Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Reassessment of asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium spp. in an endemic area with a very low incidence of malaria in extra-Amazonian Brazil

Full text
Author(s):
de Alencar, Filomena E. C. [1] ; Malafronte, Rosely dos Santos [2] ; Cerutti, Jr., Crispim [1] ; Fernandes, Licia Natal [2] ; Buery, Julyana Cerqueira [1] ; Fux, Blima [1] ; Rezende, Helder Ricas [3] ; Miranda, Angelica Espinosa [1]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Espirito Santo, Grad Programme Infect Dis, Vitoria - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Trop Med, Protozool Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Espirito Santo State Dept Hlth SESA, Entomol & Malacol Unit, Vitoria - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Malaria Journal; v. 16, NOV 9 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

Background: Regions with residual transmission are potential obstacles to the elimination of malaria. It is, therefore, essential to understand the factors associated with the maintenance of endemic malaria in these areas. The objective was to investigate whether the status of asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium spp. DNA is maintained in the long term in an extra-Amazonian region of Brazil with low incidence, residual malaria transmission. Methods: Asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium DNA detected in a survey carried out between 2001 and 2004 were reassessed between 2010 and 2011 using questionnaires, PCR and thick and thin blood smear tests three times at 3-month intervals. Results: Of the 48 carriers detected between 2001 and 2004, 37 were located. Of these, only two had positive PCR results and, as in the first survey, Plasmodium malariae DNA was detected. Conclusion: The findings suggest that untreated dwellers from this extra-Amazonian region, who initially harbour malaria parasites, may become negative without ever developing apparent symptoms of the disease. Although the possibility of re-infection cannot be ruled out, the finding of two individuals harbouring P. malariae, both in the first and in the second survey, may be compatible with a long-term carrier state for this parasite. Since most clinical cases of malaria in the region are a consequence of infection by Plasmodium vivax, the epidemiological impact of such long-term carriage would be limited. (AU)