Predictive markers of transmission in areas with different malaria endemicity in north-eastern Tanzania based on seroprevalence of antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to assess Plasmodium falciparum exposure in areas with different malaria endemicity in north-eastern Tanzania using serological markers; PfAMA-1 and PfMSP-119.Results Bondo had a higher seroprevalence 36.6% (188) for PfAMA-1 as compared to Hai 13.8% (33), χ2=34.66, p<0.01. Likewise, Bondo had a higher seroprevalence 201(36.6%) for PfMSP-1 as compared to Hai 41 (17.2%), χ2 =29.62, p<0.01. Anti-PfAMA-1 titters were higher in malaria positive individuals (n = 47) than in malaria negative individuals (n = 741) (p = 0.07). Anti-PfMSP-1 antibody concentrations were significantly higher in malaria-positive individuals (n = 47) than in malaria-negative individuals (n = 741) (p = 0.003).Antibody response against PfAMA-1 was significantly different between the three age groups; 15 years in both sites of Bondo and Hai. Likewise, antibody response against PfMSP-119 was significantly different between the three-age groups in the two sites. (p<0.001). We also found significant differences in the anti-PfAMA-1and anti-PfMSP-119 antibody concentrations among the three age groups in the two sites (p=0.004 and 0.005) respectively. Immunological indicators of Plasmodium falciparum exposure have proven to be useful in explaining long-term changes in the transmission dynamics especially in low transmission settings.