Age-specific malaria vulnerability and transmission reservoir among children.
Asymptomatic malaria
Malaria elimination
Malaria pathogenesis
Malaria transmission reservoir
Pediatric malaria
Journal
Global pediatrics
ISSN: 2667-0097
Titre abrégé: Glob Pediatr
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 9918590689006676
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Dec 2023
Dec 2023
Historique:
received:
22
07
2023
revised:
03
10
2023
accepted:
16
10
2023
medline:
5
3
2024
pubmed:
5
3
2024
entrez:
5
3
2024
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
The pediatric population, especially under-five children, is highly susceptible to malaria and accounts for 76 % of global malaria deaths according to the World Malaria Report 2022. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the various factors involved in the susceptibility of the pediatric population to Malaria and the importance of this age group for malaria elimination. Data on pediatric malaria epidemiology that includes prevalence, risk factors, immune factors, socioeconomic factors, control methods, etc. were extracted from published literature using PubMed and Google Scholar. This data was further correlated with malaria incidence data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC). The younger age group is vulnerable to severe malaria due to an immature immune system. The risk of infection and clinical disease increases after the waning of maternal immunity. In the initial years of life, the developing brain is more susceptible to malaria infection and its after-effects. The pediatric population may act as a malaria transmission reservoir due to parasite density and asymptomatic infections. WHO recommended RTS,S/AS01 has limitations and may not be applicable in all settings to propel malaria elimination. The diagnosis of malaria is based on clinical suspicion and confirmed with microscopy and/or rapid diagnostic testing. The school-age pediatric population serves as a transmission reservoir in the form of asymptomatic malaria since they have acquired some immunity due to exposure in early childhood. Targeting the hidden reservoir in the pediatric population and protecting this vulnerable group will be essential for malaria elimination from the countries targeting elimination.
Identifiants
pubmed: 38440360
doi: 10.1016/j.gpeds.2023.100085
pii: S2667-0097(23)00051-9
pmc: PMC10911094
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Review
Langues
eng
Pagination
NoneInformations de copyright
© 2023 The Author(s).
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
All the authors agree with the content of the manuscript and give their consent to submit and consent has also been obtained from authorities in the institutes. Authors declare no conflict of Interest.