scholarly journals Current Mathematical Models for Analyzing Anti-Malarial Antibody Data with an Eye to Malaria Elimination and Eradication

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuno Sepúlveda ◽  
Gillian Stresman ◽  
Michael T. White ◽  
Chris J. Drakeley

The last decade has witnessed a steady reduction of the malaria burden worldwide. With various countries targeting disease elimination in the near future, the popular parasite infection or entomological inoculation rates are becoming less and less informative of the underlying malaria burden due to a reduced number of infected individuals or mosquitoes at the time of sampling. To overcome such problem, alternative measures based on antibodies against specific malaria antigens have gained recent interest in malaria epidemiology due to the possibility of estimating past disease exposure in absence of infected individuals. This paper aims then to review current mathematical models and corresponding statistical approaches used in antibody data analysis. The application of these models is illustrated with three data sets from Equatorial Guinea, Brazilian Amazonia region, and western Kenyan highlands. A brief discussion is also carried out on the future challenges of using these models in the context of malaria elimination.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adilson José DePINA ◽  
Gillian Stresman ◽  
Helga Sofia Baptista Barros ◽  
António Lima Moreira ◽  
Abdoulaye Kane Dia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Located in West Africa, Cabo Verde is an archipelago consisting of nine inhabited islands. Malaria has been endemic since the settlement of the islands during the 16th century and is poised to achieve malaria elimination in January 2021. The aim of this research is to characterise the trends in malaria cases from 2010 to 2019 in Cabo Verde as the country transitions from endemic transmission to elimination and prevention of reintroduction phases. Methods: All confirmed malaria cases reported to the Ministry of Health between 2010 and 2019 were extracted from the passive malaria surveillance system. Individual-level data available included age, sex, municipality of residence, and the self-reported countries visited if travelled within the past 30 days, therby classified as imported. Trends in reported cases were visualised and multivariable logistic regression used to assess risk factors associated with a malaria case being imported and differences over time.Results: A total of 814 incident malaria cases were reported in the country between 2010 and 2019, the majority of which were Plasmodium falciparum. Overall, prior to 2017, when the epidemic occurred, 58.08% (95% CI: 53.56-64.59) of infections were classified as imported, whereas during the post-epidemic period, 93.33% (95% CI: 86.97-99.70) were imported. The last locally acquired case was reported in January 2018. Imported malaria cases were more likely to be 25-40 years old (AOR: 15.14, 95% CI: 5.86-39.15) compared to those under 15 years of age and more likely during the post-epidemic period (AOR: 56.12; 95% CI: 13.97-225.49) and most likely to be reported on Sao Vicente Island (AOR=4256.9, 95% CI=260-6.96e+4) compared to Boa Vista. Conclusions: Cabo Verde has made substantial gains in reducing malaria burden in the country over the past decade and are poised to achieve elimination in 2021. However, the high mobility between the islands and continental Africa, where malaria is still highly endemic, means there is a constant risk of malaria reintroduction. Characterisation of imported cases provides useful insight for program and enables better evidence-based decision-making to ensure malaria elimination can be sustained.


Author(s):  
Sanjeev Kumar Gupta ◽  
Poonam Saroha ◽  
Kuldeep Singh ◽  
Rekha Saxena ◽  
Keshab Barman ◽  
...  

It is important for malaria-endemic countries to address malaria control across international borders, and in particular to prioritize appropriate rapid diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. Bhutan and India aim to achieve malaria elimination by 2023 and 2030, respectively. Malaria elimination along the Indo–Bhutan border is of common concern. We delineated malaria epidemiology along the border to provide a blueprint for focusing malaria control efforts in key foci within this region. Epidemiological data from 2015 to 2019 were analyzed, as the most drastic reductions in malaria burden across most parts of India were witnessed in this time frame. Several areas of concern include low surveillance in most border districts, favorable climatic conditions for perennial malaria transmission, and movement of potential parasite carriers because of the porous borders. India and Bhutan need to control the importation/exportation of malaria cases. We highlight the key foci of concern for which implementing tailor-made malaria control strategies may benefit both countries.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adilson José DePINA ◽  
Gillian Stresman ◽  
Helga Sofia Baptista Barros ◽  
António Lima Moreira ◽  
Abdoulaye Kane Dia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Located in West Africa, Cabo Verde is an archipelago consisting of nine inhabited islands. Malaria has been endemic since the settlement of the islands during the 16th century and is poised to achieve malaria elimination in January 2021. The aim of this research is to characterise the trends in malaria cases from 2010 to 2019 in Cabo Verde as the country transitions from endemic transmission to elimination and prevention of reintroduction phases.Methods: All confirmed malaria cases reported to the Ministry of Health between 2010 and 2019 were extracted from the passive malaria surveillance system. Individual-level data available included age, sex, municipality of residence, and the self-reported countries visited if travelled within the past 30 days, therby classified as imported. Trends in reported cases were visualised and multivariable logistic regression used to assess risk factors associated with a malaria case being imported and differences over time.Results: A total of 814 incident malaria cases were reported in the country between 2010 and 2019, the majority of which were Plasmodium falciparum. Overall, prior to 2017, when the epidemic occurred, 58.1% (95% CI: 53.6-64.6) of infections were classified as imported, whereas during the post-epidemic period, 93.3% (95% CI: 86.9-99.7) were imported. The last locally acquired case was reported in January 2018. Imported malaria cases were more likely to be 25-40 years old (AOR: 15.1, 95% CI: 5.9-39.2) compared to those under 15 years of age and more likely during the post-epidemic period (AOR: 56.1; 95% CI: 13.9-225.5) and most likely to be reported on São Vicente Island (AOR=4256.9, 95% CI=260-6.9e+4) compared to Boavista.Conclusions: Cabo Verde has made substantial gains in reducing malaria burden in the country over the past decade and are poised to achieve elimination in 2021. However, the high mobility between the islands and continental Africa, where malaria is still highly endemic, means there is a constant risk of malaria reintroduction. Characterisation of imported cases provides useful insight for program and enables better evidence-based decision-making to ensure malaria elimination can be sustained.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adilson José DePina ◽  
Gillian Stresman ◽  
Helga Sofia Baptista Barros ◽  
António Lima Moreira ◽  
Abdoulaye Kane Dia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Located in West Africa, Cabo Verde is an archipelago consisting of nine inhabited islands. Malaria has been endemic since the settlement of the islands during the sixteenth century and is poised to achieve malaria elimination in January 2021. The aim of this research is to characterize the trends in malaria cases from 2010 to 2019 in Cabo Verde as the country transitions from endemic transmission to elimination and prevention of reintroduction phases. Methods All confirmed malaria cases reported to the Ministry of Health between 2010 and 2019 were extracted from the passive malaria surveillance system. Individual-level data available included age, gender, municipality of residence, and the self-reported countries visited if travelled within the past 30 days, therby classified as imported. Trends in reported cases were visualized and multivariable logistic regression used to assess risk factors associated with a malaria case being imported and differences over time. Results A total of 814 incident malaria cases were reported in the country between 2010 and 2019, the majority of which were Plasmodium falciparum. Overall, prior to 2017, when the epidemic occurred, 58.1% (95% CI 53.6–64.6) of infections were classified as imported, whereas during the post-epidemic period, 93.3% (95% CI 86.9–99.7) were imported. The last locally acquired case was reported in January 2018. Imported malaria cases were more likely to be 25–40 years old (AOR: 15.1, 95% CI 5.9–39.2) compared to those under 15 years of age and more likely during the post-epidemic period (AOR: 56.1; 95% CI 13.9–225.5) and most likely to be reported on Sao Vicente Island (AOR = 4256.9, 95% CI = 260–6.9e+4) compared to Boavista. Conclusions Cabo Verde has made substantial gains in reducing malaria burden in the country over the past decade and are poised to achieve elimination in 2021. However, the high mobility between the islands and continental Africa, where malaria is still highly endemic, means there is a constant risk of malaria reintroduction. Characterization of imported cases provides useful insight for programme and enables better evidence-based decision-making to ensure malaria elimination can be sustained.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adilson José DePINA ◽  
Gillian Stresman ◽  
Helga Sofia Baptista Barros ◽  
António Lima Moreira ◽  
Abdoulaye Kane Dia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cabo Verde is one of the E-2020 Initiative, a group of 21 countries identified by World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 as having the potential to eliminate malaria by 2020. Located in west Africa, Cabo Verde is an archipelago consisting of nine inhabited islands. Malaria has been endemic since the settlement of the islands during the during the 16th century and is poised to achieve malaria elimination in January 2021. The aim of this research is to characterise the trends in malaria cases from 2010 to 2019 as the country transitions from endemic transmission to elimination and prevention of reintroduction phases. Methods All confirmed malaria cases reported to the Ministry of Health between 2010 and 2019 were extracted and secondary analysis was conducted. Variables collected as part of the routine reporting for each confirmed case included age, sex, municipality of residence, and if classified as imported, the reported country of travel within the past 30 days, providing the presumed origin of infection. Trends in reported cases were visualised and logistic regression used to identify risk factors associated with imported malaria. Results A total of 819 malaria cases were reported in the country between 2010 and 2019, the majority of which were Plasmodium falciparum. Overall, 554 (67.6%) and 263 (32.1%) of cases were reported as locally acquired and imported, respectively, with the last locally acquired case reported in January 2018. Only two (0.20%) of the cases were classified as introduced, a single case in each of 2018 and 2019. Of the locally acquired cases, 80.5% (446/554) were reported during the outbreak in 2017. The majority of malaria cases were identified in males (766; 73.3%) or those aged 20 years or older (658; 79.7%). The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of cases being imported was 3.73 (95% CI: 2.47–4.99) in the post epidemic period compared with the pre-epidemic period and reported on Sao Vicente island (AOR = 6.96, 95% CI = 4.40–9.53, p < 0.0001) compared to Boa Vista. Conclusions Cabo Verde has made substantial gains in reducing malaria burden in the country over the past decade and are poised to achieve elimination in 2020. However, the high mobility between the islands and continental Africa where malaria is still highly endemic, means there is a constant risk of malaria reintroduction. Characterisation of imported cases provides useful insight for program and enables better evidence-based decision-making to ensure malaria elimination can be sustained.


Author(s):  
Manju Rahi ◽  
Payal Das ◽  
Amit Sharma

Abstract Malaria surveillance is weak in high malaria burden countries. Surveillance is considered as one of the core interventions for malaria elimination. Impressive reductions in malaria-associated morbidity and mortality have been achieved across the globe, but sustained efforts need to be bolstered up to achieve malaria elimination in endemic countries like India. Poor surveillance data become a hindrance in assessing the progress achieved towards malaria elimination and in channelizing focused interventions to the hotspots. A major obstacle in strengthening India’s reporting systems is that the surveillance data are captured in a fragmented manner by multiple players, in silos, and is distributed across geographic regions. In addition, the data are not reported in near real-time. Furthermore, multiplicity of malaria data resources limits interoperability between them. Here, we deliberate on the acute need of updating India’s surveillance systems from the use of aggregated data to near real-time case-based surveillance. This will help in identifying the drivers of malaria transmission in any locale and therefore will facilitate formulation of appropriate interventional responses rapidly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prayuth Sudathip ◽  
Suravadee Kitchakarn ◽  
Jui A. Shah ◽  
Donal Bisanzio ◽  
Felicity Young ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Thailand’s success in reducing malaria burden is built on the efficient “1-3-7” strategy applied to the surveillance system. The strategy is based on rapid case notification within 1 day, case investigation within 3 days, and targeted foci response to reduce the spread of Plasmodium spp. within 7 days. Autochthonous transmission is still occurring in the country, threatening the goal of reaching malaria-free status by 2024. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the 1-3-7 strategy and identify factors associated with presence of active foci. Methods Data from the national malaria information system were extracted from fiscal years 2013 to 2019; after data cleaning, the final dataset included 81,012 foci. A Cox’s proportional hazards model was built to investigate factors linked with the probability of becoming an active focus from 2015 to 2019 among foci that changed status from non-active to active focus during the study period. We performed a model selection technique based on the Akaike Information Criteria (AIC). Results The number of yearly active foci decreased from 2227 to 2013 to 700 in 2019 (68.5 %), and the number of autochthonous cases declined from 17,553 to 3,787 (78.4 %). The best Cox’s hazard model showed that foci in which vector control interventions were required were 18 % more likely to become an active focus. Increasing compliance with the 1-3-7 strategy had a protective effect, with a 22 % risk reduction among foci with over 80 % adherence to 1-3-7 timeliness protocols. Other factors associated with likelihood to become or remain an active focus include previous classification as an active focus, presence of Plasmodium falciparum infections, level of forest disturbance, and location in border provinces. Conclusions These results identified factors that favored regression of non-active foci to active foci during the study period. The model and relative risk map align with the national malaria program’s district stratification and shows strong spatial heterogeneity, with high probability to record active foci in border provinces. The results of the study may be useful for honing Thailand’s program to eliminate malaria and for other countries aiming to accelerate malaria elimination.


Author(s):  
Jaspreet Kaur ◽  
Taruna Kaura ◽  
Ayush Sharma ◽  
Ashish Kumar ◽  
M K Pangotra ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The state of Punjab in India qualifies for malaria elimination because the number of cases reported through routine surveillance is in decline. However, surveillance system prevalence mainly provides malaria trends. Therefore, a prospective epidemiological study was designed to estimate the malaria burden in the state. Methods District-wise annual parasite incidence (API) was used for identification of three strata, representing high, moderate and low API zones. A total of 0.9 million people from nine districts was under malaria surveillance for 1 y. The weighted estimates of API for the three regions was calculated and combined to give an estimate of API for the total population of the state. Results Based upon the primary data generated, malaria cases from high, moderate and low malaria-endemic areas were estimated to be 3727, 904 and 106, respectively. Further, the total number of malaria cases in the state was estimated to be 4737 (95% CI 4006 to 5469) cases per annum. Conclusion Actual burden of malaria in the state of Punjab, India, is about seven to eight times higher than that reported by routine surveillance activities. However, the state still qualifies for malaria elimination but needs vigorous efforts to strengthen the active surveillance and reporting system along with implementation of effective control strategies to achieve malaria elimination.


2007 ◽  
Vol 362 (1486) ◽  
pp. 1727-1739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricard V Solé ◽  
Andreea Munteanu ◽  
Carlos Rodriguez-Caso ◽  
Javier Macía

Cells are the building blocks of biological complexity. They are complex systems sustained by the coordinated cooperative dynamics of several biochemical networks. Their replication, adaptation and computational features emerge as a consequence of appropriate molecular feedbacks that somehow define what life is. As the last decades have brought the transition from the description-driven biology to the synthesis-driven biology, one great challenge shared by both the fields of bioengineering and the origin of life is to find the appropriate conditions under which living cellular structures can effectively emerge and persist. Here, we review current knowledge (both theoretical and experimental) on possible scenarios of artificial cell design and their future challenges.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joey Schyns ◽  
Fabrice Bureau ◽  
Thomas Marichal

For a long time, investigations about the lung myeloid compartment have been mainly limited to the macrophages located within the airways, that is, the well-known alveolar macrophages specialized in recycling of surfactant molecules and removal of debris. However, a growing number of reports have highlighted the complexity of the lung myeloid compartment, which also encompass different subsets of dendritic cells, tissue monocytes, and nonalveolar macrophages, called interstitial macrophages (IM). Recent evidence supports that, in mice, IM perform important immune functions, including the maintenance of lung homeostasis and prevention of immune-mediated allergic airway inflammation. In this article, we describe lung IM from a historical perspective and we review current knowledge on their characteristics, ontogeny, and functions, mostly in rodents. Finally, we emphasize some important future challenges for the field.


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