Serological Markers Suggest Heterogeneity of Effectiveness of Malaria Control Interventions on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
2011

Effectiveness of Malaria Control on Bioko Island

Sample size: 7387 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cook Jackie, Kleinschmidt Immo, Schwabe Christopher, Nseng Gloria, Bousema Teun, Corran Patrick H., Riley Eleanor M., Drakeley Chris J.

Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Hypothesis

How do malaria control interventions affect transmission rates on Bioko Island?

Conclusion

Malaria control measures have been effective in reducing transmission in most areas of Bioko Island, but the impact has been uneven.

Supporting Evidence

  • There was at least a 60% decline in seroconversion rates in four out of five regions on the island.
  • The mean age-adjusted concentration of anti-AMA-1 antibodies was mapped to identify areas of higher infection.
  • All-cause child mortality across the island has reduced by two-thirds since the start of the malaria control program.

Takeaway

This study shows that some areas of Bioko Island are still struggling with malaria even after control efforts, while others have seen big improvements.

Methodology

Cross-sectional study with blood samples collected from 7387 people to measure antibodies against malaria.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to non-probabilistic selection of sentinel sites.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and cannot directly link under-5 mortality to serological status in individual children.

Participant Demographics

Population of approximately 250,000 on Bioko Island, with a majority living in coastal regions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.194–0.348

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0025137

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