Seasonal variations in Plasmodium falciparum parasite prevalence assessed by varying diagnostic tests in asymptomatic children in southern Ghana

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199172
• Publication Date: 2018-06-15T17:47:36Z
• Authors: Ruth Ayanful-Torgby; Neils B. Quashie; Johnson N. Boampong; Kim C. Williamson; Linda E. Amoah
• Keywords: Wet season; Dry season

Plasmodium falciparum infections presenting either as symptomatic or asymptomatic may contain sexual stage parasites (gametocytes) that are crucial to malaria transmission. In this study, the prevalence of microscopic and submicroscopic asexual gametocyte parasite stages were assessed in children from two communities southern Ghana. Eighty aged twelve years below, none whom exhibited signs clinical living Obom Cape Coast sampled twice, one during rainy (July 2015) subsequently dry (January 2016) season. Venous blood was used prepare thick thin smears, spot a rapid diagnostic test (PfHRP2 RDT) well filter paper spots. Blood cell pellets preserved Trizol for RNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) semi-quantitative real time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) determine prevalence. both sites 87% (95% CI: 78-96) individuals surveyed positive 6 month study period. The season significantly higher than (P < 0.001). Submicroscopic highest but Coast. Parasite determined by similar qRT-PCR lower Communities with varying exhibit seasonal variations carriers. carriage is very high Ghana, even low likely be missed national surveillance exercises.