Mapping hypoendemic, seasonal malaria in rural Bandarban, Bangladesh: A prospective surveillance

Wasif A. Khan, David A. Sack, Sabeena Ahmed, Chai Shawi Prue, Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Rashidul Haque, Jacob Khyang, Malathi Ram, Jasmin Akter, Myaing Myaing Nyunt, Douglas Norris, Gregory Eric Glass, Timothy Shields, Md Zahirul Haq, Alejandro Cravioto, David J. Sullivan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Until recently the Chittagong Hill tracts have been hyperendemic for malaria. A past cross-sectional RDT based survey in 2007 recorded rates of approximately 15%. This study was designed to understand the present epidemiology of malaria in this region, to monitor and facilitate the uptake of malaria intervention activities of the national malaria programme and to serve as an area for developing new and innovative control strategies for malaria. Methods. This research field area was established in two rural unions of Bandarban District of Bangladesh north of Bandarban city, which are known to be endemic for malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum. The project included the following elements: a) a demographic surveillance system including an initial census with updates every four months, b) periodic surveys of knowledge attitude and practice, c) a geographic information system, d) weekly active and continuous passive surveillance for malaria infections using smears, rapid tests and PCR, f) monthly mosquito surveillance, and e) daily weather measures. The programme included both traditional and molecular methods for detecting malaria as well as lab methods for speciating mosquitoes and detecting mosquitoes infected with sporozoites. Results: The demographic surveillance enumerated and mapped 20,563 people, 75% of which were tribal non-Bengali. The monthly mosquito surveys identified 22 Anopheles species, eight of which were positive by circumsporozoite ELISA. The annual rate of malaria was close to 1% with 85% of cases in the rainy months of May-October. Definitive clustering identified in the low transmission season persisted during the high transmission season. Conclusion: This demographically and geographically defined area, near to the Myanmar border, which is also hypoendemic for malaria, will be useful for future studies of the epidemiology of malaria and for evaluation of strategies for malaria control including new drugs and vaccines.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number124
JournalMalaria journal
Volume10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases

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