Scientist C,
ICMR-NIMR, Field Unit, NADIAD
Title of the project 1 (LDI): A study of low-density malaria parasite infection in the community and its transmission potential in Surendranagar and Dahod districts, Gujarat, India
Summary:
Malaria in India, while decreasing, remains a serious public health problem, and the contribution of submicroscopic and asymptomatic infections to its persistence is poorly understood. Low density (LD) infections remains a challenge for malaria control program as it significantly influences transmission dynamics. (Laishram et al, 2012). They pose a threat to control programme as they act as carriers and may become symptomatic after a certain period of time. LD infections has been reported from both the high and low transmission areas and may be related to partial development of immunity, seasonal patterns of malaria transmission and intake of inadequate dose of anti-malarials during the past episode of the malaria. Subclinical P.falciparum infections are reported to act as a year-round reservoir for malaria compared to the seasonal presence of clinical malaria. There are reports from different parts of India showing the presence of asymptomatic malaria. Thus there is an urgent need to determine the community prevalence of low density malaria parasitaemia in an area and study the consequences of it. The studies are proposed to be carried out in about 12 villages in Dahod and Surendranagar district of Gujarat. These districts have distinct geographical characteristics, malaria prevalence and high transmission conditions. Study areas selected in consultation with the district/state health personnel.
The outcome of the project will, provide valuable information on the problem of burden of asymptomatic malaria carriers, give information related to their response to recommended anti-malarials. LD parasitaemia can lead to a wide range of clinical outcomes that can be best studied using a longitudinal design. Thus, the information will be of immense help for the control programme to formulate an appropriate management strategy.
Title of the project 2 (VB): Studies on outdoor vector potential of Anopheles culicifacies in two different ecosystems in Gujarat state, India
Summary:
Malaria in India, while decreasing, remains a serious public health problem. Malaria in India is transmitted by several Anopheles species. To plan an effective vector control strategy there is a need to have information on prevalence of vector species and cryptic species, their biological characteristics and behaviours of vectors. The proposed study is aimed to understand sibling species composition of malaria vectors prevalent in study villages, their resting behaviors, host preference, role in malaria transmission, and present status of insecticide susceptibility against commonly used insecticides in the malaria control programme. The studies are proposed to be carried out in about 12 villages in Dahod and Surendranagar district of Gujarat. These districts have distinct geographical characteristics, malaria prevalence and high transmission conditions. Study areas selected in consultation with the district/state health personnel. The outcome of the project will, provide valuable information on An.culicifacies behaviors. Thus, the information will be of immense help for the control programme to formulate an appropriate management strategy.
Profile Page: Website | Brief CV