Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Plasmodium Species in Asymptomatic Primary School Children in Different Ecological Zones of Ghana

Abstract

The incidence of malaria in Ghana is considered one of the major public health threats with the transmission of the disease thought to vary across the three ecological zones (Coastal, Middle, and Sahel) of the country. However, understanding the variations in transmissions between time and space across the country is crucial in its successful control and elimination. The heterogeneity of asymptomatic Plasmodium species transmissions across the ecological zones in the country has not been fully explored. Monitoring the diversity of Plasmodium species transmitted across the ecological zones over time will help track non-falciparum parasites, which is essential for case management, control, and treatment strategies. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of Plasmodium species, in different ecological zones in Ghana in different years. Methodology: The study considered a total of 1564 asymptomatic school-going children aged 3-12 years old from the three ecological zones in Ghana for 2018 and 2021. Asymptomatic school children were recruited from Dwease (forest zone), Anyakpor in the Ada Foah district of the Greater Accra region (Coastal zone), Pagaza, and Kpalsogu in the Tamale and Kumbugu districts respectively both in the Sahel zone. Two- time point sampling was done in 2018 (both dry and rainy seasons) and 2021 (both dry and rainy seasons). Thick and thin blood films were used to determine Plasmodium parasites density before DNA isolation from dry blood spots (DBS) for Plasmodium speciation and subsequent molecular analysis by Nested Polymerase chain reaction (nPCR).