Malaria in Asymptomatic African Migrants
Author Information
Author(s): Marangi Marianna, Di Tullio Rocco, Mens Pètra F, Martinelli Domenico, Fazio Vincenzina, Angarano Gioacchino, Schallig Henk DFH, Giangaspero Annunziata, Scotto Gaetano
Primary Institution: Dipartimento PrIME, Università di Foggia
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of Plasmodium species in asymptomatic African migrants?
Conclusion
A significant number of asymptomatic migrants from malaria-endemic countries carry malaria parasites in their blood.
Supporting Evidence
- 31.8% of study subjects tested positive for Plasmodium.
- 62 out of 195 participants were found to have malaria parasites.
- A significant association was found between malaria positivity and splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and leukopenia.
Takeaway
Many people from Africa who come to Italy might have malaria germs in their blood, even if they don't feel sick.
Methodology
Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Amplification (NASBA) was used to test blood samples from migrants for Plasmodium species.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported history of malaria and voluntary participation.
Limitations
The study may not represent all asymptomatic migrants as recruitment was voluntary and some demographics were underrepresented.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 25.1 years, with 83.6% being men, from 18 sub-Saharan African countries.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.1–1085.5 for West Africa; 95% CI: 1.2–2598.9 for Central Africa; 95% CI: 3.9–14290.9 for East Africa.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website