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Pattern of malaria imported by foreign residents under active survey
M Giboda1, J Loudová, J M Smith
1Institute of Parasitology, Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, Ceské Budéjovice.
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology : Official Organ of Deutsche Tropenmedizinische Gesellschaft and of Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Imported malaria screening identified Plasmodium falciparum in 10% of travelers from Africa, often asymptomatically. Travelers from Southeast Asia showed lower prevalence, mainly P. vivax, typically symptomatic.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- Malaria remains a significant global health concern, particularly in travelers returning from endemic areas.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of imported malaria is crucial for public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and serological markers of imported malaria among foreign residents entering Czechoslovakia.
- To differentiate between Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections based on clinical and parasitological findings.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 1432 foreign residents from malaria-endemic regions (Africa, Southeast Asia) entering Czechoslovakia (1986-1989).
- Blood smear examinations and serological tests (IgG for P. falciparum antigen) were performed.
- Parasite density and asymptomatic carriage were assessed for P. falciparum and P. vivax/ovale infections.
Main Results:
- Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 10% of travelers from sub-Saharan Africa, with 75% being asymptomatic carriers.
- Travelers from Southeast Asia had a 2.6% prevalence, predominantly Plasmodium vivax, with most cases symptomatic (93.8%).
- Seropositivity and antibody titers for P. falciparum were significantly higher in individuals from Africa compared to Southeast Asia.
Conclusions:
- Imported malaria, particularly P. falciparum, can be prevalent and asymptomatic in travelers from endemic regions.
- Serological markers correlate with P. falciparum blood smear positivity but not parasitemia levels.
- Screening protocols should consider asymptomatic carriage and regional differences in malaria prevalence.