Parasite density and malaria morbidity in the Pakistani Punjab

32Citations
Citations of this article
39Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.
Get full text

Abstract

The relationship between quantitative Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax parasitemia and clinica illness has not been defined in Pakistan or in other areas where malaria transmission is not highly endemic. Standardized questionnaires were given to and physical examinations and parasitologic tests were performed in 8,941 subjects seen in outpatient clinics in 4 villages for 13 consecutive months in the Punjab region of Pakistan. The results, based on multivariable analysis, showed that a clinical diagnosis of malaria, a history of fever, rigors, headache, myalgia, elevated temperature, and a palpable spleen among children were all strongly associated with the presence and density of P. falciparum or P. vivax malaria in a monotonic dose-response fashion. The malaria attributable fraction of clinical diagnosis of malaria, and the same symptoms and signs also increased with increasing P. falciparum and, to a lesser extent, P. vivax, parasitemia. Unlike in sub-Saharan Africa, clinical illness due to malaria often occurs in the Punjab among adolescents and adults and in patients with parasite densities less than 1,000/μl. Clinical guidelines based upon parasitemia and symptomatology must be adjusted according to the intensity of transmission and be specific for each geographic area.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Prybylski, D., Khaliq, A., Fox, E., Sarwari, A. R., & Strickland, G. T. (1999). Parasite density and malaria morbidity in the Pakistani Punjab. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 61(5), 791–801. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.1999.61.791

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free