Focal screening and treatment around passively-detected malaria cases in Pailin Province, Cambodia: a feasible and effective tool to target asymptomatic infections?

Background Pailin Province in Cambodia is a malaria pre-elimination setting, with very low levels of Plasmodium transmission. Malaria elimination in this location is a priority, due to the confirmed presence of artemisinin-resistant parasites. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a focal screening and treatment (FSAT) approach using microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) around passively-detected Plasmodium infections, as well as to assess the impact of FSAT in identifying and eliminating the asymptomatic reservoirs of Plasmodium in the population.