Serological Markers of Exposure to Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax Infection in Southwestern Ethiopia

Jeang, B; Lee, MC; Embury, P; Yewhalaw, D; Narum, D; King, C; Tham, WH; Kazura, J; Yan, G; Dent, A

Author(s): Jeang, B; Lee, MC; Embury, P; Yewhalaw, D; Narum, D; King, C; Tham, WH; Kazura, J; Yan, G; Dent, A;
Details: Publication Year 2023-04-10,Volume 108,Issue #5,Page 871-881
Journal Title: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Abstract: As malaria control and elimination efforts ramp up in Ethiopia, more sensitive tools for assessing exposure to coendemic Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are needed to accurately characterize malaria risk and epidemiology. Serological markers have been increasingly explored as cost-effective tools for measuring transmission intensity and evaluating intervention effectiveness. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of a panel of 10 serological markers as a proxy for malaria exposure and to determine underlying risk factors of seropositivity. We conducted cross-sectional surveys in two sites of contrasting malaria transmission intensities in southwestern Ethiopia: Arjo in Oromia Region (low transmission) and Gambella in Gambella Regional State (moderate transmission). We measured antibody reactivity against six P. falciparum (AMA-1, CSP, EBA175RIII-V, MSP-142, MSP-3, RH2ab) and four P. vivax (DBPII[Sal1], EBP2, MSP-119, RBP2b) targets. We used mixed effects logistic regressions to assess predictors of seropositivity. Plasmodium spp. infection prevalence by quantitative polymerase chain reaction was 1.36% in Arjo and 10.20% in Gambella. Seroprevalence and antibody levels against all 10 antigens were higher in Gambella than in Arjo. We observed spatial heterogeneities in seroprevalence across Arjo and smaller variations across Gambella. Seroprevalence in both sites was lowest against PfCSP and highest against PfAMA-1, PfMSP-142, and PvMSPS-119. Male sex, age, and agricultural occupation were positively associated with seropositivity in Arjo; associations were less pronounced in Gambella. Our findings demonstrate that seroprevalence and antibody levels to specific Plasmodium antigens can be used to identify high-risk groups and geographical areas where interventions to reduce malaria transmission should be implemented.
Publisher: ASTMH
Keywords: Male; Humans; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; *Malaria, Falciparum/epidemiology; Ethiopia/epidemiology; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; *Malaria, Vivax/epidemiology; *Malaria/epidemiology; Prevalence
Research Division(s): Infectious Diseases And Immune Defence
PubMed ID: 37037443
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.22-0645
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2023-04-18 01:58:47

Last Modified: 2023-06-13 01:17:46