Epidemiological Characteristics of Asymptomatic Infections in the Peruvian Amazon

Overview

Journal Front Cell Infect Microbiol

Specialties Cell Biology
Infectious Diseases
Microbiology

Date 2022 Sep 19

PMID 36118037

Authors

Elizabeth Villasis

Stefano S Garcia Castillo

Mitchel Guzman

Julian Torres

Joaquin Gomez

Katherine Garro

Ana Maria Cordova

Carolina Reategui

Caroline Abanto

Joseph Vinetz

Dionicia Gamboa

Katherine Torres

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Herein, we tested the hypothesis that Asymptomatic (Pv) infected individuals (Asym) feature different epidemiological, clinical and biochemical characteristics, as well as hematological parameters, potentially predictive of clinical immunity in comparison to symptomatic Pv infected individuals (Sym).

Methodology: Between 2018 - 2021, we conducted 11 population screenings (PS, Day 0 (D0)) in 13 different riverine communities around Iquitos city, in the Peruvian Amazon, to identify Pv Sym and Asym individuals. A group of these individuals agreed to participate in a nested case - control study to evaluate biochemical and hematological parameters. Pv Asym individuals did not present common malaria symptoms (fever, headache, and chills), had a positive/negative microscopy result, a positive qPCR result, reported no history of antimalarial treatment during the last month, and were followed-up weekly until Day 21 (D21). Control individuals, had a negative malaria microscopy and qPCR result, no history of antimalarial treatment or malaria infections during the last three years, and no history of comorbidities or chronic infections.

Results: From the 2159 individuals screened during PS, data revealed a low but heterogeneous Pv prevalence across the communities (11.4%), where most infections were Asym (66.7%) and submicroscopic (82.9%). A total of 29 Asym, 49 Sym, and 30 control individuals participated in the nested case - control study (n=78). Ten of the individuals that were initially Asym at D0, experienced malaria symptoms during follow up and therefore, were included in the Sym group. 29 individuals remained Asym throughout all follow-ups. High levels of eosinophils were found in Asym individuals in comparison to Sym and controls.

Conclusion: For the first-time, key epidemiological, hematological, and biochemical features are reported from Pv Asym infections from the Peruvian Amazon. These results should be considered for the design and reshaping of malaria control measures as the country moves toward malaria elimination.

Citing Articles

Recurrence patterns and evolution of submicroscopic and asymptomatic Plasmodium vivax infections in malaria-endemic areas of the Peruvian Amazon.

Garcia Castillo S, Abanto Alvarez C, Rosas-Aguirre A, Acosta C, Corder R, Gomez J PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2024; 18(10):e0012566.

PMID: 39480785 PMC: 11527163. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012566.

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