Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts

• DOI: 10.3347/phd.24077
• Publication Date: 2025-02-28T01:33:52Z
• Authors: Ernest Mazigo; Hojong Jun; Wang-Jong Lee; Johnsy Mary Louis; Fadhila Fitriana; Jadidan Hada Syahada; Fauzi Muh; Feng Lu; Md Atique Ahmed; Seok Ho Cha; Wanjoo Chun; Won Sun Park; Se Jin Lee; Sunghun Na; Joon-Hee Han; Nyalali Kija; Smart Geodfrey; Eun-Teak Han; Jim Todd; Alphaxard Manjurano; Winifrida Kidima; Jin-Hee Han
• Keywords: Asymptomatic carrier; Persistence (discontinuity)

As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 July 2023 within 4 villages each of 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, Arusha, is low transmission. Malaria diagnosed individuals aged 1 year older using rapid diagnostic test light microscope. A total 2,365 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence 25.5% 15.8% by microscope, respectively. Using respective tools, significantly higher 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6-49.9) 23.1% (CI=16.2-35.1) regions (Geita Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1-3.5) 1.1% (CI=0.7-1.8) low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years males accounted for greatest proportion infections. In area, cases reported symptomatic health facilities. We hypothesize these parasite reservoirs contribute persistence country. Therefore, achieve comprehensive control country, surveillance screening vital.