in northern Myanmar, where P. vivax malaria is highly endemic. Key stakeholders including public health officers and community members participated in focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) in September 2022. Data were collected using validated guidelines, translated into English, and visualized through thematic analysis. Results: Responsible individuals from different levels of the Myanmar National Malaria Control Program participated in the IDIs. Most of them reported being aware of the markedly increasing trend of P. vivax and the possibility of relapse cases, especially among migrants who are lost to follow-up. Workload was a key concern surrounding intervention implementation. The respondents discussed possible interventions, such as implementing directly observed treatment (DOT) by family members, piloting a shorter PQ regimen, expanding the community's malaria volunteer network, and strengthening health education activities using local languages to promote reasonable drug adherence. FGDs among community members revealed that although people were knowledgeable about malaria symptoms, places to seek treatment, and the use of bed nets to prevent mosquito bites, most of them still preferred to be treated by quack doctors and rarely used insecticide-treated nets at worksites. Many often stopped taking the prescribed drugs once the symptoms disappeared. Nevertheless, some respondents requested more bed nets to be distributed and health promotion activities to be conducted. Conclusion: In rural areas where human resources are limited, interventions such as implementing family member DOT or shortening PQ regimens should be introduced to enhance the radical cure for the P. vivax infection. Disseminating information about the importance of taking the entire treatment course and emphasizing the burden of relapse is also essential.

Determinants of correct knowledge on tuberculosis transmission and self-reported tuberculosis prevalence among general population aged 15-49 years in Myanmar.

INTRODUCTION: Myanmar has been identified as one of the tuberculosis (TB) high-burden countries and having an understanding of TB transmission is vital for personal infection prevention as well as preventing transmission to others. This study aimed to identify the determinants of correct knowledge on TB transmission and self-reported TB prevalence among general population in Myanmar. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data from Myanmar demographic and health survey 2015-16. The determinants of correct knowledge on TB transmission mode and self-reported prevalence of TB were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models. Weighted estimates were provided in all analyses to account for the multistage sampling design used in the survey. RESULTS: Among the respondents, less than half (44.6%, 95% CI: 43.9, 45.4) had the overall correct knowledge about TB transmission and misconceptions. Older age group, female gender, those with higher education and higher socioeconomic status, and exposed to mass media at least once a week, residents from the delta and lowland region or plain areas were more likely to have correct knowledge about TB transmission. The overall prevalence rate of self-reported TB was 2.6% (95%CI: 2.4, 2.9) and the prevalence was higher among older age group and males. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the need for targeted efforts to improve awareness and understanding of TB transmission among general population in Myanmar. The study suggests the implementation of appropriate, innovative, and comprehensive targeted TB education and communication strategies.

Early postnatal care contact within 24 hours by skilled providers and its determinants among home deliveries in Myanmar: Further analysis of the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16.

BACKGROUND: Access and use of early postnatal care (PNC) by skilled providers are crucial for reducing maternal and newborn deaths. However, use of PNC among the deliveries by skilled providers in some developing countries remains unsatisfactory. Furthermore, literature concerning PNC among home deliveries remains limited, particularly in resource-limited countries such as Myanmar. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of having early PNC contact by skilled providers and its determinants among home deliveries in Myanmar. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used secondary data from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey 2015-16. We included information on all home deliveries in the interviewed mothers aged 15-49 years in the 2 years preceding the survey. Early PNC attendance and its determinants were assessed (using modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimates). All analyses were performed using STATA, Version 15. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of a total of 2,129 home deliveries, 36.1% (95%CI: 32.4%, 39.9%) did not receive PNC from any providers. Among all home deliveries included in this study, 468 (22.0%, 95%CI: 19.1%, 25.1%) received early postnatal checkup within 24 hours by skilled providers (doctors/nurses/midwives/Lady Health Visitors). Factors associated with early PNC contact among home deliveries by skilled providers included possessing higher education (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.94), resident from coastal regions (aPR:1.37, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.80), currently married (aPR: 1.87, 95%CI: 1.01, 3.49), attaining antenatal care (ANC) at least four times (aPR:1.47, 95%CI: 1.22, 1.77), giving birth by a skilled birth attendant (aPR:8.80, 95%CI: 6.67, 11.61), and having access to mass media at least once weekly (aPR:1.23, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.46). CONCLUSION: A high percentage of home deliveries (78%) were not receiving early PNC by skilled providers. To facilitate early and safe PNC, expanding the coverage of skilled birth attendants and promoting the utilization of ANC should be strengthened. Targeted health education should be delivered through mass media especially for those with low education levels residing in delta, lowland, hills and plains.

Factors hindering coverage of targeted mass treatment with primaquine in a malarious township of northern Myanmar in 2019-2020.

Targeted mass primaquine treatment (TPT) might be an effective intervention to facilitate elimination of vivax malaria in Myanmar by 2030. In this study, we explored the factors hindering coverage of a TPT campaign conducted in a malarious township of northern Myanmar. From August 2019 to July 2020, a cross-sectional exploratory design including quantitative and qualitative data was conducted in five villages with high P. vivax prevalence following a TPT campaign. Among a targeted population of 2322; 1973 (85.0%) participated in the baseline mass blood survey (MBS) and only 52.0% of the total targeted population (1208, 91.9% of total eligible population) completed the TPT. G6PD deficiency was found among 13.5% of total MBS participants and those were excluded from TPT. Of 1315 eligible samples, farmers and gold miners, males, and those aged 15 to 45 years had higher percentages of non-participation in TPT. Qualitative findings showed that most of the non-participation groups were outside the villages during TPT because of time-sensitive agricultural and other occupational or education-related purposes. In addition to mitigating of some inclusion criteria (i.e. including young children or offering weekly PQ treatment to G6PD deficient individuals), strengthening community awareness and increasing engagement should be pursued to increase community participation.

Concurrent Infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Orientia tsutsugamushi during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Maldives.

The COVID-19 pandemic was the worst public-health crisis in recent history. The impact of the pandemic in tropical regions was further complicated by other endemic tropical diseases, which can cause concurrent infections along with COVID-19. Here, we describe the clinical course of a patient with concurrent COVID-19 and scrub typhus infection. The patient's de-identified clinical data were retrieved retrospectively. The patient had progressive breathlessness at the time of presentation and was hospitalized for COVID-19. Respiratory examination revealed dyspnea, tachypnea, and coarse crepitations bilaterally over the entire lung field. Oxygenation was impaired, and a PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 229 suggested acute respiratory distress syndrome. Laboratory tests indicated leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, ferritinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and transaminitis. Upon revaluation for persistent fever, physical examination revealed an eschar in the right antecubital fossa. Serology further confirmed scrub typhus, with IgM and IgG antibody positivity. A remarkable clinical recovery was achieved with doxycycline. The COVID-19 pandemic might have masked endemic tropical diseases. Clinicians working in endemic regions must always consider common tropical diseases that may present as a co-infection, as in our case. Travel and exposure history are critical guides for narrowing down a differential diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.

Spatio-temporal trends of malaria incidence from 2011 to 2017 and environmental predictors of malaria transmission in Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Myanmar bears the heaviest malaria burden in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This study assessed the spatio-temporal dynamics and environmental predictors of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria in Myanmar. METHODS: Monthly reports of malaria cases at primary health centers during 2011-2017 were analyzed to describe malaria distribution across Myanmar at the township and state/region levels by spatial autocorrelation (Moran index) and spatio-temporal clustering. Negative binomial generalized additive models identified environmental predictors for falciparum and vivax malaria, respectively. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2017, there was an apparent reduction in malaria incidence in Myanmar. Malaria incidence peaked in June each year. There were significant spatial autocorrelation and clustering with extreme spatial heterogeneity in malaria cases and test positivity across the nation (P < 0.05). Areas with higher malaria incidence were concentrated along international borders. Primary clusters of P. falciparum persisted in western townships, while clusters of P. vivax shifted geographically over the study period. The primary cluster was detected from January 2011 to December 2013 and covered two states (Sagaing and Kachin). Annual malaria incidence was highest in townships with a mean elevation of 500‒600 m and a high variance in elevation (states with both high and low elevation). There was an apparent linear relationship between the mean normalized difference vegetative index and annual P. falciparum incidence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The decreasing trends reflect the significant achievement of malaria control efforts in Myanmar. Prioritizing the allocation of resources to high-risk areas identified in this study can achieve effective disease control.

A Fatal Case of Native Valve Endocarditis with Multiple Embolic Phenomena and Invasive Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Case Report from the Maldives.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening condition caused by infection within the endocardium of the heart and commonly involves the valves. The subsequent cascading inflammation leads to the appearance of a highly friable thrombus that is large enough to become lodged within the heart chambers. As a result, fever, fatigue, heart murmurs, and embolization phenomena may be seen in patients with IE. Embolization results in the seeding of bacteria and obstruction of circulation, causing cell ischemia. Of concern, bacteria with the potential to gain pan-drug resistance, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are increasingly being identified as the causative agent of IE in hospitals and among intravenous drug abusers. We retrospectively reviewed de-identified clinical data to summarize the clinical course of a patient with MRSA isolated using an automated blood culture system. At the time of presentation, the patient showed a poor consciousness level, and the calculated Glasgow scale was 10/15. A high-grade fever with circulatory shock indicated an occult infection, and a systolic murmur was observed with peripheral signs of embolization. This case demonstrated the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance in the community and revealed clinical findings of IE that may be helpful to clinicians for the early recognition of the disease. The management of such cases requires a multi-specialty approach, which is not widely available in small-island developing states such as the Maldives.

Malaria Preventive Practices among People Residing in Different Malaria-Endemic Settings in a Township of Myanmar: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Different villages in a township or an area exhibit different malaria endemicities. This study aimed to investigate malaria preventive practices among people residing in different villages with stratified malaria endemicity in a township in Myanmar. Quantitative data were collected using standardized questionnaires by conducting face-to-face interviews, and qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews using a guideline. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models, whereas thematic analysis was used to visualize qualitative data. A total of 360 respondents with similar characteristics participated in the quantitative study. Knowledge regarding malaria and the availability of health information exhibited insignificant differences. Malaria preventive practices were considerably poor among people from moderate- and high-endemic villages (p < 0.05). Adult male farmers or gold miners with low annual family incomes reported poor preventive practices in both moderate- and high-endemic groups. People could not practice some malaria preventive measures because of a lack of resources, e.g., a lack of mosquito repellents. To eliminate the disparities of preventive practices in different malaria-endemic settings, heath-awareness-raising activities should be increased, especially in moderate- and high-endemic villages.

Multidisciplinary Investigations of Sustained Malaria Transmission in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

In the course of malaria elimination in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), malaria epidemiology has experienced drastic spatiotemporal changes with residual transmission concentrated along international borders and the rising predominance of Plasmodium vivax. The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum parasites resistant to artemisinin and partner drugs renders artemisinin-based combination therapies less effective while the potential spread of multidrug-resistant parasites elicits concern. Vector behavioral changes and insecticide resistance have reduced the effectiveness of core vector control measures. In recognition of these problems, the Southeast Asian International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) has been conducting multidisciplinary research to determine how human migration, antimalarial drug resistance, vector behavior, and insecticide resistance sustain malaria transmission at international borders. These efforts allow us to comprehensively understand the ecology of border malaria transmission and develop population genomics tools to identify and track parasite introduction. In addition to employing in vivo, in vitro, and molecular approaches to monitor the emergence and spread of drug-resistant parasites, we also use genomic and genetic methods to reveal novel mechanisms of antimalarial drug resistance of parasites. We also use omics and population genetics approaches to study insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and identify changes in mosquito community structure, vectorial potential, and seasonal dynamics. Collectively, the scientific findings from the ICEMR research activities offer a systematic view of the factors sustaining residual malaria transmission and identify potential solutions to these problems to accelerate malaria elimination in the GMS.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of malaria in Banmauk Township, Sagaing region of Northern Myanmar: characteristics, trends, and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: While national malaria incidence has been declining in Myanmar, some subregions within the nation continue to have high burdens of malaria morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the malaria situation in one of these regions, Banmauk Township, located near the Myanmar-India border. Our goal was to provide a detailed description of the malaria epidemiology in this township and to provide some evidence-based recommendations to formulate a strategy for reaching the national malaria elimination plan. Banmauk consistently has one of the highest malaria burdens in Myanmar. METHODS: With the implementation of strengthened malaria control and surveillance activities after the endorsement of a national malaria elimination plan in 2015, detailed incidence data were obtained for 2016-2018 for Banmauk Township. The data include patient demographics, parasite species, disease severity, and disease outcome. Data were analyzed to identify characteristics, trends, distribution, and risk factors. RESULTS: During 2016-2018, 2,402 malaria cases were reported, with Plasmodium falciparum accounting for 83.4% of infections. Both P. falciparum and P. vivax were transmitted more frequently during the rainy season (May-October). Despite intensified control, the annual parasite incidence rate (API) in 2017 (11.0) almost doubled that in 2016 (6.5). In total, 2.5% (59/2042) of the cases, of which 54 P. falciparum and 5 P. vivax, were complicated cases, resulting in 5 deaths. Malaria morbidity was high in children < 15 years and accounted for 33.4% of all cases and about 47% of the complicated cases. Older age groups and males living with poor transportation conditions were more likely to test positive especially in rainy and cold seasons. Despite the clear seasonality of malaria, severe cases were found among young children even more common in the dry season, when malaria incidence was low. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the declining trend, the malaria burden remained high in Banmauk Township. Our study also documented severe cases and deaths from both falciparum and vivax malaria. P. falciparum remained the predominant parasite species, demanding increased efforts to achieve the goal of elimination of P. falciparum by 2025. As P. falciparum cases decreased, the proportion of cases attributable to P. vivax increased. In order to eliminate malaria, it will likely be important to increasingly target this species as well.

Community structure and insecticide resistance of malaria vectors in northern-central Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Myanmar is one of the six countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Southeast Asia. Malaria vectors comprise many Anopheles species, which vary in abundance and importance in malaria transmission among different geographical locations in the GMS. Information about the species composition, abundance, and insecticide resistance status of vectorial systems in Myanmar is scarce, hindering our efforts to effectively control malaria vectors in this region. METHODS: During October and November 2019, larvae and adult females of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected in three sentinel villages of Banmauk township in northern Myanmar. Adult female mosquitoes collected by cow-baited tent collection (CBTC) and adults reared from field-collected larvae (RFCL) were used to determine mortality rates and knockdown resistance (kdr) against deltamethrin using the standard WHO susceptibility test. Molecular species identification was performed by multiplex PCR and ITS2 PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The kdr mutation at position 1014 of the voltage-gated sodium channel gene was genotyped by DNA sequencing for all Anopheles species tested. RESULTS: A total of 1596 Anopheles mosquitoes from seven morphologically identified species groups were bioassayed. Confirmed resistance to deltamethrin was detected in the populations of An. barbirostris (s.l.), An. hyrcanus (s.l.), and An. vagus, while possible resistance was detected in An. annularis (s.l.), An. minimus, and An. tessellatus. Anopheles kochi was found susceptible to deltamethrin. Compared to adults collected by CBTC, female adults from RFCL had significantly lower mortality rates in the four species complexes. A total of 1638 individuals from 22 Anopheles species were molecularly identified, with the four most common species being An. dissidens (20.5%) of the Barbirostris group, An. peditaeniatus (19.4%) of the Hyrcanus group, An. aconitus (13.4%) of the Funestus group, and An. nivipes (11.5%) of the Annularis group. The kdr mutation L1014F was only detected in the homozygous state in two An. subpictus (s.l.) specimens and in a heterozygous state in one An. culicifacies (s.l.) specimen. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides updated information about malaria vector species composition and insecticide resistance status in northern Myanmar. The confirmed deltamethrin resistance in multiple species groups constitutes a significant threat to malaria vector control. The lack or low frequency of target-site resistance mutations suggests that other mechanisms are involved in resistance. Continual monitoring of the insecticide resistance of malaria vectors is required for effective vector control and insecticide resistance management.

Utilization of insecticide-treated bed nets among pregnant women in Myanmar-analysis of the 2015-2016 Demographic and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Due to the effectiveness of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), most malaria-endemic countries resort to free distributions in the population with particular attention to pregnant women, a more vulnerable group. However, the mere issuance of ITNs does not usually translate to proper utilization. This study aimed to examine the utilization of ITNs and its associated factors among pregnant women in Myanmar. METHODS: The data analyzed in this cross-sectional study were extracted from available survey datasets of the 2015-16 Myanmar Demographic Health Survey. The secondary data were presented using a chart, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics including simple and multiple logistic regression models. All analyses were performed using STATA, Version 15. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 466 currently pregnant women, the majority (96%) possessed bed nets for sleeping. Among them, 15.9% slept without a bed net the night before the survey, while 65.7% slept with untreated nets. Only about 1 in 5 (18.4%) slept under ITNs. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, pregnant women residing in delta and lowland regions [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 7.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.62, 16.38], plains (aOR = 7.09, 95%CI: 3.09, 16.25) or hilly areas (aOR = 4.26, 95%CI: 1.91, 9.52) were more likely to report non-utilization of ITNs than those residing in coastal regions. CONCLUSION: Relatively poor ITN utilization was observed among pregnant women in Myanmar. Health promotion activities for ITN utilization should be implemented especially for pregnant women residing in the delta, lowland, plain and hilly regions. Other social-behavioral factors including perceived susceptibility to malaria, knowledge of ITNs, and attitude towards ITN that might favor the non-utilization of ITNs need to be further explored.

Therapeutic efficacy of chloroquine for uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in southeastern and western border areas of Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: In the Greater Mekong Subregion of Southeast Asia, Plasmodium vivax malaria is endemic and causes significant morbidity. In this study, the efficacy of chloroquine for treating uncomplicated P. vivax malaria at the eastern and western borders of Myanmar was investigated. METHODS: A total of 197 participants with microscopically confirmed P. vivax infection were enrolled from three townships of the southeastern (Thanbyuzayat and Kawthoung) and western (Kyauktaw) borders of Myanmar. Patients were treated with chloroquine according to the national malaria treatment guidelines and followed for 28 days. RESULTS: Among the 197 enrollments, 172 completed the 28-day follow-up. Twelve recurrent P. vivax infections, all occurring in the third and fourth week, were detected, resulting in an overall cumulative rate of recurrence of 4.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-7.8]. The incidence rate of recurrence varied among the three sites. In Thanbyuzayat township, no patients had recurrent parasitemia between days 7 and 28. In contrast, Kyauktaw township had a day 28 cumulative incidence rate of recurrence of 7.2% (95% CI 0.6-13.9%) compared to 6.9% (95% CI 0.6-13.2) in Kawthoung township. CONCLUSION: While this study confirmed the relatively high clinical efficacy of chloroquine for treating P. vivax in Myanmar with modest rates of recurrent infections within 28 days of the treatment, it also revealed considerable geographical heterogeneity of chloroquine efficacy, which warrants continuous surveillance efforts.

The acceptability of targeted mass treatment with primaquine for local elimination of vivax malaria in a northern Myanmar township: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Radical cure of the Plasmodium vivax latent liver stage is required to effectively manage vivax malaria. Targeted mass treatment with primaquine may be an effective mechanism for reducing reservoirs of the disease. Since community engagement and high coverage are essential for mass treatment programs, this study aimed to determine the acceptability of mass primaquine treatment in a targeted community in a northern Myanmar township. METHODS: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was deployed among household leaders in July 2019. Face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and standardized qualitative guidelines were conducted to gather information. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including logistic regression models, were applied. RESULTS: Among 609 study respondents, > 90% agreed to participate in an upcoming targeted mass primaquine treatment (TPT) program. Factors contributing to higher odds of acceptability of the program were older age [adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 2.38, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.08-8.96], secondary education level (aOR: 3.99, 95% CI 1.12-20.01), having good knowledge of malaria (aOR: 2.12, 95% CI 1.04-4.76), experiencing malaria within the family (aOR: 1.92, 95% CI 1.14-5.13), and believing eliminating malaria from the village is possible (aOR: 2.83, 95% CI 1.07-4.07). Furthermore, 50 community respondents, 6 midwives, and 4 public health staff (grade II) participated in the qualitative component of the study. Many thought that TPT seemed feasible and stressed that high coverage of underserved groups and health education are needed before commencing the activity. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents agreed to participate in the proposed mass treatment campaign. Older people with secondary education level and those who had experienced malaria within their families were most likely to report willingness to participate. These same individuals may be important in the community engagement process to increase community acceptance of the program.

Door-to-Door Eye Health Education to Improve Knowledge, Attitude, and Uptake of Eyecare Services Among Elderly with Cataracts: A Quasi-Experimental Study in the Central Tropical Region, Myanmar.

INTRODUCTION: Cataract-related blindness is routinely reported globally. This study aimed to measure the effect of door-to-door eye health education in improving knowledge and attitude toward cataracts and the use of eyecare services among the elderly residing in a rural area of Naypyitaw Union Territory, Myanmar. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study design that used intervention and control groups was employed in Lewe Township from November 2018 to April 2019. Stratified sampling method was used to select lists of patients diagnosed with cataracts via a township-wide prevalence survey of eye diseases. A total of 56 elderly people with cataracts were involved in each group. The intervention group received door-to-door eye health education for 3 consecutive months. The data were collected using pre- and post-intervention surveys. Descriptive statistics for general characteristics as well as Chi-squared tests and multivariate analysis of variance for significant differences between knowledge and attitude scores of the two groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Both groups represented similarities in socio-economic characteristics, pre-existing knowledge and attitude levels, and eyecare services use. During the baseline study, the mean knowledge score in the intervention group was 7.8 and after the intervention, it increased to 10.67. Attitude score increased from 4.51 to 7.55. Among the control group, the scores remained unchanged. For use of eyecare services in the intervention group, 35.7% of patients sought eyecare services before the intervention, but after, 85.7% accessed eyecare services. Among them, 78.6% were satisfied with the treatment outcome. Further, there was a significant difference in knowledge and attitude between the control group and the intervention group (p-value <0.05), representing a medium effect of the intervention on improving knowledge and attitude level. CONCLUSION: Door-to-door eyecare education significantly increased knowledge and attitude toward cataracts and the use of eyecare services among the elderly with cataracts. Intervention might be effective in improving the use of eyecare services and reduction of avoidable blindness due to cataracts.