Age Patterns of Severe Malaria in Children and Transmission Intensity
Author Information
Author(s): Okiro Emelda A, Al-Taiar Abdullah, Reyburn Hugh, Idro Richard, Berkley James A, Snow Robert W
Primary Institution: KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme
Hypothesis
How does the intensity of Plasmodium falciparum transmission affect the age patterns of severe malaria in children?
Conclusion
As malaria transmission intensity declines, older children are more likely to be admitted for malaria, indicating a shift in disease patterns.
Supporting Evidence
- Older children are more likely to be admitted for malaria as transmission intensity decreases.
- Cerebral malaria is less common in areas with high transmission intensity.
- Severe malaria anaemia rates do not show a clear relationship with transmission intensity.
Takeaway
When there are fewer mosquitoes spreading malaria, older kids get sick more often than babies.
Methodology
Data from 13 hospitals serving 17 communities were analyzed, focusing on malaria admissions from 1990 to 2007.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in data collection and reporting across different hospitals and regions.
Limitations
The study may not cover all age ranges or use similar diagnostic methods across different sites.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 0-9 years admitted to hospitals for malaria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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