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Protocol for Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Mosquitoes and Infection Phenotype Determination
14:10

Protocol for Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Mosquitoes and Infection Phenotype Determination

Published on: July 4, 2007

Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection and cognition among primary schoolchildren in a high malaria transmission setting

Joaniter Nankabirwa, Bonnie Wandera, Noah Kiwanuka

    The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
    |April 17, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Asymptomatic malaria common in schoolchildren, impacting cognitive function. Reducing malaria prevalence may improve abstract reasoning and sustained attention in children.

    Area of Science:

    • Global Health
    • Neuroscience
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Asymptomatic parasitemia is prevalent in schoolchildren in high malaria transmission areas.
    • The cognitive impact of asymptomatic malaria in this demographic remains understudied.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To examine the relationship between asymptomatic parasitemia, anemia, and cognitive function in primary schoolchildren.
    • To assess the effects of malaria infection on abstract reasoning and sustained attention.

    Main Methods:

    • A study of 740 primary schoolchildren in Tororo, Uganda, a high malaria transmission setting.
    • Parasitemia was detected using thick blood smears.
    • Cognitive function was assessed through tests for abstract reasoning and sustained attention.

    Main Results:

    • 30% of children had parasitemia.
    • Children with parasitemia scored lower in abstract reasoning (adjusted mean difference [AMD] -0.6) and sustained attention (AMD -1.6).
    • A dose-response relationship was observed between parasite density and sustained attention scores. No association was found between anemia and cognition.

    Conclusions:

    • Asymptomatic malaria negatively affects cognitive functions like abstract reasoning and sustained attention in schoolchildren.
    • Interventions to reduce asymptomatic parasitemia could yield cognitive benefits for children in high transmission areas.

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