Malaria Transmission Dynamics in Latin America
Summary
Malaria remains a public health challenge in Latin America, characterised by diverse epidemiological profiles across tropical and subtropical ecosystems. Transmission is predominantly driven by Plasmodium vivax, with Plasmodium falciparum persisting in border regions and pockets of endemicity. The primary vectors, notably Anopheles albimanus and members of the Nyssorhynchus sub-genus, exploit varied ecological niches, from coastal wetlands to forest fringes, under the influence of rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations and land-use changes. Socio-economic factors, including housing quality, human mobility along migration routes and cultural practices among indigenous communities, further modulate vector-human contact. Recent declines in overall case numbers have been tempered by the emergence of insecticide resistance, logistical challenges in maintaining control interventions and cross-border importation of parasites. Advances in spatial modelling, entomological surveillance and integrated intervention planning have provided deeper insight into the micro-dynamics of transmission, highlighting the need for tailored strategies that combine vector control, mass drug administration and community engagement. The region’s progress towards elimination underscores the importance of sustained surveillance, adaptive policy frameworks and cooperation across national and local health authorities.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Malaria Transmission Dynamics in Latin America publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in malaria transmission dynamics in latin america across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Entomological surveillance: Systematic collection and analysis of vector data to inform control strategies.
Insecticide resistance: Genetic or metabolic adaptation of vector populations reducing susceptibility to insecticidal compounds.
Species distribution model: Computational prediction of a species’ geographical range based on environmental variables and occurrence records.
Exophagic: Behaviour of mosquito vectors in which feeding occurs predominantly outdoors.
Long-lasting insecticidal net: Mosquito net treated with an insecticide formulation that retains efficacy over multiple years.
References
- Resistance to Pyrethroids in the Malaria Vector Anopheles albimanus in Two Important Villages in the Soconusco Region of Chiapas, Mexico, 2022. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023).
- Entomological Surveillance Planning Tool (ESPT)-generated actionable evidence on human and vector behaviours optimizes present interventions and reduces exposure to Anopheles vectors in two communities of Guna Yala, Panamá. Malaria Journal (2023).
- Anopheles albimanus (Diptera: Culicidae) Ensemble Distribution Modeling: Applications for Malaria Elimination. Insects (2022).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.