Molecular detection and species identification of Plasmodium spp. infection among imported cases in Eastern China, 2012–2018

Due to the increasing number of returnees from malaria endemic areas, imported malaria has become a public health challenge in China. To better understand the characteristics of imported Plasmodium species and adjust appropriate strategies for malaria prevention and control in Eastern China, we conducted molecular detection and species identification on 1282 imported malaria cases in Shandong Province between 2012 and 2018. The findings showed that P. falciparum was predominant, particularly in cases imported from Africa. P. vivax was the dominant species imported from Asian countries. Additionally, imported P. ovale and P. malariae emerged in the province. Further surveillance and control of imported malaria among returnees from Africa and Southeast Asia is needed to be strengthened in Eastern China.