Open AccessMolecular detection and species identification of Plasmodium spp. infection in adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A population-based study
Author(s) -
Kahindo Kiyonga Aimeé,
Thierry Bobanga Lengu,
Célestin Ndosimao Nsibu,
Solange E. Umesumbu,
Dieudonné Mumba Ngoyi,
Tie Chen
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0242713
Subject(s) - malaria , plasmodium (life cycle) , plasmodium falciparum , plasmodium malariae , biology , polymerase chain reaction , population , plasmodium ovale , parasite hosting , medicine , veterinary medicine , immunology , plasmodium vivax , environmental health , genetics , world wide web , computer science , gene
Background In efforts to control malaria infection, the Democratic Republic of Congo has implemented several strategies. Studies assessing their efficiency mainly involved at-risk groups, especially children under five years of age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with Plasmodium spp. infection. Methods From October 2014 to March 2015, individuals aged at least 15 years were selected randomly and enrolled in a cross-sectional study conducted throughout the country. Microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis were used for the detection of Plasmodium ssp. Results From 2286 individuals recruited, 1870 with valid laboratory results were included in the study for further analysis. The prevalence of Plasmodium spp. infection assessed by microscopy (355/ 1870 (19%) was lower than that estimated by PCR (580/1870 (31%). In addition, the difference between the two results was statistically significant ( P < 0.0001). The most prevalent Plasmodium species was P . falciparum , either as mono-infection (96.3%; 95% C.I. 93.9–98.1) or combined with P . malariae (3.7%; 95% C.I. 2.8–5.9). The mean parasite density was 3272739 trophozoites/μL of blood. Women had higher risks of being infected than men (OR 2.03, 95% C.I.: 1.96. 2.62, P = 0.041)]. Conclusion In this study, the molecular detection and species identification of Plasmodium spp. showed that, despite all efforts for malaria control, malaria remains a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The high prevalence and parasite density of Plasmodium spp. in adults make this age group a potential parasitic infectious reservoir for the at-risk groups and supports the need to include this age group in further programs for malaria control.