Table 1 Definition of clinical and biochemical variables

Clinical malaria

Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia of any density and axillary temperature ≥ 37.5 °C. Positive P. falciparum parasitemia was confirmed using the rapid diagnostic test (RDT)

Asymptomatic malaria

P. falciparum parasitemia of any density with an axillary temperature < 37.5 °C. Positive P. falciparum parasitemia was confirmed using the RDT

Anemia

Hb levels < 11.5 g/dL for SAC 5–11 years, and < 12.0 g/dL for SAC 12–14 years adjusted for altitude

Iron deficiency

Serum ferritin level < 15 µg/L adjusted for inflammation using internal regression approach

Functional iron and deficiency

Serum soluble transferrin receptor levels ≥ 8.3 mg/L

Acute inflammation

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) > 5 mg/dL

Chronic inflammation

Serum alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) 1 g/L

Any inflammation

Elevated AGP or CRP (AGP > 1 or CRP > 5)