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. 2024 Aug 19;11(9):ofae474.
doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofae474. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Circulation of Non- falciparum Species in Niger: Implications for Malaria Diagnosis

Mamane N Garba  1 , Lamine M Moustapha  2 , Djiby Sow  1 , Aichatou Karimoun  3 , Ibrahima Issa  4 , Mamane K Sanoussi  5 , Mamadou A Diallo  1 , Mahamadou Doutchi  6 , Khadim Diongue  1 , Maman L Ibrahim  4 , Daouda Ndiaye  1 , Aida S Badiane  1
Affiliations

Circulation of Non- falciparum Species in Niger: Implications for Malaria Diagnosis

Mamane N Garba et al. Open Forum Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Niger's National Malaria Control Programme and its partners use histidine-rich protein 2-based RDTs, which are specific to Plasmodium falciparum diagnosis. This study aimed to screen for the circulation of non-falciparum species in Zinder, a region of Niger, West Africa.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to December 2022 at the district hospital of the Zinder region of Niger. P falciparum histidine-rich protein 2-based rapid diagnostic tests were performed, and dried blood spot samples were collected for further laboratory multiplexed photo-induced electron transfer-polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR) analysis on positive light microscopy from all patients with fever who attended the Zinder district hospital during the study period.

Results: In total, 340 dried blood spots were collected and analyzed by PET-PCR. Overall, 73.2% (95% CI, 68.2%-77.9%; 249/340) were positive for Plasmodium genus and species and represented the study population. Plasmodium species proportions were 89.5% (95% CI, 85.1%-93.1%; 223/249) for P falciparum, 38.5% (95% CI, 32.5%-44.9%; 96/249) for P malariae, 10.8% (95% CI, 7.3%-15.4%; 27/249) for P vivax, and 1.6% (95% CI, .4%-4.1%; 4/249) for P ovale. Single infection with Plasmodium species counted for 61.8% (95% CI, 55.5%-67.9%; 154/249), and the mixed infections rate, with at least 2 Plasmodium species, was 38.1% (95% CI, 32.1%-44.5%; 95/249). Single non-falciparum infections represented a rate of 10.0% (95% CI, 6.6%-14.5%; 25/249).

Conclusion: This study confirms the first evidence of Plasmodium vivax by PET-PCR in Niger in addition to the other 3 Plasmodium species. These findings underline the need to adapt malaria diagnostic tools and therapeutic management, as well as the training of microscopists, for recognition of non-falciparum plasmodial species circulating in the country. This will better inform the strategies toward malaria control and elimination, as well as the decision making of the health authorities of Niger.

Keywords: PET-PCR; Republic of Niger; Zinder; diagnosis; non-falciparum.

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Conflict of interest statement

Potential conflicts of interest. All authors: No reported conflicts.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Zinder region, Republic of Niger, West Africa (2024).
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flowchart of sample processing and malaria infection detection. +, presence; –, absence; PET-PCR, photo-induced electron transfer–polymerase chain reaction; PfHRP2, P falciparum histidine-rich protein 2; RDT, rapid diagnosis tests TS: thick/thin smear.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Seasonal distribution of Plasmodium species infections by photo-induced electron transfer–polymerase chain reaction. Pf, P falciparum; Pm, P malariae; Po, P ovale; Pv, P vivax.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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