A new method evaluates changes in Plasmodium falciparum populations during IRS and SMC interventions, indicating persistence of malaria in northern Ghana.
Key Points
The study introduces 'census population size' to measure Plasmodium falciparum rather than human infection.
Following indoor residual spraying, transmission intensity decreased by over 90% and parasite prevalence by around 40-50%.
Over 2,000 individuals were monitored, showing significant reductions in var diversity and population size after malaria control measures.
Despite interventions, Plasmodium falciparum resilience allowed high var diversity to rebound, highlighting challenges in eradication efforts.