Prolonged P. falciparum Infection in Immigrants in Paris
Author Information
Author(s): D’Ortenzio Eric, Godineau Nadine, Fontanet Arnaud, Houze Sandrine, Bouchaud Olivier, Matheron Sophie, Le Bras Jacques
Primary Institution: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
Hypothesis
What factors are associated with prolonged P. falciparum infection in immigrant travelers?
Conclusion
Pregnant women, first-arrival immigrants, and those taking mefloquine prophylaxis are at higher risk for prolonged P. falciparum infection.
Supporting Evidence
- 61 late infections occurred among 2,680 diagnosed P. falciparum malaria infections.
- Case-patients were younger and more often female than controls.
- Pregnant women had a significantly higher risk of prolonged infection.
Takeaway
Some people can get malaria a long time after traveling, especially pregnant women and those who just moved to a new country.
Methodology
A case-control study was conducted among patients diagnosed with P. falciparum malaria in Paris, comparing those with late infections to controls with early infections.
Potential Biases
There may be bias in the selection of cases and controls, as well as in the reporting of travel history.
Limitations
The study may not account for all potential confounding factors due to missing data, particularly regarding HIV status.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily African immigrants, with a median age of 30.6 years for case-patients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 9.74–53.96
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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