Longitudinal study of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in a Karen population in Thailand

2008

Longitudinal Study of Malaria in a Karen Community in Thailand

Sample size: 3484 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Phimpraphi Waraphon, Paul Richard E, Yimsamran Surapon, Puangsa-art Supalarp, Thanyavanich Nipon, Maneeboonyang Wanchai, Prommongkol Sutthiporn, Sornklom Samarn, Chaimungkun Wutthichai, Chavez Irwin F, Blanc Herve, Looareesuwan Sornchai, Sakuntabhai Anavaj, Singhasivanon Pratap

Primary Institution: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Hypothesis

How do prevalence and incidence rates of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax change over time in a Karen community receiving case treatment?

Conclusion

There was a considerable reduction in incidence rates of both P. vivax and P. falciparum over a decade following implementation of a case treatment programme.

Supporting Evidence

Prevalence rates of both P. falciparum and P. vivax decreased by 70–90% in six of the seven study hamlets.
Overall, incidence rates decreased by 72% for P. falciparum and 76% for P. vivax.
Male gender was associated with increased risk of clinical presentation with either parasite species.
Children had an increased risk of presenting with P. vivax but not P. falciparum.

Takeaway

This study shows that treating malaria can help reduce the number of sick people in a community, especially for two types of malaria parasites.

Methodology

The study involved active and passive case detection methods over a decade in a Karen community, with data collected through surveys and clinical presentations.