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Imported malaria in children: incidence and risk factors for severity

François Dubos1, Alice Dauriac, Loubna El Mansouf

  • 1Lille University Hospital, France.

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|October 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Delayed diagnosis of imported malaria in children significantly increases the risk of severe disease. Prompt medical attention is crucial for pediatric malaria cases to prevent severe outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Imported malaria poses a significant health concern in non-endemic regions.
  • Children represent a vulnerable population requiring specific attention regarding malaria diagnosis and management.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of imported malaria in children is essential for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of imported malaria among children in Northern France.
  • To evaluate the frequency of delayed malaria diagnosis in pediatric cases.
  • To identify risk factors associated with severe imported malaria in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective multicenter cohort study.
  • Inclusion of all children (<18 years) with a positive malaria test from 2000 to 2006 in Northern France.
  • Analysis of incidence, diagnostic delays, and risk factors for severe malaria.

Main Results:

  • 133 pediatric cases of imported malaria identified.
  • Mean incidence of 1.9 per 100,000 children (<18 years).
  • Severe malaria occurred in 19% of cases, with diagnosis delayed in 31%.
  • Delayed diagnosis (> or =1 day after first medical contact) was the sole independent risk factor for severe imported malaria (aOR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.2-8.8).

Conclusions:

  • Imported malaria is diagnosed in children in Northern France.
  • Delayed diagnosis is a significant risk factor for severe imported malaria in children.
  • Emphasizing prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical for improving outcomes in pediatric malaria.

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