Asymptomatic malaria infections: detectability, transmissibility and public health relevance

Nat Rev Microbiol. 2014 Dec;12(12):833-40. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro3364. Epub 2014 Oct 20.

Abstract

Most Plasmodium falciparum infections that are detected in community surveys are characterized by low-density parasitaemia and the absence of clinical symptoms. Molecular diagnostics have shown that this asymptomatic parasitic reservoir is more widespread than previously thought, even in low-endemic areas. In this Opinion article, we describe the detectability of asymptomatic malaria infections and the relevance of submicroscopic infections for parasite transmission to mosquitoes and for community interventions that aim at reducing transmission. We argue that wider deployment of molecular diagnostic tools is needed to provide adequate insight into the epidemiology of malaria and infection dynamics to aid elimination efforts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asymptomatic Infections
  • Culicidae / parasitology*
  • Disease Reservoirs / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insect Vectors / parasitology*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / diagnosis*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / parasitology
  • Malaria, Falciparum / prevention & control
  • Malaria, Falciparum / transmission
  • Male
  • Parasitemia
  • Plasmodium falciparum / isolation & purification*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prevalence
  • Public Health*