Risk factors for Plasmodium vivax infection in the Lacandon forest, southern Mexico.
A study was conducted to characterize the risk of Plasmodium vivax infection in the Lacandon forest, southern Mexico. Blood samples and questionnaire data were collected in 1992. Malaria cases (n = 137) were identified by the presence of symptoms and a positive thick blood smear. The control group included individuals with negative antibody titres and no history of malaria (n = 4994). From 7628 individuals studied, 1006 had anti-P. vivax antibodies. Seroprevalence increased with age. Risk factors associated with infection included: place of birth outside the village of residence (odds ratio, OR 11.67; 95% CI 5.21-26.11); no use of medical services (OR 4.69, 95% CI 3.01-7.29), never using bed-nets (OR 3.98, 95 % CI 1.23-12.86) and poor knowledge of malaria transmission, prevention and treatment (OR 2.30, 95 % CI 1.30-4.07). Health education represents the best recommendation for controlling the disease in the area.
Danis-Lozano
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Centro de Investigación de Paludismo, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Tapachula, Mexico.
Rodriguez
M H
MH
Gonzalez-Ceron
L
L
Hernandez-Avila
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M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016780:Malaria, Vivax / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010966:Plasmodium vivax / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan