Narrative Review of Asymptomatic Malaria and Transmission

Mugisha Emmanuel K.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Asymptomatic malaria, defined as the presence of Plasmodium parasites in human blood without clinical symptoms, is a major barrier to malaria elimination. These silent infections occur across all endemic settings and represent a significant infectious reservoir that sustains transmission despite control efforts. Epidemiological evidence demonstrates that both children and adults in high-transmission areas frequently harbor subpatent infections that evade standard diagnostics, thereby undermining surveillance and treatment programs. Advances in molecular diagnostics, such as PCR and LAMP have revealed the high prevalence of asymptomatic carriers, highlighting their role in maintaining parasite reservoirs through both wet and dry seasons. Asymptomatic malaria complicates public health strategies, given that carriers do not seek treatment yet contribute substantially to the onward transmission of Plasmodium species to Anopheles vectors. Control measures such as mass drug administration, mass testing and treatment, chemoprevention, and vaccination are being explored, though each faces challenges of feasibility, drug resistance, and ethical considerations. Emerging technologies, including parasite genomics, sensitive biomarkers, and longitudinal cohort studies, offer opportunities to refine detection, monitor transmission, and design targeted interventions. Addressing asymptomatic malaria through integrated approaches that combine diagnostics, community engagement, and policy support is essential to accelerating progress towards malaria elimination.

Keywords: Asymptomatic malaria, Transmission dynamics, Molecular diagnostics, Mass drug administration (MDA) and Malaria elimination.

CITE AS: Mugisha Emmanuel K. (2025). Narrative Review of Asymptomatic Malaria and Transmission. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 5(3):138-146. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJSES/2025/531138146