Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas in 2016 and 2019, to Gabon

Authors

  • O. A. Mbang Nguema Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
  • G. P. Obiang Ndong Ministère de la Santé publique, BP: 50, Libreville, Gabon
  • N. P. M’Bondoukwe Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
  • J. M. Ndong Ngomo Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
  • J. V. Koumba Lengongo Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
  • B. Pongui Ngondza Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
  • B. F. Batchy Ognagosso Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
  • E. Effame Eya Croix – Rouge Gabonaise, BP : 2 274, Libreville, Gabon
  • E. Masiulis Croix – Rouge Gabonaise, BP : 2 274, Libreville, Gabon
  • D. P. Mawili-Mboumba Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon
  • M. K. Bouyou-Akotet Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine Université des Sciences de la Santé, BP 4009, Libreville, Gabon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14738/aivp.104.12241

Keywords:

Asymptomatic, malaria, urban area, Gabon

Abstract

Malaria remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in sub saharian Africa. Asymptomatic carriers of the parasite contribute to the parasite reservoir and allow the maintenance of malaria transmission. The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in 2016 and 2019 in Libreville and surrounding areas in Gabon. Thick- and thin-blood smears for malaria diagnosis were performed inpeople, showing no signs suggestive of malaria and having completed a questionnaire during the prospective, cross-sectional studies carried out in July 2016 and April 2019 in urban (Libreville) and semi-urban (Owendo ) in Gabon. A total of 724 participants were included over the two study years; 337 in 2016 and 384 in 2019. The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was less frequent in 2019: 5.9% vs 12.8% in 2016 (p<0.01). Asymptomatic carriage was more frequent in men regardless of the study period In 2016, under 5 years old, was the most infected population compared to other age groups and in 2018, it was higher among individuals aged 5-15 years old of 7.4%. These populations may contribute to the reservoirs for Plasmodium and thus may strongly contribute to the anchoring of malaria in favorable eco-epidemiological zones. These data highlight the need use of molecular tools to detect submicroscopic infections in asymptomatic individuals.

References

References

- Gbalégba, C.G.N., Ba,H.,, Silué, K.D., Ba Tia, O.E., Mouhamadou, C., Tian-Bi, N.T.Y., Yapi, G.Y., Koné,B., Utzinger, J., and G. Koudou,B.G., 2018. Distribution of Plasmodium spp. infection in asymptomatic carriers in perennial and low seasonal malaria transmission settings in West Africa. Infect Dis Poverty, 25;7(1):39.

- Korzeniewski, K., Bylicka-Szczepanowska, B., and Lass, A. 2021. Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria Infections in Seemingly Healthy Children, the Rural Dzanga Sangha Region, Central African Republic. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2021, 18, 814.

- Nguyen Ngoc, S., Nguyen Xuan, K., Nguyen Duc, M., Nguyen Van, T., Chavchich M., Nguyen Thi Huong B., Tran Khanh L., Kimberly A Edgel, K.A., Rovira-Vallbona, E., Michael D Edstein, M.D., Nicholas J Martin, N.J. 2022. Cross-sectional study of asymptomatic malaria and seroepidemiological surveillance of seven districts in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. Malar J., 8;21(1):40.

- Laishram, D.D., Sutton,P.L., Nanda, N., Sharma, L,V., Sobti, R.C., Jane M Carlton, J.M., Joshi, H. 2012. The complexities of malaria disease manifestations with a focus on asymptomatic malaria. Malar J, 31;11:29.

- Hamid Adiamoh, M., Amambua Ngwa,. A, Nwakanma, D., D’Alessandro, U., Gordon A. Awandare, G.A., and Yaw A. A. 2020. Insecticide resistance in indoor and outdoor resting Anopheles gambiae in Northern Ghana. Malar J, 19:314.

- Pond, B.S. 2013. Malaria indicator surveys demonstrate a markedly lower prevalence of malaria in large cities of sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria Journal, 12:313.

- Zhou. G., Yewhalaw, D., Lo, E., Zhong D., Wang X., Degefa, T., Zemene, E., Lee, M.C., Estifanos Kebede, E., Tushune, K., and Yan,G. 2016. Analysis of asymptomatic and clinical malaria in urban and suburban settings of southwestern Ethiopia in the context of sustaining malaria control and approaching elimination. Malar J, 15:250.

- Robert, V., Macintyre, K., Keating J., Trape, J.F., Duchemin, J.B., McWilson Warren, M.C.W. Beier, J.C., . 2003. Malaria transmission in urban sub-Saharan Africa. Am J Trop Med Hyg; 68(2):169-76.

- Msangeni, H.A, Kamugisha, M.L., Sembuche, S.H., Malecela, EK., Akida, J.A., Temba, F.F., Mmbando B.P., and Lemnge M.M. 2016. Prospective study on severe malaria among in-patients at Bombo regional hospital, Tanga, north-eastern Tanzania. Infectious Diseases, 11:256.

- Mathanga D.P., Tembo A.K., Mzilahowa, T., Bauleni, A., Mtimaukenena, K., Terrie E., Valim C., Walker, E.D., and Wilson, M.L. 2016. Patterns and determinants of malaria risk in urban and peri-urban areas of Blantyre, Malawi. Malar J (2016) 15:590.

- WHO : 2020. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015791

- Mawili-Mboumba, D.P., Bouyou Akotet,M.K., Kendjo, E., Nzamba,J., Owono Medang, M., Mourou Mbina, J.R., Kombila M., and MCORU team. 2013. Increase in malaria prevalence and age of at risk population in different areas of Gabon. Malaria Journal, 12:3.

- Assele,V., Ella Ndoh, G., Nkoghe, D., and Fandeur, T., . 2015. No evidence of decline in malaria burden from 2006 to 2013 in a rural Province of Gabon: implications for public health policy. Public Health 15:81.

- Pegha Moukandja I, Biteghe Bi Essone J.C., Sagara I., Kassa Kassa R.F., Ondzaga J., Lékana Douki J-B, et al. 2016. Marked rise in the prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodium falciparum infection in rural Gabon. PLoS One., 11: e0153899.

- Zoleko Manego R., Koehne E., Kreidenweiss A., Nzigou Mombo B., Adegbite B.R., , Lia Betty Dimessa Mbadinga, Matthewman M.A.J, Adegnika A.A., Ramharter M., and Mombo Ngoma G. 2017. Description of Plasmodium falciparum infections in central Gabon demonstrating high parasite densities among symptomatic adolescents and adults. Malar J, 18:371.

- M’bondoukwé N.P., Kendjo E., Mawili-Mboumba D.P., Koumba Lengongo J.V., Offouga Mbouoronde C., Nkoghe D., Touré F., Bouyou-Akotet M.K.2018. Prevalence of and risk factors for malaria, filariasis, and intestinal parasites as single infections or co-infections in different settlements of Gabon, Central Africa. Infect Dis Poverty;7:6.

- Mourou J.R., Coffinet T., Jarjaval F., Pradines B.,Amalvict R., Rogier C., Kombila M., Pagès F. 2010. Malaria transmission and insecticide resistance of Anopheles gambiae in Libreville and Port-Gentil, Gabon. Malaria Journal, 9:321.

- Mourou J.R., Coffinet T., Jarjaval T., Cotteaux C., Pradines E., Godefroy L., Kombila M., and Frédéric Pagès. 2012. Malaria transmission in Libreville: results of a one year survey. Malaria Journal 11:40.

- WHO : 2021. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015791

- Mawili-Mboumba D.P., Nikiéma Ndong R., Bahamontes R, Llergo Largo J.L., Lembet-Mikolo A., Nzamba P., Offouga Mbouoronde C., Kombila M., Bouyou Akotet M.K.. 2017. Submicroscopic Falciparum Malaria in Febrile Individuals in Urban and Rural Areas of Gabon. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 96(4):815-818.

- Planche T, Krishna S, Kombila M, Engel K, Faucher JF, NgouMilama E, Kremsner PG. 2001. Comparison of methods for the rapid laboratory assessment of children with malaria. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 65(5), 599–602.

- Nkoghe D, Akue J-P, Gonzalez J-P, Leroy EM. 2011. Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in asymptomatic rural Gabonese populations. Malar J. 10:33. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-10-33.

- Feufack Donfack L.B., Sarah Matio E.M., Abate L.M., Bouopda Tuedom A.G.,, Ngano Bayibéki A., Mafo Ngou C., Toto J.C., Sandeu M.M., Eboumbou Moukoko C.E., Ayong, L., Awono Ambene P., Morlais I., and Eveline Nsango S., 2021. Epidemiological and entomological studies of malaria transmission in Tibati, Adamawa region of Cameroon 6 years following the introduction of long lasting insecticide nets. Parasites Vectors, 14:512.

- Dal-Bianco MP, Köster KB, Kombila UD, Kun JFJ, Grobusch MP, Ngoma GM, et al. Forte prévalence de l'infection asymptomatique à Plasmodium falciparum chez l'adulte gabonais. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2007;77:939–42.

- Mbang Nguema O.A., Mawili-Mboumba D. P., Chouaibou M., Mavoungou J, M’Batchi B.,and Bouyou Akotet M. K. 2016. High Frequency of Trypanosoma congolense Savannah Type (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) Among Tsetse Flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) in a Historic Trypanosoma Foci in North-Eastern Gabon: Preliminary Study. J Med Entomol, 2016 Jul;53(4):945-948.

- Umunnakwe F.A., Idowu E., Ajibaye O.,, Etoketim B., Akindele S., Shokunbi A.O., Olubunmi A. Otubanjo, Awandare G.A., Amambua-Ngwa A., & Oyebola K. 2019. High cases of submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections in a suburban population of Lagos, Nigeria, Malaria Journal volume 18, Article number: 433.

- Maghendji-Nzondo S., Nzoughe H., Lemamy G.J., Kouna L.C., Pegha-Moukandja I.,Lekoulou F., Mbatchi B., Toure-Ndouo F.,and Jean Bernard Lekana-Douki J.B. 2016. Prevalence of malaria, prevention measures, and main clinical features in febrile children admitted to the Franceville Regional Hospital, Gabon. Parasite. 23: 32.

- Kimbi KH, Ajeagah UH, Keka CF, Lum E, Nyabeyeu NH, Tonga FC, et al. Asymptomatic malaria in school children and evaluation of the performance characteristics of the Partec Cyscope® in the Mount Cameroon region. J Bacteriol Parasitol. 2012;3:7.

- Bassa KF, Outtara M, Silué KD, Adiossan LG, Baikoro N, Kone S, et al. Epidemiology of malaria in Taabo health and demographic surveillance system, south-central Côte d’Ivoire. Malar J. 2016;15:9.

- Singh R, Godson II, Singh S, Singh BR, Isyaku TN, Ebere VU. High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in apparently healthy schoolchildren in Aliero, Kebbi state, Nigeria. J Vector Borne Dis. 2014;51:128–32.

- Mônica da Silva-Nunesa, Marta Morenob, Jan E. Connc , Dionicia Gamboad, Shira Abelesb, Joseph M. Vinetzb,d, and Marcelo U. Ferreirae. 2009. Amazonian malaria: Asymptomatic human reservoirs, diagnostic challenges, environmentally-driven changes in mosquito vector populations, and the mandate for sustainable control strategies. Acta Trop. 2012 March ; 121(3): 281–291.

- Ossinga Bassandja J., Batina Agasa S.,et Losimba Likwela J. 2014. Prevalence of asymptomatic carriage of Plasmodium in volunteer blood donors in Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo; Pan Afr Med J. 2014; 17: 320.

Downloads

Published

2022-07-12

How to Cite

Mbang Nguema , O. A., Obiang Ndong , G. P., M’Bondoukwe, N. P., Ndong Ngomo, J. M., Koumba Lengongo, J. V., Pongui Ngondza, B., Batchy Ognagosso, B. F., Effame Eya, E., Masiulis, E., Mawili-Mboumba , D. P., & Bouyou-Akotet , M. K. (2022). Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas in 2016 and 2019, to Gabon. European Journal of Applied Sciences, 10(4), 62–72. https://doi.org/10.14738/aivp.104.12241

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 4 (2022): European Journal of Applied Sciences

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2022 O. A. Mbang Nguema , G. P. Obiang Ndong , N. P. M’Bondoukwe, J. M. Ndong Ngomo, J. V. Koumba Lengongo, B. Pongui Ngondza, B. F. Batchy Ognagosso, E. Effame Eya, E. Masiulis, D. P. Mawili-Mboumba , M. K. Bouyou-Akotet

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.