High prevalence of asymptomatic plasmodium falciparum infections in a highland area of western Kenya: a cohort study

Transmission of malaria in an area of hypoendemicity in the highlands of western Kenya is not expected to lead to rapid acquisition of immunity to malaria. However, the subpopulation of individuals with asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection may play a significant role as an infection reservoir and should be considered in malaria-control programs. Determination of the spatiotemporal dynamics of asymptomatic subpopulations provides an opportunity to estimate the epidemiological importance of this group to malaria transmission.