Asymptomatic Plasmodium Infections in Children in Low Malaria Transmission Setting, Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

A survey of asymptomatic children in Uganda showed Plasmodium malariae and P. falciparum parasites in 45% and 55% of microscopy-positive samples, respectively. Although 36% of microscopy-positive samples were negative by rapid diagnostic test, 75% showed P. malariae or P. ovale parasites by PCR, indicating that routine diagnostic testing misses many non–P. falciparum malarial infections.

Keywords

• malaria
• protozoan infections
• parasitic diseases
• Plasmodium
• microscopy
• children