Malaria prevalence in Commune 5 in Tumaco (Nariño, Colombia)

TL;DR

This study estimates malaria prevalence in an urban area of Colombia and finds risk factors and genetic markers associated with the disease.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into urban malaria prevalence and the role of the pfhrp2 gene in Tumaco, Colombia.

Findings

Malaria prevalence was 2.97% with higher rates in males and the 10-19 age group.

Households with three or more people had a higher risk of malaria infection.

All malaria cases were caused by Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract

Background

Urban malaria is a public health problem in Colombia and there is still lack of knowledge about its epidemiological characteristics, which are key to the implementation of control measures. The presence of urban malaria cases and disease diagnosis are some of the challenges faced by malaria elimination programs. The objective of this research was to estimate malaria prevalence, explore associated factors and detect
pfhrp
2/3 genes, in the urban area of Tumaco between July and December 2019.

Methods

A prevalence study was conducted by using a stratified random probability sample. Structured surveys were administered and blood samples were taken and examined through optical microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A logistic regression model was used to explore associated factors.

Results

1,504 people living in 526 households were surveyed. The overall prevalence was 2.97% (95% CI: 2.1 - 4.3%). It was higher in males, in the 10-19 age group and in asymptomatic cases. The prevalence of
pfhrp2 amplification was 2.16% (95% CI: 1.6 - 2.9%). Households with three or more people had a higher risk of malaria infection (adjusted odds ratio (ORa) 4.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-10.43). All cases were due to
P.
falciparum.

Conclusions

The prevalence of urban malaria was low. Strategies to eliminate malaria in urban areas should be adjusted considering access to early diagnosis, asymptomatic infection, and the RDTs used to detect the presence of the
pfhrp2 gene.

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