Incidence of Plasmodium malariae by Location
Unable to Provide Location-Specific Data
The question cannot be answered as written because no specific location was provided in the query. The available evidence does not contain comprehensive incidence data for P. malariae across different geographic regions that would allow for a meaningful response without knowing the location of interest.
General Global Context for P. malariae
Worldwide Prevalence Patterns
- P. malariae represents a minority of global malaria cases, with P. falciparum accounting for 98% of cases in Africa and 65% in other regions 1
- In sub-Saharan Africa, P. malariae prevalence detected by various diagnostic methods ranges from 0-32%, though it is often underdiagnosed due to low parasite densities and co-infections with P. falciparum 2
- Seroprevalence studies in three African countries (Mozambique, Benin, and Zimbabwe) show ranges of 0-56%, suggesting higher exposure than clinical cases would indicate 2
Geographic Distribution
- P. malariae occurs worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions where malaria is endemic, including Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania 3
- The species is recognized as one of four human malaria parasites alongside P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. ovale 3
Recent Outbreak Data
- A significant and unprecedented outbreak of P. malariae occurred in Khanh Vinh District, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam in 2023, representing an unusual epidemiological event for this typically sporadic species 4
- In Eastern Uganda, P. malariae infections with parasite densities up to 2,080/µL have been documented as causes of febrile illness, often initially misdiagnosed as P. falciparum 5
Critical Diagnostic Limitations
- Routine rapid diagnostic tests that detect only P. falciparum antigens commonly miss non-falciparum species, leading to significant underreporting of P. malariae cases 5
- The lack of specific and affordable diagnostic tools for P. malariae limits accurate epidemiological data collection, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa 2
- P. malariae typically presents at low parasite densities and frequently occurs as co-infections, making microscopic detection challenging 2
To Obtain Location-Specific Information
Contact the CDC Malaria Hotline at (404) 332-4555 for detailed epidemiological data specific to your location of interest 3. This resource can provide current incidence rates and transmission patterns for specific geographic areas.