Diagnostics (Dec 2022)

Molecular Method Is Essential to Identify Asymptomatic Malaria Reservoirs: A Successful Experience in the Malaria Elimination Program in Iran

  • Jebreil Shamseddin,
  • Amin Ghanbarnejad,
  • Abdoljabbar Zakeri,
  • Farshid Abedi,
  • Shaghayegh Khojasteh,
  • Habibollah Turki

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12123025
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 12
p. 3025

Abstract

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Background: The accurate diagnosis of malaria cases, especially asymptotic and low-parasitemia patients, using robust molecular methods (nested-PCR) have been emphasized. The goal of this study was to detect active cases of malaria in areas with a history of local malaria transmission focusing on the use of molecular tools to ensure that the malaria elimination program has been implemented successfully. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 816 blood samples were taken from immigrants and local residents of malaria-endemic areas in Hormozgan province, Iran. In order to identify asymptomatic malaria parasite reservoirs, the samples were examined using microscopic, RDT, and nested-PCR techniques. Results: About twelve positive asymptomatic malaria cases were identified when the molecular method (nested-PCR) was used. The positivity rates among immigrants and local residents were 2.07% and 0.93%, respectively. No positive cases were detected using microscopic and RDT methods. Conclusions: The finding of the research emphasize that in addition to microscopy and RDTs methods, sensitive molecular tools as a standard and essential strategy are needed in the diagnosis and detection of asymptomatic parasite reservoir.

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