ArticleMalaria journal2025
Hidden reservoirs of infection: prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in a high-endemic region of Zambia.
Article in Malaria journal, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- To what extent do people in malaria-endemic countries know asymptomatic malaria infections? A systematic review.PloS one · 2026Pooled it
- Post-Deployment Screening of Thailand Military Units Deployed to South Sudan from 2023 to 2025 Reveals High Rates of Sub-MicroscopicTropical medicine and infectious disease · 2026Article
- Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and its associated factors in the Al Zuhrah district, Al-Hodeidah Government, Yemen, 2022.Malaria journal · 2026Article
- Nosocomial malaria transmission risk in hospital wards in Abeokuta Nigeria: entomological and parasitological evidence from secondary healthcare facilities.Malaria journal · 2026Article
- Mixed malaria infections: A critical review and Detect-Characterise-Act surveillance framework.Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases · 2026Review
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6 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundMalaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where asymptomatic cases contribute to ongoing transmission and hinder elimination efforts. Asymptomatic individuals act as hidden reservoirs, sustaining onward malaria transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in Mwandi District, Zambia.
methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between January to May 2024 in Mwandi District. Blood samples were collected for malaria diagnosis and simultaneously tested using rapid diagnostic tests and Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy techniques to detect Plasmodium infections. Structured questionnaires were administered to gather demographic data and information on potential risk factors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data while categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between outcomes and independent variables, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
resultsA total of 370 participants were enrolled in the study, with females comprising the majority (52.4%) and a median age of 24 years (IQR: 9-30). The overall prevalence of asymptomatic malaria was (4.1%), as determined by microscopy. Logistic regression analysis showed that females had significantly lower odds of asymptomatic malaria compared to males (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI 0.05-0.68; p = 0.010). Additionally, participants residing in Matoya and Sikute were more likely to have asymptomatic malaria, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.56 (95% CI 1.10-18.80; p = 0.036) and 4.72 (95% CI 1.03-21.50; p = 0.045), respectively. No significant associations were found with insecticide-treated net use, indoor residual spraying, or socioeconomic status.
conclusionThe findings highlight the need for targeted surveillance and interventions in high-risk groups and locations to curb silent transmission. Despite limitations in diagnostic sensitivity, the study underscores the importance of integrating asymptomatic malaria screening into control programmes to advance elimination efforts in Zambia and similar endemic regions.
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