Situation of Asymptomatic Malaria among Iranian Native and Afghan and Pakistani Immigrants in a Malarious Area under the National Malaria Elimination Program of Iran

Abstract

Background: This study was designed to detect, if there are asymptomatic malaria infections amongst native and immigrant population from Afghanistan and Pakistan countries in Sistan & Baluchistan Province of Iran, where is under the national malaria elimination program. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among native individuals and resident immigrants in the southeastern province of Sistan & Baluchistan from May 2016 to Jul 2017. A total of 271 individuals were considered in this cross- sectional study based on microscopical method, Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and PCR techniques. Out of 271 native and immigrant participants 140 (52%) and 131 (48%) were male and female, respectively. Results: None of the prepared samples was diagnosed as malaria positive case when was considered via above mentioned three techniques. Conclusion: Neither native nor immigrant individuals had asymptomatic malaria, hinting that national malaria elimination program is performed according to planned schedule in the studied areas

Keywords

• Asymptomatic malaria
• Malaria elimination
• Immigrants
• Iran