Medical Implications of Coinfection With Malaria and Filariasis Parasites

This study will examine the clinical, immunological and epidemiological effects of concurrent infections with P. falciparum and W. bancrofti or M. perstans (the parasites that cause malaria and filariasis) on the frequency and severity of malaria infection in children and young adults in Mali, Africa. Residents of Tien gu bougou and Bougoudiana, Mali, who are between 1 and 20 years of age may be eligible for this study. Participants with and without filarial infection will be enrolled. Participants undergo the following tests and procedures: * Baseline evaluation with medical history and physical examination, blood tests and stool culture * Brief physical examinations weekly * Blood tests monthly for malaria * Standard treatment offered for anyone with malaria * Blood tests for filarial infection at the beginning, midpoint and end of the transmission season * Treatment for lymphatic filariasis is available through the National Program for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis. There is no effective standard therapy for M. perstans. * Treatment for other parasitic worm infections, if needed.