ISSN 2756-3391
African Journal of Parasitology Research ISSN 2756-3391 Vol. 13 (1), pp. 001-011, January, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Analysis of malaria transmission intensity by using serological markers in an endemic setting Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
AKA NL1, 2*, KOFFI D3, YAO SS1, N’Dri KTB4, DIBI KSD1, 2, Kouman KBA1, 2, Kouadjo KF3, Ako AAB1, TUO K4, N’GUESSAN TL4, TOURE OA1, BLA KB2, BEOUROU S1
1Malaria Unit, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
2Biosciences Training and Research Unit (UFR), Felix Houphouët-Boigny University, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
3Mycology Unit, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
4Parasitology Unit, Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Abstract
Accepted 19 December, 2024
To eradicate malaria, it is essential to understand its transmission dynamics and to evaluate control strategies. Serological markers are valuable tools for assessing transmission in low-endemicity areas, but there is no consensus on which are the most effective. This study examined IgG antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum antigens (Glurp, CSP, LSA1, LSA3, AMA1, SALSA, and total schizont extract) in Bouaké to assess the impact of interventions and identify high-risk areas. The surveys involved 634 participants aged between 2 and 79 years, divided between the dry season (310) and the rainy season (324). ELISA tests were used to measure IgG levels against these antigens. The results showed that antibody levels increased with age and were significantly higher during the rainy season. Seroprevalence was higher in areas south of Bouaké. Surprisingly, people using mosquito nets had high antibody levels, suggesting persistent exposure to the parasite. High antibodies to specific antigens were correlated with a higher risk of infection. These results underline the potential of serological markers for tracking malaria transmission, offering a precise and adaptive method for guiding interventions. By targeting high-risk areas, this approach could improve malaria control strategies and accelerate progress toward eradication, optimizing the impact of interventions in endemic regions.
Keywords: Antigen panel, Bouaké, Plasmodium falciparum, ELISA serology, Transmission dynamics.