Dynamics of Subclinical Malaria: Preliminary Study

This is a short longitudinal preliminary study that aims to describe the dynamics of low-density subclinical malaria to support the final study design of a subsequent matched cohort study. In this study, a small number of asymptomatic infections detected by ultrasensitive PCR (usPCR) will be followed and tested intensively for three months to measure the temporal dynamics of these infections. A much larger number of uninfected individuals will be followed for just 2-4 weeks (two visits), providing a comparator group for the infected cohort. The validity of our results in a subsequent matched cohort study depends, in part, on our ability to accurately classify infection status using a single usPCR result. In other words, do the investigators have sufficient confidence in the correct classification of malaria infection positive and negative status using usPCR test at the beginning of the study? While there is no gold standard test more sensitive than usPCR, repeated usPCR testing offers a surrogate. Presumably, in a low transmission setting, someone who is truly uninfected on the first testing should remain negative on multiple consecutive tests, but this remains to be confirmed.

The investigators will enroll study participants in up to six study sites, each with >2 villages, towns, unions, refugee camps or plantations, or a single military base. Alternative and additional sites may be added to ensure enough infected cases. The investigators will screen for eligibility (age at least 0.5 year; able & willing to strictly follow study protocol and to provide written informed consent or assent as appropriate) and enroll and consent eligible individuals. Study procedures are based on test results:

• RDT-positive: one-time enrollment for data and venous blood collection; Refer to and ensure appropriate treatment by care providing team; No study-related follow up
• RDT-negative: Collect data and DBS samples; Return to research clinic in 2-4 weeks
• PCR-negative participants: One follow up visit approximately 2-4 weeks after enrollment
• PCR-positive participants: Five follow up visits at approximately 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks (for those with total 12 weeks follow up) or 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks (for those with total 6 weeks follow up) after enrollment
• Finger stick blood sampling with be done for RDT and dried blood spot sampling in all participants at each scheduled and unscheduled visit.
• Venous sampling will be done for participants with RDT+ infections detected at times when study staff trained for venous sampling are present. Blood volumes at any time point are limited to 2 mL for children aged < 3 years, 3 mL for age 3-5 years, and 5 mL for older children and adults.
• Estimated duration of study:18 months

Inclusion criteria

• Age 6 months or older at the time of screening; Written informed consent obtained (from the parent/guardian if the subject is less than 18 years old).

Exclusion criteria

Any condition which in the view of the investigator makes participation not in the best interests of the prospective participant. Any condition that would interfere with study participation or pose risks to participants. Those with clinical malaria infection as diagnosed by positive RDT may be invited to return and be re-screened for study eligibility after treatment and resolution of their illness.