High prevalence and risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria among children in Nkwen village, Northwest Region, Cameroon
Abstract Background In endemic locations, asymptomatic malaria is a major contribution to the rise in clinical malaria. In order to achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission, control programmes should take into consideration carriers of asymptomatic malaria parasite. Hence, the purpose o...
| Published in: | Malaria Journal |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-024-05013-x https://doaj.org/article/969e3704a0a9484fbca9afdd9d6d119c |
| Summary: | Abstract Background In endemic locations, asymptomatic malaria is a major contribution to the rise in clinical malaria. In order to achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission, control programmes should take into consideration carriers of asymptomatic malaria parasite. Hence, the purpose of this study was to look at the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in children in Nkwen village. Methods Using a cross-sectional and community-based design, conducted between June and December 2022, a total of 246 children were enrolled after obtaining informed and signed consent from parents and/ or guardians. To collect data, pre-tested, closed-ended, structured questionnaires were used, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information gathered. A digital thermometer with infrared forehead capability was used to take participants’ body temperature, providing precise measurements and respondents with temperature < 37.5 °C, and not presenting any symptoms or indicators of malaria were included in the study, ensuring the focus on asymptomatic cases. Blood samples were collected by venipuncture and screened for the presence of asymptomatic parasitaemia using blood smear microscopy and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data was entered into Microsoft Excel worksheet and analysed using SPSS version 23 software. Logistic regression models were carried out to explore the risk factors associated with asymptomatic malaria at household and individual levels and statistically significant association was considered at a p-value < 0.05. Results A total of 246 healthy children were examined for asymptomatic malaria infection using microscopy and PCR. Of the examined children, 65.9% (162/246) were malaria positive by PCR while 59.3% (146/246) were malaria positive by microscopy. Considering both diagnostic methods, females had a greater prevalence of asymptomatic malaria than males. In logistic analysis, the risk of developing asymptomatic malaria was associated several factors: previous malaria ... |
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