The Epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in the Bijagos Islands of Guinea-Bissau

• DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1029
• Publication Date: 2021-03-29T15:32:42Z
• Authors: David McGregor; Eunice Texeira da...; Lynn Grignard; Adriana Goncalves; Hristina Vasileva; David Mabey; Anna Last
• Keywords: Rapid diagnostic test

Distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), passive detection and treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), intermittent preventive in pregnancy (IPTp) are the mainstay malaria control measures Guinea-Bissau's national programme. This study aimed to estimate prevalence Plasmodium falciparum on Bubaque, most populous island country's remote Bijagos archipelago. A cross-sectional survey was performed at start rainy season August 2017. Participants were recruited using systematic random sampling a two-stage stratified cluster design. Malaria parasitemia detected rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) quantitative PCR (qPCR). Data housing, education, larval source management, socioeconomic status, anemia, collected. Multivariable logistic regression models constructed identify associations P. infection. Four hundred four persons (aged 6 months-79 years, median 17 years) enrolled study. The 5.8% by RDT (95% CI: 3.55-9.33) 16.9% qPCR 13.09-21.71). anemia 74.3% 69.04-78.85) as defined WHO criteria. All sampled houses found have open eaves; 99.5% surveyed population reported sleeping under bednet 97.8-99.9). Although LLIN use is high, there remains an appreciable malaria, suggesting that transmission ongoing further tools required reduce burden disease.