Plasmodium Parasite Ecology

PCR sample sizes for detecting submicroscopic infections are based on a meta-analysis by Deora et al. reporting a submicroscopic infection rate of 4.0% (95% CI 2.0%–7.0%) in India. Urban centres in India often experience perennial malaria transmission, while forest fringes, coastal belts, and the northeast show seasonal peaks linked to monsoon rainfall. P. vivax cases are monitored closely for relapse or reinfection. Drug resistance in malaria parasites has been documented across multiple regions in India. Plasmodium falciparum predominates in tribal and forested areas, while Plasmodium vivax is more common in urban and plains regions of India.