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A Multi-detection Assay for Malaria Transmitting Mosquitoes
Published on: February 28, 2015
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Malaria screening at the workplace in Cameroon
Christian Nchetnkou Mbohou1, Loick Pradel Kojom Foko1, Hervé Nyabeyeu Nyabeyeu1
1Parasitology and Entomology Research Unit, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
Plos One
|December 11, 2019
Summary
Malaria significantly impacts Cameroonian workers, with high asymptomatic infection rates found in a Douala workplace study. Active screening and treatment are effective control strategies.
Area of Science:
- * Public Health
- * Infectious Diseases
- * Occupational Health
Background:
- * Malaria poses a significant health burden in Cameroon, contributing to high rates of illness, death, and absenteeism.
- * The economic impact necessitates targeted malaria control strategies, including workplace interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To determine malaria prevalence and asymptomatic carriage among employees in Douala.
- * To assess malaria control practices within companies.
- * To identify factors associated with malaria infection and insecticide-treated net (ITN) utilization.
Main Methods:
- * A cross-sectional study conducted from February 2015 to June 2017 in 14 companies in Douala.
- * 2705 workers were interviewed and screened for malaria using LED fluorescence microscopy (CyScope®).
- * Data collected on demographics, ITN ownership/utilization, and associated risk factors.
Main Results:
- * Overall malaria prevalence was 30.1%, with asymptomatic malaria accounting for 95.7% of positive cases.
- * Higher infection rates observed in employees aged 36-60 years and those with primary education.
- * High ITN ownership (86.36%) and utilization (77.23%) reported; education and household size linked to ITN use.
Conclusions:
- * Workplace malaria screening is feasible and effective, particularly for detecting asymptomatic carriers.
- * Age and education level are significant factors influencing malaria risk.
- * Findings support integrating workplace-based malaria control into national strategies.
