Combined Application of Multiple Testing Methods in Malaria Surveillance of Individuals Entering Anhui Province
To assess the prevalence of malaria among individuals entering Anhui Province,this study conducted proactive surveillance in 2023 on key entrants from malaria-endemic regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia.A combination of rapid diagnostic reagent testing(RDT),microscopic examination and fluorescence quantitative PCR was employed for analysis.The results revealed that a total of 3 malaria samples were detected out of 780 entrants,among which 1 case was RDT-positive with microscopic examination confirming falciparum malaria;and 2 cases were RDT-positive with negative microscopic results,but positive fluorescence quantitative PCR results.Combined with clinical symptoms and epidemiological investigation,all three cases were confirmed as malaria infection.The joint application of multiple malaria detection methods helps avoid false-negative results generated by a single test method,ensures timely detection of imported cases,effectively preventing the re-transmission of imported malaria in China,and reinforces the vital role of the Customs in safeguarding national health security.