Search

Background In India, there are several malaria-endemic regions where non- falciparum species coexist with Plasmodium falciparum. Traditionally, microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests are used for the diagnosis of malaria. Nevertheless, microscopy often misses the secondary malaria parasite in mixed-infection cases due to various constraints. Misdiagnosis/misinterpretation of Plasmodium species leads to improper treatment, as the treatment for P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax species is different, as per the national vector-borne disease control program in India. Methods Blood samples were collected from malaria-endemic regions (Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Telangana) of India covering almost the entire country. Molecular diagnosis of Plasmodium species was carried out among microscopically confirmed P. falciparum samples collected during a therapeutic efficacy study in different years. Results The polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a high prevalence (18%) of mixed malaria parasite infections among microscopically confirmed P. falciparum samples from malaria patients that are either missed or left out by microscopy. Conclusions Deployment of molecular tools in areas of mixed species infection may prove vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment of malaria. Further, it will help in achieving the goal of malaria elimination in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRM is adopted by organizations as a viable business strategy to implement sustainability initiatives. The existing literature suggests the variations in the execution style of the CRM campaigns by various organizations. This study proposes Cause-related Marketing (CRM) as one of the novel approaches to combat various issues related to sustainable development. The present study is focused to understand the role of CRM in aiding private sector organizations to address the problems of sustainable development and thus support the 'United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)' in an Emerging Economy India. The study attempts to integrate the various areas of focus of the CRM campaigns, the sustainability dimensions focused and the various SDGs supported. Further implications, limitations and future research directions have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]