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. 2022 Dec;116(8):465-466.
doi: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2113304. Epub 2022 Aug 18.

Asymptomatic and low-density Plasmodium infections in India: an unexplored link

Gaurav Kumar  1 , Hari Shankar  2 , Shweta Pasi  1 , Jaspreet Kaur  1
Affiliations

Asymptomatic and low-density Plasmodium infections in India: an unexplored link

Gaurav Kumar et al. Pathog Glob Health. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Presently in India, high endemic zones of malaria are shifting towards low endemic zones and in this changing scenario, tackling the asymptomatic and low-density infections (LDI) would be an important factor. Role of the asymptomatic and LDI in transmitting parasites successfully to mosquito vectors needs to be systematically investigated. We here highlight the limited work done on the burden of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections in India with an emphasis on its infectiousness, and infrastructure available for the detection of LDI. Studies reporting the threshold of gametocytes required for transmission of parasites are lacking for Indian malaria vectors. In the wake of malaria elimination target by 2030, specific point of care test is required to be developed for the detection of low density infections and/or asymptomatic patients. Also, mapping of asymptomatic malaria burden pan India and the role of LDI in vector infectivity would guide the way forward in achieving malaria elimination goal in India.

Keywords: Asymptomatic malaria; gametocyte density; low density infection; malaria elimination; mass drug administration; vector infectivity.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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