Prevalence, anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis and causes of deaths for severe imported malaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: There are limited data regarding prevalence, anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis, and causes of death for severe imported malaria. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterise these variables. Methods: We searched studies reporting deaths attributable to severe imported malaria. The following pooled prevalence rates were determined: 1) the pooled prevalence of severe malaria among patients with imported malaria, 2) the pooled prevalence of deaths among patients with severe imported malaria, 3) the pooled prev-alence of anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis among patients with severe imported malaria, and 4) the causes of death among patients with severe imported malaria. Results: The search identified 52 studies that were mainly conducted in Europe (25, 48.1%), North America (16, 30.8%) and Asia (7, 13.5%). The pooled prevalence of severe imported malaria was 12.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.3%-14.6%, I2 = 99.32%, 12393 severe cases/118325 imported cases). The pooled prevalence of deaths attributable to severe imported malaria was 5.1% (95% CI = 4.0%-6.2%, I2 = 91.72%, 721 deaths/ 16310 severe cases). The pooled prevalence of adequate anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis among patients with severe imported malaria was 9.7% (95% CI = 6.5%-13.0%, I2 = 89.9%, 203/2049 cases). The most common cause of death was multi-organ failure (12.3%). Conclusion: The results highlighted the need for education and preventative measures for travellers, immigrants, or workers who plan to visit malaria-endemic areas to minimize the risk of severe disease or death.

Automated summary

This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize the prevalence, anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis, and causes of death for severe imported malaria. The results showed that the prevalence of severe imported malaria and deaths attributable to severe imported malaria was significant, while the prevalence of adequate anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis was low among patients with severe imported malaria. Multi-organ failure was identified as the most common cause of death. These findings emphasize the importance of education and preventative measures for individuals visiting malaria-endemic areas to minimize the risk of severe disease or death.