Hidden Malaria Threats in Cameroon

 Prof. Mbulli and the University of Dschang Uncover New Insights

Dschang,UDs/SIC-18/02/25.A groundbreaking study reveals the diversity of malaria parasites, urging a shift in disease control strategies

A recent study led by Professor Mbulli Ali Innocent and his research team at the University of Dschang has shed new light on the complex malaria landscape in Cameroon. Presented during a scientific workshop at Hôtel ADYS, the findings highlight the circulation of multiple Plasmodium species, challenging previous assumptions about malaria transmission in the country.

With support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP2) and Novartis Global Health, the study analyzed 1,201 participants across six major cities, spanning Cameroon’s diverse geo-ecological zones. Using advanced molecular techniques, the researchers identified five human malaria parasites—with Plasmodium falciparum remaining dominant at 91.43%, but an unexpected presence of P. vivax, P. malariae, and two subtypes of P. ovale accounting for 8.67% of infections.

“For years, malaria control efforts have focused almost exclusively on P. falciparum, but our study confirms that non-falciparum species, particularly P. vivax and P. ovale, are circulating in Cameroon,” Prof. Mbulli revealed. This is particularly striking as P. vivax was traditionally thought to be absent in sub-Saharan Africa due to genetic resistance in most African populations.

The research found that malaria prevalence was highest in the Sahelian zone (64.22%) and lowest in the Humid Savannah (45.47%), with the Forest zone exhibiting the most parasite diversity. The study also detected cases of co-infection (4.68%), raising concerns about the impact of multiple parasite species on disease severity and treatment outcomes.

Dr. Christelle Metchum, a medical expert from the Baleveng District Hospital, emphasized the implications of these findings: “We need to rethink our malaria control strategies to include a broader spectrum of parasites. These non-falciparum species can cause severe illness and complicate diagnosis and treatment.”

The University of Dschang’s research marks a crucial step in re-evaluating malaria management in Cameroon. As malaria cases continue to evolve, Professor Mbulli and his team call for enhanced surveillance, improved diagnostic tools, and targeted interventions to address the growing complexity of malaria infections in the country.

With P. vivax and P. ovale emerging as real threats, the study underscores the urgency of further research and policy adaptation. As Cameroon and the broader sub-Saharan region strive for malaria elimination, these findings could reshape the future of malaria control efforts and contribute towards its elimination./