MALARIA PREVALENCE AMONGST BRAZILIAN INDIANS ASSESSED BY A NEW MATHEMATICAL-MODEL

An alternative way to estimate the endemic level of malaria amongst Br azilian indians is proposed. This is achieved by estimating the age-re lated 'force of infection' of malaria (the effective inoculation rate) , applying a mathematical model, described elsewhere, to serological d ata. In addition we present a way to estimate the Basic Reproductive R ate 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 relate d to the design of control strategies.