MALARIA JOURNAL

Perception of caregivers on ITNs utilisation and its effectiveness among children under 5 years of age in Chikwawa district, Malawi
Benito E, Suthar P, Banda G, Ganguly P and Msopole W
In 2020, Malawi had 6.9 million malaria cases and 2551 deaths, mainly in children under five years of age. The 2017-2022 Malawi malaria control strategic plan promoted the consistent use of insecticide-treated nets through free distribution and mass campaigns. Despite widespread availability of the control strategy plan, Chikwawa District continues to suffer from high malaria burden especially among under five children, due to inconsistent insecticide-treated (ITN) net usage. For this reason, this study aimed at exploring caregivers' perceptions on insecticide-treated net utilisation and also find out about its effectiveness among those who consistently use them.
The 'STRICT' framework for promoting effective malaria control in Ghana
Ampomah IG, Devine S, Ampomah GA and Emeto TI
Malaria remains a significant public health burden, necessitating evidence-based strategies to reduce prevalence and associated morbidity. This study explores the potential of integrated healthcare, encompassing both modern and traditional herbal medicine (THM), for malaria control in Ghana.
Efficacy of attractive targeted sugar bait stations against malaria in Western Province Zambia: epidemiological findings from a two-arm cluster randomized phase III trial
Ashton RA, Saili K, Chishya C, Banda Yikona H, Arnzen A, Orange E, Chitoshi C, Chulu J, Tobolo T, Ndalama F, Kyomuhangi I, Ngulube W, Moonga H, Chirwa J, Slutsker L, Wagman J, Chanda J, Miller J, Silumbe K, Hamainza B, Eisele TP, Yukich J and Littrell M
Attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) stations containing bait (to attract) and ingestion toxicant (to kill) sugar-foraging mosquitoes are hypothesized to reduce malaria transmission by shortening the lifespan of Anopheles vectors.
Declining genetic polymorphism of the C-terminus Merozoite Surface Protein-1 amidst increased Plasmodium knowlesi transmission in Thailand
Tapaopong P, Chainarin S, Mala A, Rannarong A, Kangkasikorn N, Kusolsuk T, Roobsoong W, Cui L, Nguitragool W, Sattabongkot J and Bantuchai S
Recent reports from Thailand reveal a substantial surge in Plasmodium knowlesi cases over the past decades, with a more than eightfold increase in incidence by 2023 compared to 2018. This study investigates temporal changes in genetic polymorphism associated with the escalating transmission of P. knowlesi malaria in Thailand over time using the prominent vaccine candidate, pkmsp1 as a marker.
Examining malaria treatment and prevention spending efficiency in malaria-endemic countries, 2000-2020
Apeagyei AE, Cogswell I, Patel NK, O'Rourke K, Tsakalos G and Dieleman JL
In 2021, an estimated 750,000 people died from malaria. Despite this significant burden, globally, malaria incidence and mortality rates have substantially dropped over the last 30 years. However, growth in spending on malaria and improved outcomes have recently stagnated. This development has made it more important than ever to understand what constitutes efficient spending on malaria.
Socio-demographic factors, housing characteristics, and clinical symptoms associated with falciparum malaria in two rapidly urbanizing areas in the Ashanti region of Ghana
Opoku Afriyie S, Antwi KB, Mutala AH, Abbas DA, Addo KA, Tweneboah A, Addison TK, Osei E, Koepfli C and Badu K
Malaria has been described as a disease of poverty, affecting the poorest populations typically living in rural areas. As hitherto rural areas transition into semi-urban environments, this study investigated the prevalence of falciparum malaria and associated risk factors in two rapidly urbanizing districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Factors associated with malaria in pregnancy among antenatal care mothers at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital in northern Uganda
Oguta S, Serumaga B, Odongo L, Otika D, Ayikoru J, Otim R, Opee J, Arwinyo B, Pebalo FP, Achora V, Ojara S, Abola B and Awor S
All pregnant mothers in Uganda are given sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP, Fansidar) for presumptive treatment of malaria in pregnancy from 14 weeks of gestation, every four weeks, until delivery. However, prenatal mothers still fall sick of malaria. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with malaria in pregnancy among antenatal care mothers at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
Vector-borne diseases on Borneo island: a scoping review
Ong SQ, Safree ASA and Ismai NBA
Borneo, the third largest island in the world, is facing a significant burden of emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases due to rapid changes in primary tropical rainforests and urban landscapes. These vector-borne diseases include the endemic epidemic cycles that occur in the more populated and urbanized areas, as well as the possible transmission through enzootic and sylvatic transmission cycles that occur mainly in the overlapping landscapes or among the indigenous population in the forest. The island will be changed significantly in the future due to the increase in human activities, especially mega events such as the relocation of the Indonesian capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan Borneo, increasing urbanization, agriculture, hydropower projects, ecotourism activities in Sabah, North Borneo, and Sarawak, Central and South Borneo. Therefore, an overview of the current situation of vector-borne diseases is crucial for the next possible epidemic preparedness.
What happens to old insecticide-treated nets after households use in Burkina Faso?
Hien AS, Hien H, Bacyè FY, Badolo H, Tiono A, Diallo CO, Somda SMA, Bazié H, Guira M and Meda N
Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are the most commonly deployed tools for controlling malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. However, some reports associate multiple alternative uses of nets with poor disposal practices, prompting this study to assess existing alternative uses and disposal practices of old ITNs in Burkina Faso after four universal distribution campaigns.
Kidney involvement in Plasmodium falciparum infection in a pregnant patient
García-Flores OR, Avilés-Ramírez ME, Castillo-Paniagua SV, Pérez-Jiménez EM, Gasca-Aldama JC, Soto-Abraham MV, Bravata-Alcántara JC, Bello-López JM, Piccoli GB and Vásquez-Jiménez E
The course of kidney function and outcomes of severe malaria infection in pregnant women is poorly understood. The indications for renal replacement therapy in pregnant patients with AKI are similar to the general population. This is the case of a pregnant patient with severe Plasmodium falciparum infection that caused cerebral malaria, acute kidney injury (AKI) who required renal replacement therapy and kidney biopsy during her hospitalization.
Correction: An observational analysis of the impact of deltamethrin + piperonyl butoxide insecticide-treated nets on malaria case incidence and entomological indicators in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, 2017-2021
Davis KM, Okoko OO, Oduola AO, Inyama PU, Uneke CJ, Ambrose K, Seyoum A, Uhomoibhi P, Rhoda DA, Clary CB, Millar J, Littrell M, Rogers JH, Yoshimizu M, Inyang U, Maire M and Burnett SM
Post-release monitoring pathway for the deployment of gene drive-modified mosquitoes for malaria control in Africa
Ogoyi DO, Njagi J, Tonui W, Dass B, Quemada H and James S
Gene drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) have been promoted as one of the innovative technologies that may control and eliminate malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Several products are in early stages of development, targeting either population suppression or population modification of the mosquito vector. However, there is no direct experience of conducting risk assessment for environmental releases and subsequent policies regarding conditions for post-release. This study was carried out to gain additional insights on the possible post-release concerns that may arise, as they may inform future risk assessment and planning for deployment.
A survey of malaria vectors feeding preference, biting site and resting behaviour in the malaria elimination settings of Dembiya District, north-western Ethiopia
Tarekegn M, Dugassa S, Negash Y, Tekie H and Woldehawariat Y
Despite the progress in scaling vector control interventions in Ethiopia, malaria is still a major health problem in the country. Monitoring of the local vector populations and the effectiveness of vector control strategies is necessary to guide programme decisions to optimize malaria prevention efforts. This study investigated the feeding preference, the biting behaviour and resting behaviours of Anopheles mosquitoes in selected localities of Dembiya District.
Factors associated with severe malaria-related mortality among hospitalized children under five years of age in Eastern Province of Rwanda: a cross-sectional study using hospital records from 2017 to 2021
Hategekimana JP, Simbi CMC, Ntakirutimana T and Nyirazinyoye L
Malaria remains a significant concern for children under five in malaria-endemic regions. Rwanda's successful efforts in malaria treatment reduced nationwide cases, but high mortality persists in the Eastern and Southern provinces. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of severe malaria and to identify the death risk factors among under-five children in Eastern province Hospitals.
Chloroquine-primaquine therapeutic response and safety in patients with uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in the Colombian Amazon region
Calderón-Ruiz P, Velez-Tobón G, Bolívar-Hernández S, Murcia-Montaño LM and Tobón-Castaño A
In Colombia, published studies on the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria with chloroquine-primaquine are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic response to two treatment regimens at the 28-day follow-up and the occurrence of adverse events in patients with P. vivax malaria.
Investigation on chemical composition and insecticidal activity against Anopheles gambiae of essential oil obtained by co-distillation of Cymbopogon citratus and Hyptis suaveolens from Western Burkina Faso
Nebié B, Dabiré CM, Bationo RK, Soma DD, Namountougou M, Sosso S, Nebié RCH, Dabiré RK, Palé E and Duez P
Essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus and Hyptis suaveolens are known for their insecticidal properties, but remain ineffective against mosquitoes resistant to synthetic insecticides. In order to improve insecticidal properties of these plants, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and insecticidal activity against Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes of essential oil obtained by co-distillation of dry leaves of C. citratus and H. suaveolens.
Malaria, relationship with climatic variables and deforestation in Colombia, Latin America and the Caribbean from 2000 to 2020: a systematic review
Colonia CB, Vásquez-Rodríguez AB, Alexander N and de la Hoz Restrepo F
This systematic review investigates the relationship between malaria incidence, climate variables, and deforestation in Colombia, Latin America, and the Caribbean from 2000 to 2020. Malaria, a significant public health issue in these regions, is influenced by ecological factors including climatic conditions and environmental changes, such as deforestation.
Cost of treating severe malaria in children in Africa: a systematic literature review
Mori AT, Mallange G, Kühl MJ and Okell L
Malaria is a major cause of ill health and death in children in Africa. The disease also imposes a severe social and economic burden on households and health systems and is strongly associated with poverty. This study summarizes the most up-to-date cost of treating severe malaria in children in Africa.
Field surveys in rural Tanzania reveal key opportunities for targeted larval source management and species sanitation to control malaria in areas dominated by Anopheles funestus
Msugupakulya BJ, Mhumbira NS, Mziray DT, Kilalangongono M, Jumanne M, Ngowo HS, Kahamba NF, Limwagu AJ, Mollel ML, Selvaraj P, Wilson AL and Okumu FO
Larval source management (LSM) is re-emerging as a critical malaria intervention to address challenges associated with core vector control tools, such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and to accelerate progress towards elimination. Presently, LSM is not widely used in rural settings and is instead more commonly applied in urban and arid settings. A systematic entomological assessment was conducted in rural communities of southeastern Tanzania, where insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are widely used, to explore opportunities for deploying LSM to improve malaria control.
Association between RANTES/CCL5 levels with Plasmodium infections and malaria severity: a systematic review
Kwankaew P, Mahittikorn A, Mala W, Kotepui KU, Anabire NG, Wilairatana P and Kotepui M
Malaria continues to be a significant global health concern, and developing effective therapeutic strategies requires an understanding of the immune response to the disease. This systematic review synthesized the current body of research on the role of regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES)-in the pathogenesis and disease severity of malaria.
Alteration of ceruloplasmin in patients with malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Kotepui KU, Mahittikorn A, Wilairatana P, Masangkay FR and Kotepui M
The evidences of oxidative stress-related Plasmodium infection may alter the ceruloplasmin levels were inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to collate and synthesize literatures on malaria and ceruloplasmin concentrations.