Malaria prevalence amongst Brazilian Indians assessed by a new mathematical model

An alternative way to estimate the endemic level of malaria amongst Brazilian indians is proposed. This is achieved by estimating the age-related “force of infection’ of malaria (the effective inoculation rate), applying a mathematical model, described elsewhere, to serological data. In addition we present a way to estimate the Basic Reproductive Rate of malaria in the same area. The results have shown a good degree of accuracy in describing the endemic pattern of malaria in the area, and also indicate some relevant aspects of its age distribution related to the design of control strategies.