Manuel W Hetzel1,2,3, Hector Morris1, Nandao Tarongka1, Céline Barnadas1,4,5, Justin Pulford1,6, Leo Makita7, Peter M Siba1, Ivo Mueller4,5,8. 1. Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea. 2. Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. 3. University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. 4. Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia. 5. Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia. 6. School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Qld, Australia. 7. National Department of Health, Waigani, Papua New Guinea. 8. Barcelona Centre for International Health Research, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the population prevalence of malaria in villages across Papua New Guinea (PNG) following the first roll-out of free long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN). METHODS: Between October 2008 and August 2009, a household survey was conducted in 49 random villages in districts covered by the LLIN distribution campaign. The survey extended to 19 villages in sentinel sites that had not yet been covered by the campaign. In each village, 30 households were randomly sampled, household heads were interviewed and capillary blood samples were collected from all consenting household members for microscopic diagnosis of malaria. RESULTS: Malaria prevalence ranged from 0% to 49.7% with a weighted average of 12.1% (95% CI 9.5, 15.3) in the national sample. More people were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (7.0%; 95% CI 5.4, 9.1) than with P. vivax (3.8%; 95% CI 2.4, 5.7) or P. malariae (0.3%; 95% CI 0.1, 0.6). Parasitaemia was strongly age-dependent with a P. falciparum peak at age 5-9 years and a P. vivax peak at age 1-4 years, yet with differences between geographical regions. Individual LLIN use and high community coverage were associated with reduced odds of infection (OR = 0.64 and 0.07, respectively; both P < 0.001). Splenomegaly in children and anaemia were common morbidities attributable to malaria. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria prevalence across PNG is again at levels comparable to the 1970s. The strong association of LLIN use with reduced parasitaemia supports efforts to achieve and maintain high country-wide coverage. P. vivax infections will require special targeted approaches across PNG.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the population prevalence of malaria in villages across Papua New Guinea (PNG) following the first roll-out of free long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN). METHODS: Between October 2008 and August 2009, a household survey was conducted in 49 random villages in districts covered by the LLIN distribution campaign. The survey extended to 19 villages in sentinel sites that had not yet been covered by the campaign. In each village, 30 households were randomly sampled, household heads were interviewed and capillary blood samples were collected from all consenting household members for microscopic diagnosis of malaria. RESULTS:Malaria prevalence ranged from 0% to 49.7% with a weighted average of 12.1% (95% CI 9.5, 15.3) in the national sample. More people were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (7.0%; 95% CI 5.4, 9.1) than with P. vivax (3.8%; 95% CI 2.4, 5.7) or P. malariae (0.3%; 95% CI 0.1, 0.6). Parasitaemia was strongly age-dependent with a P. falciparum peak at age 5-9 years and a P. vivax peak at age 1-4 years, yet with differences between geographical regions. Individual LLIN use and high community coverage were associated with reduced odds of infection (OR = 0.64 and 0.07, respectively; both P < 0.001). Splenomegaly in children and anaemia were common morbidities attributable to malaria. CONCLUSIONS:Malaria prevalence across PNG is again at levels comparable to the 1970s. The strong association of LLIN use with reduced parasitaemia supports efforts to achieve and maintain high country-wide coverage. P. vivaxinfections will require special targeted approaches across PNG.
Authors: Abebe A Fola; G L Abby Harrison; Mita Hapsari Hazairin; Céline Barnadas; Manuel W Hetzel; Jonah Iga; Peter M Siba; Ivo Mueller; Alyssa E Barry Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2017-04-06 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Manuel W Hetzel; Lisa J Reimer; Gibson Gideon; Gussy Koimbu; Céline Barnadas; Leo Makita; Peter M Siba; Ivo Mueller Journal: Parasit Vectors Date: 2016-06-14 Impact factor: 3.876
Authors: Lisa J Reimer; Edward K Thomsen; Gussy Koimbu; John B Keven; Ivo Mueller; Peter M Siba; James W Kazura; Manuel W Hetzel; Peter A Zimmerman Journal: Malar J Date: 2016-01-12 Impact factor: 2.979
Authors: Cristian Koepfli; Maria Ome-Kaius; Shadrach Jally; Elisheba Malau; Samuel Maripal; Jason Ginny; Lincoln Timinao; Johanna Helena Kattenberg; Thomas Obadia; Michael White; Patricia Rarau; Nicolas Senn; Alyssa E Barry; James W Kazura; Ivo Mueller; Leanne J Robinson Journal: J Infect Dis Date: 2017-12-12 Impact factor: 5.226