Community-Based Cohort Study of Hidden Malaria Infections, Diagnostic Gaps, & Mosquito Vector Dynamics in Odisha, India

The goal of this prospective cohort study is to understand the factors responsible for the persistence of malaria transmission in some areas despite intensive control efforts. The study will measure the prevalence and incidence of asymptomatic and sub-patent Plasmodium infections and examine the factors that contribute to persistent transmission among residents of malaria-endemic areas of Odisha, India.

The main questions the study aims to answer are: Do asymptomatic and sub-patent Plasmodium infections contribute to persistent malaria transmission in endemic areas of Odisha? What is the frequency of false-negative results and incorrect species identification when microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are compared with PCR? How is malaria epidemiology changing over time across areas with different transmission patterns, including shifts in Plasmodium species? What is the prevalence of asymptomatic gametocyte carriers, and how might they contribute to ongoing transmission? What are the characteristics and distribution of mosquito vectors in and around households, and how do they relate to transmission patterns? Can novel host- and parasite-derived biomarkers improve the detection of malaria infections, including asymptomatic cases?

Participants will provide blood samples for malaria testing by microscopy, RDT and PCR. A subset will provide additional samples for biomarker analysis as part of a nested sub-study. Participants will be followed over time to measure malaria infection prevalence, incidence and changes in transmission patterns. They will also take part in household-level assessments, including surveys and mosquito vector monitoring around their homes.