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Malaria in three epidemiological strata in Mauritania
Mohamed Ouldabdallahi Moukah1, Ousmane Ba2, Hampaté Ba2
1Initiative mauritanienne pour la lutte contre les maladies endémiques « MEDCINGO » , ilôt 358, Riyad Pk8, Nouakchott, Mauritania. hmoukah2002@yahoo.fr.
Malaria Journal
|April 13, 2016
Summary
Malaria transmission in Mauritania varies by geographic zone, with the Sahelo-Saharan region experiencing the highest burden. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective malaria control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Malaria epidemiology in Mauritania is historically stratified into three zones: Sahelian, Sahelo-Saharan, and Saharan, based on climate and geography.
- Association between geographic stratification and malaria transmission requires assessment through parasitological and entomological surveys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between geographic stratification and malaria transmission in Mauritania.
- To analyze the prevalence and distribution of malaria parasites and vectors across different epidemiological zones and seasons.
Main Methods:
- Conducted parasitological and entomological surveys across 12 sentinel sites during three seasons (2011-2013).
- Collected blood samples from children (2-9 years) for malaria diagnosis using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests.
- Sampled adult mosquitoes using pyrethrum spray catch and CDC light traps, identified using morphological and molecular methods.
Main Results:
- Overall malaria prevalence was 4.15% (143/3445), with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax being the most common species.
- Plasmodium falciparum infections were concentrated in the Sahelo-Saharan zone, while Plasmodium vivax was mainly found in the Saharan region.
- Malaria prevalence and parasite density peaked during the rainy season; Anopheles gambiae was the predominant vector, with seasonal and geographic variations observed.
Conclusions:
- The study supports the geographic stratification of malaria in Mauritania, highlighting the Sahelo-Saharan zone as having the highest malaria burden.
- Plasmodium vivax distribution, particularly in the Saharan region, warrants further investigation.
- Optimizing malaria control strategies requires consideration of local changes due to anthropogenic factors such as human migration and urbanization.
