Aguas, Ricardo, White, Lisa J., Snow, Robert W. and Gomes, M. Gabriela M.. (2008) Prospects for Malaria Eradication in Sub-Saharan Africa. PL o S One, Vol.3 (No.3). Article No. e1767. ISSN 1932-6203

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Abstract

Background: A characteristic of Plasmodium falciparum infections is the gradual acquisition of clinical immunity resulting from repeated exposures to the parasite. While the molecular basis of protection against clinical malaria remains unresolved, its effects on epidemiological patterns are well recognized. Accumulating epidemiological data constitute a valuable resource that must be intensively explored and interpreted as to effectively inform control planning. Methodology/Principal Finding: Here we apply a mathematical model to clinical data from eight endemic regions in sub-Saharan Africa. The model provides a quantitative framework within which differences in age distribution of clinical disease are assessed in terms of the parameters underlying transmission. The shorter infectious periods estimated for clinical infections induce a regime of bistability of endemic and malaria-free states in regions of mesoendemic transmission. The two epidemiological states are separated by a threshold that provides a convenient measure for intervention design. Scenarios of eradication and resurgence are simulated. Conclusions/Significance: In regions that support mesoendemic transmission, intervention success depends critically on reducing prevalence below a threshold which separates endemic and malaria-free regimes.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology Q Science
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Life Sciences (2010- ) > Biological Sciences ( -2010)
Journal or Publication Title:	PL o S One
Publisher:	Public Library of Science
ISSN:	1932-6203
Date:	12 March 2008
Volume:	Vol.3
Number:	No.3
Number of Pages:	6
Page Range:	Article No. e1767
Identification Number:	10.1371/journal.pone.0001767
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Portuguese Research Council-FCT, European Commission, Wellcome Trust
Grant number:	SFRH/BD/23900/2005, MEXT-CT-2004-14338, 061584
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/16662

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