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Mukala J, Mogere D, Kirira P, Kanoi BN, Akisa V, Kobia F, Waweru H, Gitaka J. Predictors of birth weight in pregnant women with malaria: a prospective cohort facility-based study in Webuye-Kenya. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:187. [PMID: 38459499 PMCID: PMC10921604 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria, which remains a major public health burden, has a prevalence of 9 to 28% and malaria in pregnancy is associated with severe adverse outcomes for the mother and her baby. Here, we sought to determine the predictors of birth weight in a cohort of 140 women with malaria in pregnancy, who were recruited at the Webuye County hospital in Western Kenya. All study participants underwent malaria diagnosis through microscopic examination of blood smear samples and were grouped into the malaria-positive and malaria-negative groups. Both groups were followed up beginning at the first antenatal visit (March 2022) until delivery (December 2022) and various data, including demographic, parity, gravidity, socioeconomic, maternal and fetal outcomes were collected. Data analyses were done using SPSS version 27. Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were used for bivariate and relative risk analyses at a p-value of ≤0.05 (95%) confidence level. Most of the participants were aged 18-25 years, were primigravidas and married, had secondary school-level education, earned 20-30 thousand Kenya shillings, resided in rural areas, and were in the second trimester. There were 6 (4.6%) cases of low birth weight, 3 (4.5%) in the malaria-negative group and 3 (4.7%) in the malaria-positive group. During pregnancy, 41 (31.5%) were anaemic, 5 (3.8%) were HIV-positive, 5 (3.8%) had preeclampsia, and 2 (1.5%) had gestational diabetes. Our analyses show that confounding factors like anaemia, HIV, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes did not influence birthweight (p ≥ 0.923). The malaria-positive and malaria-negative groups did not differ significantly with regard to the low birth weight (relative risk: 0.999, 95% confidence interval: 0.926-1.077). Marital status, gestational age, and area of residence were associated with malaria p ≤ 0.001, ≤ 0.001 and 0.028 respectively. In both groups, 124 of the 140 deliveries had normal birth weights and of these 63 (95.4%, n = 70) were in the malaria-negative group, whereas 61 (95.3%, n = 70) belonged to the malaria-positive group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Mukala
- School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya.
| | - Dominic Mogere
- School of Public Health, Mount Kenya University, P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika, Kenya
| | - Peter Kirira
- School of Applied Sciences, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Bernard N Kanoi
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | | | - Francis Kobia
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Harrison Waweru
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
| | - Jesse Gitaka
- Directorate of Research and Innovation, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
- Centre for Malaria Elimination, Mount Kenya University, Thika, Kenya
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Mtove G, Chico RM, Madanitsa M, Barsosio HC, Msemo OA, Saidi Q, Gore-Langton GR, Minja DTR, Mukerebe C, Gesase S, Mwapasa V, Phiri KS, Hansson H, Dodd J, Magnussen P, Kavishe RA, Mosha F, Kariuki S, Lusingu JPA, Gutman JR, Alifrangis M, Ter Kuile FO, Schmiegelow C. Fetal growth and birth weight are independently reduced by malaria infection and curable sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections in Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi: A pregnancy cohort study. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 135:28-40. [PMID: 37516425 PMCID: PMC10878282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Malaria and sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections (STIs/RTIs) are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. We investigated the individual and combined effects of malaria and curable STIs/RTIs on fetal growth in Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi. METHODS This study was nested within a randomized trial comparing monthly intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine vs dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, alone or combined with azithromycin. Fetal weight gain was assessed by serial prenatal ultrasound. Malaria was assessed monthly, and Treponema pallidum, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and bacterial vaginosis at enrollment and in the third trimester. The effect of malaria and STIs/RTIs on fetal weight/birthweight Z-scores was evaluated using mixed-effects linear regression. RESULTS In total, 1435 pregnant women had fetal/birth weight assessed 3950 times. Compared to women without malaria or STIs/RTIs (n = 399), malaria-only (n = 267), STIs/RTIs only (n = 410) or both (n = 353) were associated with reduced fetal growth (adjusted mean difference in fetal/birth weight Z-score [95% confidence interval]: malaria = -0.18 [-0.31,-0.04], P = 0.01; STIs/RTIs = -0.14 [-0.26,-0.03], P = 0.01; both = -0.20 [-0.33,-0.07], P = 0.003). Paucigravidae experienced the greatest impact. CONCLUSION Malaria and STIs/RTIs are associated with poor fetal growth especially among paucigravidae women with dual infections. Integrated antenatal interventions are needed to reduce the burden of both malaria and STIs/RTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mtove
- National Institute for Medical Research, Department of Research Program, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | - R Matthew Chico
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Department of Disease Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mwayiwawo Madanitsa
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, School of Global and Public Health, Malawi; Malawi University of Science and Technology, Academy of Medical Sciences, Limbe, Malawi
| | - Hellen C Barsosio
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Omari Abdul Msemo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Department of Research Program, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Queen Saidi
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Georgia R Gore-Langton
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Department of Disease Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel T R Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research, Department of Research Program, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Crispin Mukerebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Department of Research Program, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Samwel Gesase
- National Institute for Medical Research, Department of Research Program, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, School of Global and Public Health, Malawi
| | - Kamija S Phiri
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, School of Global and Public Health, Malawi
| | - Helle Hansson
- University of Copenhagen, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - James Dodd
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- University of Copenhagen, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Reginald A Kavishe
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Franklin Mosha
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John P A Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Department of Research Program, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Atlanta, United States of America
| | - Michael Alifrangis
- University of Copenhagen, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Christentze Schmiegelow
- University of Copenhagen, Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Saito M, McGready R, Tinto H, Rouamba T, Mosha D, Rulisa S, Kariuki S, Desai M, Manyando C, Njunju EM, Sevene E, Vala A, Augusto O, Clerk C, Were E, Mrema S, Kisinza W, Byamugisha J, Kagawa M, Singlovic J, Yore M, van Eijk AM, Mehta U, Stergachis A, Hill J, Stepniewska K, Gomes M, Guérin PJ, Nosten F, Ter Kuile FO, Dellicour S. Pregnancy outcomes after first-trimester treatment with artemisinin derivatives versus non-artemisinin antimalarials: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Lancet 2023; 401:118-130. [PMID: 36442488 PMCID: PMC9874756 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01881-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are a highly effective, first-line treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, except in the first trimester of pregnancy, when quinine with clindamycin is recommended due to concerns about the potential embryotoxicity of artemisinins. We compared adverse pregnancy outcomes after artemisinin-based treatment (ABT) versus non-ABTs in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS For this systematic review and individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Malaria in Pregnancy Library for prospective cohort studies published between Nov 1, 2015, and Dec 21, 2021, containing data on outcomes of pregnancies exposed to ABT and non-ABT in the first trimester. The results of this search were added to those of a previous systematic review that included publications published up until November, 2015. We included pregnancies enrolled before the pregnancy outcome was known. We excluded pregnancies with missing estimated gestational age or exposure information, multiple gestation pregnancies, and if the fetus was confirmed to be unviable before antimalarial treatment. The primary endpoint was adverse pregnancy outcome, defined as a composite of either miscarriage, stillbirth, or major congenital anomalies. A one-stage IPD meta-analysis was done by use of shared-frailty Cox models. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42015032371. FINDINGS We identified seven eligible studies that included 12 cohorts. All 12 cohorts contributed IPD, including 34 178 pregnancies, 737 with confirmed first-trimester exposure to ABTs and 1076 with confirmed first-trimester exposure to non-ABTs. Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 42 (5·7%) of 736 ABT-exposed pregnancies compared with 96 (8·9%) of 1074 non-ABT-exposed pregnancies in the first trimester (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0·71, 95% CI 0·49-1·03). Similar results were seen for the individual components of miscarriage (aHR=0·74, 0·47-1·17), stillbirth (aHR=0·71, 0·32-1·57), and major congenital anomalies (aHR=0·60, 0·13-2·87). The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes was lower with artemether-lumefantrine than with oral quinine in the first trimester of pregnancy (25 [4·8%] of 524 vs 84 [9·2%] of 915; aHR 0·58, 0·36-0·92). INTERPRETATION We found no evidence of embryotoxicity or teratogenicity based on the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or major congenital anomalies associated with ABT during the first trimester of pregnancy. Given that treatment with artemether-lumefantrine was associated with fewer adverse pregnancy outcomes than quinine, and because of the known superior tolerability and antimalarial effectiveness of ACTs, artemether-lumefantrine should be considered the preferred treatment for uncomplicated P falciparum malaria in the first trimester. If artemether-lumefantrine is unavailable, other ACTs (except artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine) should be preferred to quinine. Continued active pharmacovigilance is warranted. FUNDING Medicines for Malaria Venture, WHO, and the Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rose McGready
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Toussaint Rouamba
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Stephen Rulisa
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meghna Desai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Eric M Njunju
- Department of Basic Sciences, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
| | - Esperanca Sevene
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique; Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Anifa Vala
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Orvalho Augusto
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | | | - Edwin Were
- Department of Reproductive Health, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - William Kisinza
- National Institute of Medical Research, Amani Medical Research Centre, Muheza, Tanzania
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mike Kagawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Mackensie Yore
- VA Los Angeles and University of California, Los Angeles National Clinician Scholars Program, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Health Services Research and Development Service Center of Innovation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna Maria van Eijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ushma Mehta
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, and Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Melba Gomes
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Philippe J Guérin
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, UK; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Francois Nosten
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network, Oxford, UK; Infectious Diseases Data Observatory, Oxford, UK; Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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Mtove G, Minja DTR, Abdul O, Gesase S, Maleta K, Divala TH, Patson N, Ashorn U, Laufer MK, Madanitsa M, Ashorn P, Mathanga D, Chinkhumba J, Gutman JR, Ter Kuile FO, Møller SL, Bygbjerg IC, Alifrangis M, Theander T, Lusingu JPA, Schmiegelow C. The choice of reference chart affects the strength of the association between malaria in pregnancy and small for gestational age: an individual participant data meta-analysis comparing the Intergrowth-21 with a Tanzanian birthweight chart. Malar J 2022; 21:292. [PMID: 36224585 PMCID: PMC9559842 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04307-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of small for gestational age (SGA) may vary depending on the chosen weight-for-gestational-age reference chart. An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted to assess the implications of using a local reference (STOPPAM) instead of a universal reference (Intergrowth-21) on the association between malaria in pregnancy and SGA. METHODS Individual participant data of 6,236 newborns were pooled from seven conveniently identified studies conducted in Tanzania and Malawi from 2003-2018 with data on malaria in pregnancy, birthweight, and ultrasound estimated gestational age. Mixed-effects regression models were used to compare the association between malaria in pregnancy and SGA when using the STOPPAM and the Intergrowth-21 references, respectively. RESULTS The 10th percentile for birthweights-for-gestational age was lower for STOPPAM than for Intergrowth-21, leading to a prevalence of SGASTOPPAM of 14.2% and SGAIG21 of 18.0%, p < 0.001. The association between malaria in pregnancy and SGA was stronger for STOPPAM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.30 [1.09-1.56], p < 0.01) than for Intergrowth-21 (aOR 1.19 [1.00-1.40], p = 0.04), particularly among paucigravidae (SGASTOPPAM aOR 1.36 [1.09-1.71], p < 0.01 vs SGAIG21 aOR 1.21 [0.97-1.50], p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of SGA may be overestimated and the impact of malaria in pregnancy underestimated when using Intergrowth-21. Comparing local reference charts to global references when assessing and interpreting the impact of malaria in pregnancy may be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mtove
- Tanga Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box, 210, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | - Daniel T R Minja
- Tanga Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box, 210, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Omari Abdul
- Tanga Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box, 210, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Samwel Gesase
- Tanga Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box, 210, Tanga, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Noel Patson
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Ulla Ashorn
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Research, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | | | | | - Per Ashorn
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Paediatrics, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Don Mathanga
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, US Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sofie Lykke Møller
- Section of Global Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ib C Bygbjerg
- Section of Global Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Alifrangis
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thor Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John P A Lusingu
- Tanga Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box, 210, Tanga, Tanzania
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christentze Schmiegelow
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
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Leuba SI, Westreich D, Bose CL, Powers KA, Olshan A, Taylor SM, Tshefu A, Lokangaka A, Carlo WA, Chomba E, Liechty EA, Bucher SL, Esamai F, Jessani S, Saleem S, Goldenberg RL, Moore J, Nolen T, Hemingway-Foday J, McClure EM, Koso-Thomas M, Derman RJ, Hoffman M, Bauserman M. Predictors of Plasmodium falciparum Infection in the First Trimester Among Nulliparous Women From Kenya, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:2002-2010. [PMID: 34888658 PMCID: PMC9159331 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria can have deleterious effects early in pregnancy, during placentation. However, malaria testing and treatment are rarely initiated until the second trimester, leaving pregnancies unprotected in the first trimester. To inform potential early intervention approaches, we sought to identify clinical and demographic predictors of first-trimester malaria. METHODS We prospectively recruited women from sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, and Zambia who participated in the ASPIRIN (Aspirin Supplementation for Pregnancy Indicated risk Reduction In Nulliparas) trial. Nulliparous women were tested for first-trimester Plasmodium falciparum infection by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We evaluated predictors using descriptive statistics. RESULTS First-trimester malaria prevalence among 1513 nulliparous pregnant women was 6.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7%-8.8%] in the Zambian site, 37.8% (95% CI, 34.2%-41.5%) in the Kenyan site, and 62.9% (95% CI, 58.6%-67.2%) in the DRC site. First-trimester malaria was associated with shorter height and younger age in Kenyan women in site-stratified analyses, and with lower educational attainment in analyses combining all 3 sites. No other predictors were identified. CONCLUSIONS First-trimester malaria prevalence varied by study site in sub-Saharan Africa. The absence of consistent predictors suggests that routine parasite screening in early pregnancy may be needed to mitigate first-trimester malaria in high-prevalence settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sequoia I Leuba
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel Westreich
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carl L Bose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kimberly A Powers
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andy Olshan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steve M Taylor
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antoinette Tshefu
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Adrien Lokangaka
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | | | - Edward A Liechty
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Sherri L Bucher
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Fabian Esamai
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Saleem Jessani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sarah Saleem
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Robert L Goldenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Janet Moore
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tracy Nolen
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Hemingway-Foday
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth M McClure
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marion Koso-Thomas
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Matthew Hoffman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Care, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Melissa Bauserman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Kobia FM, Maiti K, Obimbo MM, Smith R, Gitaka J. Potential pharmacologic interventions targeting TLR signaling in placental malaria. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:513-524. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Vincenz C, Dolo Z, Saye S, Lovett JL, Strassmann BI. Risk factors for placental malaria, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine doses, and birth outcomes in a rural to urban prospective cohort study on the Bandiagara Escarpment and Bamako, Mali. Malar J 2022; 21:110. [PMID: 35361195 PMCID: PMC8974163 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in Mali remains a primary cause of morbidity and mortality, with women at high risk during pregnancy for placental malaria (PM). Risk for PM and its association with birth outcomes was evaluated in a rural to urban longitudinal cohort on the Bandiagara Escarpment and the District of Bamako. METHODS Placental samples (N = 317) were collected from 249 mothers who were participants in a prospective cohort study directed by BIS in the years 2011 to 2019. A placental pathologist and research assistant evaluated the samples by histology in blinded fashion to assess PM infection stage and parasite density. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to model the odds of PM infection. RESULTS In a multivariable model, pregnancies in Bamako, beyond secondary education, births in the rainy season (instead of the hot dry season), and births to women who had ≥ 3 doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) instead of no doses were associated with reduced odds of experiencing PM (active and past infections combined). Births in later years of the study were strongly associated with reduced odds of PM. Maternal age, which was positively associated with offspring year of birth, was significant as a predictor of PM only if offspring year of birth was omitted from the model. Gravidity was positively associated with both maternal age and offspring year of birth such that if either variable was included in the model, then gravidity was no longer significant. However, if maternal age or year of offspring birth were not adjusted for, then the odds of PM were nearly two-fold higher in primigravida compared to multigravida. Birth outcomes improved (+ 285 g birth weight, + 2 cm birth length, + 75 g placental weight) for women who had ≥ 3 doses of SP compared to no doses, but no difference was detected in birth weight or length for women who had 2 instead of ≥ 3 SP doses. However, at 2 instead of ≥ 3 doses placentas were 36 g lighter and the odds of low birth weight (< 2500 g) were 14% higher. Severe parasite densities (> 10% erythrocytes infected) were significantly associated with decreases in birth weight, birth length, and placental weight, as were chronic PM infections. The women who received no SP during pregnancy (7% of the study total) were younger and lacked primary school education. The women who received ≥ 3 doses of SP came from more affluent families. CONCLUSIONS Women who received no doses of SP during pregnancy experienced the most disadvantageous birth outcomes in both Bamako and on the Bandiagara Escarpment. Such women tended to be younger and to have had no primary school education. Targeting such women for antenatal care, which is the setting in which SP is most commonly administered in Mali, will have a more positive impact on public health than focusing on the increment from two to three doses of SP, although that increment is also desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Vincenz
- Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zachary Dolo
- Independent Investigator, Bandiagara Cercle, Mali
| | - Serou Saye
- Independent Investigator, Bandiagara Cercle, Mali
| | - Jennie L Lovett
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Beverly I Strassmann
- Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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8
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OUP accepted manuscript. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:1777-1785. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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9
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Simon N, Shallat J, Houck J, Jagannathan P, Prahl M, Muhindo MK, Kakuru A, Olwoch P, Feeney ME, Harrington WE. Peripheral Plasmodium falciparum Infection in Early Pregnancy Is Associated With Increased Maternal Microchimerism in the Offspring. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:2105-2112. [PMID: 34010401 PMCID: PMC8672744 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental malaria has been associated with increased cord blood maternal microchimerism (MMc), which in turn may affect susceptibility to malaria in the offspring. We sought to determine the impact of maternal peripheral Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia during pregnancy on MMc and to determine whether maternal cells expand during primary parasitemia in the offspring. METHODS We conducted a nested cohort study of maternal-infant pairs from a prior pregnancy malaria chemoprevention study. Maternal microchimerism was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting a maternal-specific marker in genomic DNA from cord blood, first P falciparum parasitemia, and preparasitemia. Logistic and negative binomial regression were used to assess the impact of maternal peripheral parasitemia, symptomatic malaria, and placental malaria on cord blood MMc. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess predictors of MMc during infancy. RESULTS Early maternal parasitemia was associated with increased detection of cord blood MMc (adjusted odds ratio = 3.91, P = .03), whereas late parasitemia, symptomatic malaria, and placental malaria were not. The first parasitemia episode in the infant was not associated with increased MMc relative to preparasitemia. CONCLUSIONS Maternal parasitemia early in pregnancy may increase the amount of MMc acquired by the fetus. Future work should investigate the impact of this MMc on immune responses in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Simon
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jaclyn Shallat
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John Houck
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Mary Prahl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mary K Muhindo
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Olwoch
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Margaret E Feeney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Whitney E Harrington
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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10
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Afucosylated Plasmodium falciparum-specific IgG is induced by infection but not by subunit vaccination. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5838. [PMID: 34611164 PMCID: PMC8492741 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26118-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family members mediate receptor- and tissue-specific sequestration of infected erythrocytes (IEs) in malaria. Antibody responses are a central component of naturally acquired malaria immunity. PfEMP1-specific IgG likely protects by inhibiting IE sequestration and through IgG-Fc Receptor (FcγR) mediated phagocytosis and killing of antibody-opsonized IEs. The affinity of afucosylated IgG to FcγRIIIa is up to 40-fold higher than fucosylated IgG, resulting in enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Most IgG in plasma is fully fucosylated, but afucosylated IgG is elicited in response to enveloped viruses and to paternal alloantigens during pregnancy. Here we show that naturally acquired PfEMP1-specific IgG is strongly afucosylated in a stable and exposure-dependent manner, and efficiently induces FcγRIIIa-dependent natural killer (NK) cell degranulation. In contrast, immunization with a subunit PfEMP1 (VAR2CSA) vaccine results in fully fucosylated specific IgG. These results have implications for understanding protective natural- and vaccine-induced immunity to malaria. Here, Larsen et al. describe differences in Fc fucosylation of P. falciparum PfEMP1-specific IgG produced in response to natural infection versus VAR2CSA-type subunit vaccination, which leads to differences in the ability to induce FcγRIIIa-dependent natural killer cell degranulation.
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11
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Larsen MD, Lopez-Perez M, Dickson EK, Ampomah P, Tuikue Ndam N, Nouta J, Koeleman CAM, Ederveen ALH, Mordmüller B, Salanti A, Nielsen MA, Massougbodji A, van der Schoot CE, Ofori MF, Wuhrer M, Hviid L, Vidarsson G. Afucosylated Plasmodium falciparum-specific IgG is induced by infection but not by subunit vaccination. Nat Commun 2021. [PMID: 34611164 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.23.441082v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family members mediate receptor- and tissue-specific sequestration of infected erythrocytes (IEs) in malaria. Antibody responses are a central component of naturally acquired malaria immunity. PfEMP1-specific IgG likely protects by inhibiting IE sequestration and through IgG-Fc Receptor (FcγR) mediated phagocytosis and killing of antibody-opsonized IEs. The affinity of afucosylated IgG to FcγRIIIa is up to 40-fold higher than fucosylated IgG, resulting in enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Most IgG in plasma is fully fucosylated, but afucosylated IgG is elicited in response to enveloped viruses and to paternal alloantigens during pregnancy. Here we show that naturally acquired PfEMP1-specific IgG is strongly afucosylated in a stable and exposure-dependent manner, and efficiently induces FcγRIIIa-dependent natural killer (NK) cell degranulation. In contrast, immunization with a subunit PfEMP1 (VAR2CSA) vaccine results in fully fucosylated specific IgG. These results have implications for understanding protective natural- and vaccine-induced immunity to malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Delbo Larsen
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mary Lopez-Perez
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emmanuel Kakra Dickson
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Paulina Ampomah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Jan Nouta
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien A M Koeleman
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Agertoug Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Achille Massougbodji
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Godomey, Benin
| | - C Ellen van der Schoot
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael F Ofori
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Gestur Vidarsson
- Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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12
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Jafari-Guemouri S, Courtois L, Mama A, Rouas B, Neto Braga G, Accrombessi M, Massougbodji A, Ding XC, Tuikue Ndam N, Fievet N, Briand V. A Genotyping Study in Benin Comparing the Carriage of Plasmodium falciparum Infections Before Pregnancy and in Early Pregnancy: Story of a Persistent Infection. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e355-e361. [PMID: 32569359 PMCID: PMC8282262 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria infections in the first trimester of pregnancy are frequent and deleterious for both mother and child health. To investigate if these early infections are newly acquired or already present in the host, we assessed whether parasites detected before pregnancy and those detected in early pregnancy are the same infection. Methods We used data from the preconceptional “RECIPAL” study (Benin, 2014–2017). Sixty-three pregnant women of 411 included who had a malaria infection detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction both before pregnancy and at the first antenatal care (ANC) visit were selected for this study. Two highly polymorphic markers, msp-2 and glurp, and a fragment-analysis method were used to enumerate the Plasmodium falciparum genotypes and to quantify their proportions within isolates. An infection was considered as persistent when identical msp-2 and glurp genotypes were found in the corresponding prepregnancy and early-pregnancy samples. Results The median time between the 2 malaria screenings was 3 months. The median gestational age at the first ANC visit was 6.4 weeks. Most infections before pregnancy were submicroscopic infections. Based on both msp-2 and glurp genotyping, the infection was similar before and in early pregnancy in 46% (29/63) of cases. Conclusions Almost half of P. falciparum infections detected in the first trimester originate before pregnancy. Protecting young women from malaria infection before pregnancy might reduce the prevalence of malaria in early pregnancy and its related poor maternal and birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayeh Jafari-Guemouri
- Université de Paris, UMR261-MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Laura Courtois
- Université de Paris, UMR261-MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Atika Mama
- Clinical Research Institute of Benin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Baptiste Rouas
- Université de Paris, UMR261-MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Gabriel Neto Braga
- Université de Paris, UMR261-MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Manfred Accrombessi
- Clinical Research Institute of Benin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin.,Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Université de Paris, UMR261-MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Nadine Fievet
- Université de Paris, UMR261-MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Briand
- Université de Paris, UMR261-MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France.,University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Inserm, University of Bordeaux, UMR, Bordeaux, France
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13
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TLR4-Endothelin Axis Controls Syncytiotrophoblast Motility and Confers Fetal Protection in Placental Malaria. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0080920. [PMID: 34061587 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00809-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy-associated malaria is often associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Placental circulatory impairments are an intriguing and unsolved component of malaria pathophysiology. Here, we uncovered a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-TRIF-endothelin axis that controls trophoblast motility and is linked to fetal protection during Plasmodium infection. In a cohort of 401 pregnancies from northern Brazil, we found that infection during pregnancy reduced expression of endothelin receptor B in syncytiotrophoblasts, while endothelin expression was only affected during acute infection. We further show that quantitative expression of placental endothelin and endothelin receptor B proteins are differentially controlled by maternal and fetal TLR4 alleles. Using murine malaria models, we identified placental autonomous responses to malaria infection mediated by fetally encoded TLR4 that not only controlled placental endothelin gene expression but also correlated with fetal viability protection. In vitro assays showed that control of endothelin expression in fetal syncytiotrophoblasts exposed to Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes was dependent on TLR4 via the TRIF pathway but not MyD88 signaling. Time-lapse microscopy in syncytiotrophoblast primary cultures and cell invasion assays demonstrated that ablation of TLR4 or endothelin receptor blockade abrogates trophoblast collective motility and cell migration responses to infected erythrocytes. These results cohesively substantiate the hypothesis that fetal innate immune sensing, namely, the TRL4-TRIF pathway, exerts a fetal protective role during malaria infection by mediating syncytiotrophoblast vasoregulatory responses that counteract placental insufficiency.
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14
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Heng S, O'Meara WP, Simmons RA, Small DS. Relationship between changing malaria burden and low birth weight in sub-Saharan Africa: A difference-in-differences study via a pair-of-pairs approach. eLife 2021; 10:e65133. [PMID: 34259625 PMCID: PMC8279759 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2018, an estimated 228 million malaria cases occurred worldwide with most cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Scale-up of vector control tools coupled with increased access to diagnosis and effective treatment has resulted in a large decline in malaria prevalence in some areas, but other areas have seen little change. Although interventional studies demonstrate that preventing malaria during pregnancy can reduce the rate of low birth weight (i.e. child's birth weight <2500 g), it remains unknown whether natural changes in parasite transmission and malaria burden can improve birth outcomes. Methods We conducted an observational study of the effect of changing malaria burden on low birth weight using data from 18,112 births in 19 countries in sub-Saharan African countries during the years 2000-2015. Specifically, we conducted a difference-in-differences study via a pair-of-pairs matching approach using the fact that some sub-Saharan areas experienced sharp drops in malaria prevalence and some experienced little change. Results A malaria prevalence decline from a high rate (Plasmodium falciparum parasite rate in children aged 2-up-to-10 (i.e. PfPR2-10) > 0.4) to a low rate (PfPR2-10 < 0.2) is estimated to reduce the rate of low birth weight by 1.48 percentage points (95% confidence interval: 3.70 percentage points reduction, 0.74 percentage points increase), which is a 17% reduction in the low birth weight rate compared to the average (8.6%) in our study population with observed birth weight records (1.48/8.6 ≈ 17%). When focusing on first pregnancies, a decline in malaria prevalence from high to low is estimated to have a greater impact on the low birth weight rate than for all births: 3.73 percentage points (95% confidence interval: 9.11 percentage points reduction, 1.64 percentage points increase). Conclusions Although the confidence intervals cannot rule out the possibility of no effect at the 95% confidence level, the concurrence between our primary analysis, secondary analyses, and sensitivity analyses, and the magnitude of the effect size, contribute to the weight of the evidence suggesting that declining malaria burden can potentially substantially reduce the low birth weight rate at the community level in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among firstborns. The novel statistical methodology developed in this article-a pair-of-pairs approach to a difference-in-differences study-could be useful for many settings in which different units are observed at different times. Funding Ryan A. Simmons is supported by National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (UL1TR002553). The funder had no role in study design, data collection and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Heng
- Graduate Group in Applied Mathematics and Computational Science, School of Arts and Sciences, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
- Department of Statistics, The Wharton School, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Wendy P O'Meara
- Global Health Institute, School of Medicine, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Ryan A Simmons
- Global Health Institute, School of Medicine, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, School of Medicine, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Dylan S Small
- Department of Statistics, The Wharton School, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaUnited States
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15
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Harrington WE, Moore KA, Min AM, Gilder ME, Tun NW, Paw MK, Wiladphaingern J, Proux S, Chotivanich K, Rijken MJ, White NJ, Nosten F, McGready R. Falciparum but not vivax malaria increases the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in women followed prospectively from the first trimester. BMC Med 2021; 19:98. [PMID: 33902567 PMCID: PMC8077872 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-01960-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDoP) affect millions of pregnancies worldwide, particularly those of young, first-time mothers. Small case-control studies suggest a positive association between falciparum malaria and risk of pre-eclampsia but large prospective analyses are lacking. METHODS We characterized the relationship between malaria in pregnancy and the development of HDoP in a large, prospectively followed cohort. Pregnant women living along the Thailand-Myanmar border, an area of low seasonal malaria transmission, were followed at antenatal clinics between 1986 and 2016. The relationships between falciparum and vivax malaria during pregnancy and the odds of gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, or eclampsia were examined using logistic regression amongst all women and then stratified by gravidity. RESULTS There were 23,262 singleton pregnancies in women who presented during the first trimester and were followed fortnightly. Falciparum malaria was associated with gestational hypertension amongst multigravidae (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.59, 95%CI 1.59-4.23), whereas amongst primigravidae, it was associated with the combined outcome of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (AOR 2.61, 95%CI 1.01-6.79). In contrast, there was no association between vivax malaria and HDoP. CONCLUSIONS Falciparum but not vivax malaria during pregnancy is associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney E Harrington
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kerryn A Moore
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aung Myat Min
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Nay Win Tun
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Moo Kho Paw
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Jacher Wiladphaingern
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Stephane Proux
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | | | - Marcus J Rijken
- Utrecht University Medical Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Julius Centre Global Health, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicholas J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK.
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Hounkonnou CPA, Briand V, Fievet N, Accrombessi M, Yovo E, Mama A, Sossou D, Vianou B, Massougbodji A, Ndam NT, Cot M, Cottrell G. Dynamics of Submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum Infections Throughout Pregnancy: A Preconception Cohort Study in Benin. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:166-174. [PMID: 32215629 PMCID: PMC7312237 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of global malaria elimination efforts, special attention is being paid to submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections. In pregnant, sub-Saharan African women, such infections are more prevalent than microscopic infections, and are thought to have adverse effects on both mothers' and newborns' health. However, no study has studied the dynamics and determinants of these infections throughout pregnancy. Retard de Croissance Intra-uterin et Paludisme (RECIPAL), a preconception cohort study carried out in Benin between 2014 and 2017, represented a unique opportunity to assess this issue. METHODS We used data from 273 pregnant Beninese women who were followed-up from preconception to delivery. We studied the dynamics of and factors influencing submicroscopic (and microscopic) P. falciparum infections during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy, using an ordinal logistic mixed model. RESULTS The incidence rate of submicroscopic P. falciparum infections during pregnancy was 12.7 per 100 person-months (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.8-14.9), compared to 6.7 per 100 person-months (95% CI 5.5-8.1) for microscopic infections. The prevalences were highest in the first trimester for both submicroscopic and microscopic infections. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, we found that those of young age and those with a submicroscopic P. falciparum infection prior to pregnancy were at significantly higher risks of submicroscopic and microscopic infections throughout pregnancy, with a more pronounced effect in the first trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The first trimester of pregnancy is a particularly high-risk period for P. falciparum infection during pregnancy, especially for the youngest women. Malaria prevention tools covering the preconception period and early pregnancy are urgently needed to better protect pregnant women and their newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornélia P A Hounkonnou
- Université de Paris, Mère et enfant en milieu tropical: pathogènes, système de santé et transition épidémiologique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie-Curie, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Briand
- Université de Paris, Mère et enfant en milieu tropical: pathogènes, système de santé et transition épidémiologique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Nadine Fievet
- Université de Paris, Mère et enfant en milieu tropical: pathogènes, système de santé et transition épidémiologique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | | | - Emmanuel Yovo
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Atikatou Mama
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Darius Sossou
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Bertin Vianou
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Achille Massougbodji
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Université de Paris, Mère et enfant en milieu tropical: pathogènes, système de santé et transition épidémiologique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Michel Cot
- Université de Paris, Mère et enfant en milieu tropical: pathogènes, système de santé et transition épidémiologique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Cottrell
- Université de Paris, Mère et enfant en milieu tropical: pathogènes, système de santé et transition épidémiologique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Paris, France.,Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance (CERPAGE), Cotonou, Bénin
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17
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Hansson H, Minja DTR, Moeller SL, Lusingu JPA, Bygbjerg IC, Yde AM, Jensen RW, Nag S, Msemo OA, Theander TG, Alifrangis M, Schmiegelow C. Reduced birth weight caused by sextuple drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum infection in early 2nd trimester. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1605-1613. [PMID: 33684211 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum genes Pfdhfr and Pfdhps, particularly the sextuple mutant haplotype threatens the antimalarial effectiveness of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine as intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp). To explore the impact of sextuple mutant haplotype infections on outcome measures after provision of IPTp-SP, we monitored birth outcomes in women followed from prior to conception or from the first trimester until delivery. Women infected with sextuple haplotypes in early 2 nd trimester specifically, delivered newborns with a lower birth weight (-267g, 95% CI -454; -59, p=0·01) compared to women who did not have malaria during pregnancy and women infected with less SP resistant haplotypes (-461g, 95% CI -877; -44, p=0·03). Thus, sextuple haplotype infections seems to impact the effectiveness of SP for IPTp and directly impact birth outcome by lowering birth weight. Close monitoring and targeted malaria control during early pregnancy is therefore crucial to improve birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Hansson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Daniel T R Minja
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Bombo Area, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Sofie L Moeller
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - John P A Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Bombo Area, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Ib C Bygbjerg
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Anna-Mathilde Yde
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Rasmus W Jensen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Sidsel Nag
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Omari A Msemo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Bombo Area, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Thor G Theander
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Michael Alifrangis
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Christentze Schmiegelow
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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18
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Saito M, Briand V, Min AM, McGready R. Deleterious effects of malaria in pregnancy on the developing fetus: a review on prevention and treatment with antimalarial drugs. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 4:761-774. [PMID: 32946830 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
All malaria infections are harmful to both the pregnant mother and the developing fetus. One in ten maternal deaths in malaria endemic countries are estimated to result from Plasmodium falciparum infection. Malaria is associated with a 3-4 times increased risk of miscarriage and a substantially increased risk of stillbirth. Current treatment and prevention strategies reduce, but do not eliminate, malaria's damaging effects on pregnancy outcomes. Reviewing evidence generated from meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and observational data, the first paper in this Series aims to summarise the adverse effects of malaria in pregnancy on the fetus and how the current drug treatment and prevention strategies can alleviate these effects. Although evidence supports the safety and treatment efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies in the first trimester, these therapies have not been recommended by WHO for the treatment of malaria at this stage of pregnancy. Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is contraindicated in the first trimester and provides imperfect chemoprevention because of inadequate dosing, poor (few and late) antenatal clinic attendance, increasing antimalarial drug resistance, and decreasing naturally acquired maternal immunity due to the decreased incidence of malaria. Alternative strategies to prevent malaria in pregnancy are needed. The prevention of all malaria infections by providing sustained exposure to effective concentrations of antimalarial drugs is key to reducing the adverse effects of malaria in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Valérie Briand
- Infectious Diseases in Lower Income Countries, Research Institute for Sustainable Development, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Aung Myat Min
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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19
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Accrombessi M, Yovo E, Fievet N, Cottrell G, Agbota G, Gartner A, Martin-Prevel Y, Vianou B, Sossou D, Fanou-Fogny N, Djossinou D, Massougbodji A, Cot M, Briand V. Effects of Malaria in the First Trimester of Pregnancy on Poor Maternal and Birth Outcomes in Benin. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:1385-1393. [PMID: 30561538 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria in the first half of pregnancy is harmful for both the mother and her fetus. However, malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy, when women are usually not protected against malaria, has been little investigated. For the first time, we assessed the effects of malaria in the first trimester on maternal and birth outcomes using a preconceptional study design. METHODS From June 2014 to March 2017, 1214 women of reproductive age were recruited and followed monthly until 411 became pregnant. The pregnant women were then followed from 5-6 weeks of gestation until delivery. Path analysis was used to assess the direct effect (ie, not mediated by malaria in the second or third trimester) of malaria in the first trimester on maternal anemia and poor birth outcomes. The cumulative effect of infections during pregnancy on the same outcomes was also evaluated. RESULTS The prevalence of malaria infections in the first trimester was 21.8%. Malaria in the first trimester was significantly associated with maternal anemia in the third trimester (adjusted odds ratio 2.25, 95% confidence interval 1.11-4.55). While we did not find evidence of any direct effect of first trimester malaria infections on birth outcomes, their association with infections later in pregnancy tended to increase the risk of low birth weights. CONCLUSIONS Malaria infections in the first trimester were highly prevalent and have deleterious effects on maternal anemia. They highlight the need for additional preventive measures, starting in early pregnancy or even before conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Accrombessi
- Joint Research Unit 216, Mothers and Children Facing Tropical Infections (MERIT), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France.,Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Emmanuel Yovo
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Nadine Fievet
- Joint Research Unit 216, Mothers and Children Facing Tropical Infections (MERIT), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Gilles Cottrell
- Joint Research Unit 216, Mothers and Children Facing Tropical Infections (MERIT), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Gino Agbota
- Joint Research Unit 216, Mothers and Children Facing Tropical Infections (MERIT), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France.,Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Agnès Gartner
- UJoint Research Unit 204, Nutrition and Food of the Populations in the South (NUTRIPASS), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université de Montpellier, SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Yves Martin-Prevel
- UJoint Research Unit 204, Nutrition and Food of the Populations in the South (NUTRIPASS), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université de Montpellier, SupAgro, Montpellier, France
| | - Bertin Vianou
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Darius Sossou
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Nadia Fanou-Fogny
- Ecole de Nutrition et des Sciences et Technologies Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Diane Djossinou
- UJoint Research Unit 204, Nutrition and Food of the Populations in the South (NUTRIPASS), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université de Montpellier, SupAgro, Montpellier, France.,Ecole de Nutrition et des Sciences et Technologies Alimentaires, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Achille Massougbodji
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche sur le Paludisme Associé à la Grossesse et à l'Enfance, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Michel Cot
- Joint Research Unit 216, Mothers and Children Facing Tropical Infections (MERIT), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Valérie Briand
- Joint Research Unit 216, Mothers and Children Facing Tropical Infections (MERIT), French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
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20
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Mordmüller B, Sulyok M, Egger-Adam D, Resende M, de Jongh WA, Jensen MH, Smedegaard HH, Ditlev SB, Soegaard M, Poulsen L, Dyring C, Calle CL, Knoblich A, Ibáñez J, Esen M, Deloron P, Ndam N, Issifou S, Houard S, Howard RF, Reed SG, Leroy O, Luty AJF, Theander TG, Kremsner PG, Salanti A, Nielsen MA. First-in-human, Randomized, Double-blind Clinical Trial of Differentially Adjuvanted PAMVAC, A Vaccine Candidate to Prevent Pregnancy-associated Malaria. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:1509-1516. [PMID: 30629148 PMCID: PMC6792113 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy has major impacts on mother and child health. To complement existing interventions, such as intermittent preventive treatment and use of impregnated bed nets, we developed a malaria vaccine candidate with the aim of reducing sequestration of asexual "blood-stage" parasites in the placenta, the major virulence mechanism. METHODS The vaccine candidate PAMVAC is based on a recombinant fragment of VAR2CSA, the Plasmodium falciparum protein responsible for binding to the placenta via chondroitin sulfate A (CSA). Healthy, adult malaria-naive volunteers were immunized with 3 intramuscular injections of 20 μg (n = 9) or 50 μg (n = 27) PAMVAC, adjuvanted with Alhydrogel or glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant in stable emulsion (GLA-SE) or in a liposomal formulation with QS21 (GLA-LSQ). Allocation was random and double blind. The vaccine was given every 4 weeks. Volunteers were observed for 6 months following last immunization. RESULTS All PAMVAC formulations were safe and well tolerated. A total of 262 adverse events (AEs) occurred, 94 (10 grade 2 and 2 grade 3) at least possibly related to the vaccine. No serious AEs occurred. Distribution and severity of AEs were similar in all arms. PAMVAC was immunogenic in all participants. PAMVAC-specific antibody levels were highest with PAMVAC-GLA-SE. The antibodies inhibited binding of VAR2CSA expressing P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes to CSA in a standardized functional assay. CONCLUSIONS PAMVAC formulated with Alhydrogel or GLA-based adjuvants was safe, well tolerated, and induced functionally active antibodies. Next, PAMVAC will be assessed in women before first pregnancies in an endemic area. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION EudraCT 2015-001827-21; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02647489.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Mordmüller
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Mihály Sulyok
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Diane Egger-Adam
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Mafalda Resende
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | | | - Mette H Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - Helle Holm Smedegaard
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - Sisse B Ditlev
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | | | | | | | - Carlos Lamsfus Calle
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Annette Knoblich
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Javier Ibáñez
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany
| | - Meral Esen
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Philippe Deloron
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Nicaise Ndam
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Saadou Issifou
- Fondation pour la Recherche Scientifique and Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Cotonou
| | | | | | - Steven G Reed
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Odile Leroy
- European Vaccine Initiative, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian J F Luty
- Mère et Enfant face aux Infections Tropicales, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université Paris 5, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institut für Tropenmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung, Germany.,Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Gabon
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
| | - Morten A Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital
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21
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Moeller SL, Nyengaard JR, Larsen LG, Nielsen K, Bygbjerg IC, Msemo OA, Lusingu JPA, Minja DTR, Theander TG, Schmiegelow C. Malaria in Early Pregnancy and the Development of the Placental Vasculature. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1425-1434. [PMID: 30590576 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy malaria has a negative impact on fetal outcome. It is uncertain whether infections in early pregnancy have a clinical impact by impeding the development of the placental vasculature. METHODS Tanzanian women (n = 138) were closely monitored during pregnancy. Placentas collected at birth were investigated using stereology to establish the characteristics of placental villi and vessels. Placental vasculature measures were compared between women infected with malaria and controls. RESULTS Compared with controls, placentas from women infected with malaria before a gestational age (GA) of 15 weeks had a decreased volume of transport villi (mean decrease [standard deviation], 12.45 [5.39] cm3; P = .02), an increased diffusion distance in diffusion vessels (mean increase, 3.33 [1.27] µm; P = .01), and a compensatory increase in diffusion vessel surface area (mean increase, 1.81 [0.74 m2]; P = .02). In women who had malaria before a GA of 15 weeks diffusion vessel surface area and transport vessel length distance were positive predictors for birth weight (multilinear regression: P = .007 and P = .055 for diffusion surface area and transport length, respectively) and GA at delivery (P = .005 and P = .04). CONCLUSIONS Malaria infection in early pregnancy impedes placental vascular development. The resulting phenotypic changes, which can be detected at delivery, are associated with birth weight and gestational length. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02191683.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens R Nyengaard
- Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University
| | - Lise G Larsen
- Department of Pathology, Zealand University Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
| | | | - Ib C Bygbjerg
- Division of Global Health, Department of Public Health
| | | | - John P A Lusingu
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | | | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen
| | - Christentze Schmiegelow
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen
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22
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Rogerson SJ, Meshnick S. Malaria in Pregnancy: Late Consequences of Early Infections. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:1396-1398. [PMID: 30590709 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine at the Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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23
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Augusto O, Stergachis A, Dellicour S, Tinto H, Valá A, Ruperez M, Macete E, Nakanabo-Diallo S, Kazienga A, Valéa I, d'Alessandro U, Ter Kuile FO, Calip GS, Ouma P, Desai M, Sevene E. First trimester use of artemisinin-based combination therapy and the risk of low birth weight and small for gestational age. Malar J 2020; 19:144. [PMID: 32268901 PMCID: PMC7140480 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While there is increasing evidence on the safety of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for the case management of malaria in early pregnancy, little is known about the association between exposure to ACT during the first trimester and the effect on fetal growth. Methods Data were analysed from prospective studies of pregnant women enrolled in Mozambique, Burkina Faso and Kenya designed to determine the association between anti-malarial drug exposure in the first trimester and pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA). Exposure to anti-malarial drugs was ascertained retrospectively by record linkage using a combination of data collected from antenatal and adult outpatient clinic registries, prescription records and self-reported medication usage by the women. Site-level data synthesis (fixed effects and random effects) was conducted as well as individual-level analysis (fixed effects by site). Results Overall, 1915 newborns were included with 92 and 26 exposed to ACT (artemether–lumefantrine) and quinine, respectively. In Burkina Faso, Mozambique and Kenya at recruitment, the mean age (standard deviation) was 27.1 (6.6), 24.2 (6.2) and 25.7 (6.5) years, and the mean gestational age was 24.0 (6.2), 21.2 (5.7) and 17.9 (10.2) weeks, respectively. The LBW prevalence among newborns born to women exposed to ACT and quinine (QNN) during the first trimester was 10/92 (10.9%) and 7/26 (26.9%), respectively, compared to 9.5% (171/1797) among women unexposed to any anti-malarials during pregnancy. Compared to those unexposed to anti-malarials, ACT and QNN exposed women had the pooled LBW prevalence ratio (PR) of 1.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62–2.05, p-value 0.700) and 2.03 (95% CI 1.09–3.78, p-value 0.027), respectively. Compared to those unexposed to anti-malarials ACT and QNN-exposed women had the pooled SGA PR of 0.85 (95% CI 0.50–1.44, p-value 0.543) and 1.41 (95% CI 0.71–2.77, p-value 0.322), respectively. Whereas compared to ACT-exposed, the QNN-exposed had a PR of 2.14 (95% CI 0.78–5.89, p-value 0.142) for LBW and 8.60 (95% CI 1.29–57.6, p-value 0.027) for SGA. The level of between sites heterogeneity was moderate to high. Conclusion ACT exposure during the first trimester was not associated with an increased occurrence of LBW or SGA. However, the data suggest a higher prevalence of LBW and SGA for children born to QNN-exposed pregnancies. The findings support the use of ACT (artemether–lumefantrine) for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria during the first trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orvalho Augusto
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique. .,Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique.
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/URCN, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Anifa Valá
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Maria Ruperez
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique.,Barcelona Institute of Global Health, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eusébio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | | | - Adama Kazienga
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/URCN, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Innocent Valéa
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé/URCN, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Umberto d'Alessandro
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gregory S Calip
- Department of Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter Ouma
- Kenya Medical Research Institute Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meghna Desai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Esperança Sevene
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique. .,Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça, Manhiça, Mozambique.
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24
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Brabin B, Tinto H, Roberts SA. Testing an infection model to explain excess risk of preterm birth with long-term iron supplementation in a malaria endemic area. Malar J 2019; 18:374. [PMID: 31771607 PMCID: PMC6880560 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3013-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In view of recent evidence from a randomized trial in Burkina Faso that periconceptional iron supplementation substantially increases risk of spontaneous preterm birth (< 37 weeks) in first pregnancies (adjusted relative risk = 2.22; 95% CI 1.39–3.61), explanation is required to understand potential mechanisms, including progesterone mediated responses, linking long-term iron supplementation, malaria and gestational age. Methods The analysis developed a model based on a dual hit inflammatory mechanism arising from simultaneous malaria and gut infections, supported in part by published trial results. This model is developed to understand mechanisms linking iron supplementation, malaria and gestational age. Background literature substantiates synergistic inflammatory effects of these infections where trial data is unavailable. A path modelling exercise assessed direct and indirect paths influencing preterm birth and gestation length. Results A dual hit hypothesis incorporates two main pathways for pro-inflammatory mechanisms, which in this model, interact to increase hepcidin expression. Trial data showed preterm birth was positively associated with C-reactive protein (P = 0.0038) an inflammatory biomarker. The malaria pathway upregulates C-reactive protein and serum hepcidin, thereby reducing iron absorption. The enteric pathway results from unabsorbed gut iron, which induces microbiome changes and pathogenic gut infections, initiating pro-inflammatory events with lipopolysaccharide expression. Data from the trial suggest that raised hepcidin concentration is a mediating catalyst, being inversely associated with shorter gestational age at delivery (P = 0.002) and positively with preterm incidence (P = 0.007). A segmented regression model identified a change-point consisting of two segments before and after a sharp rise in hepcidin concentration. This showed a post change hepcidin elevation in women with increasing C-reactive protein values in late gestation (post-change slope 0.55. 95% CI 0.39–0.92, P < 0.001). Path modelling confirmed seasonal malaria effects on preterm birth, with mediation through C-reactive protein and (non-linear) hepcidin induction. Conclusions Following long-term iron supplementation, dual inflammatory pathways that mediate hepcidin expression and culminate in progesterone withdrawal may account for the reduction in gestational age observed in first pregnancies in this area of high malaria exposure. If correct, this model strongly suggests that in such areas, effective infection control is required prior to iron supplementation to avoid increasing preterm births. Trial registration NCT01210040. Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov on 27th September 2010
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Brabin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L35QA, UK. .,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK. .,Global Child Health Group, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro (URCN/IRSS), Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Stephen A Roberts
- Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC), Manchester, UK
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25
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Ofori MF, Lamptey H, Dickson EK, Kyei-Baafour E, Hviid L. Etiology of Placental Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in African Women. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:277-281. [PMID: 29579263 PMCID: PMC6009667 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum parasites causing placental malaria express the VAR2CSA type of the clonally variant antigen family erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). This enables evasion of preexisting immunity and results in placental accumulation of infected erythrocytes. We present data on seasonal variation in levels of VAR2CSA-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG specific for a placental malaria–unrelated PfEMP1 protein among Ghanaian women at their first antenatal visit. Our results indicate that placental malaria does not require recent exposure to infected mosquitoes, in contrast to malaria in general. This has implications for the impact of insecticide-treated bed nets on placental malaria incidence and for antenatal care in woman with preexisting immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F Ofori
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon
| | - Helena Lamptey
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon
| | - Emmanuel K Dickson
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon
| | - Eric Kyei-Baafour
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon
| | - Lars Hviid
- Center for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Frauchiger B, Koch D, Gaehler A, Blum J, Lurà M, Kaiser D, Buettcher M. Don't forget the past: A sleeping disease can be awakened. J Paediatr Child Health 2019; 55:854-856. [PMID: 30636071 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Frauchiger
- Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Doris Koch
- Department of Haematology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Anita Gaehler
- Department of Haematology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Blum
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Lurà
- Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Kaiser
- Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Michael Buettcher
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Lucerne, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
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27
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Abstract
Maternal vaccination provides a method for protecting the pregnant woman, fetus and neonate during a period when there is increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. A dynamic state of immune tolerance during pregnancy and the need to develop adaptive memory to a new foreign antigen-rich environment lead to windows of vulnerability to infection for the mother and neonate, respectively. Passive transfer of humoral immunity through the placenta and breast milk from the mother can bridge the gap in immunity for the neonate. Studies on boosting this natural process of antibody transfer have led to the recommendation for administering inactivated influenza, diphtheria, tetanus toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccines during pregnancy. Several new maternal vaccine candidates are on the horizon.
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28
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Pandya Y, Penha-Gonçalves C. Maternal-Fetal Conflict During Infection: Lessons From a Mouse Model of Placental Malaria. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1126. [PMID: 31178840 PMCID: PMC6542978 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections that reach the placenta via maternal blood can target the fetal-placental barrier and are associated with reduced birth weight, increased stillbirth, miscarriage and perinatal mortality. Malaria during pregnancy can lead to infection of the placental tissue and to adverse effects on the unborn child even if the parasite is successfully cleared, indicating that placental sufficiency is significantly compromised. Human samples and animal models of placental malaria have been used to unravel mechanisms contributing to this insufficiency and have implicated molecular pathways related to inflammation, innate immunity and nutrient transport. Remarkably, fetal TLR4 was found to take part in placental responses that protect the fetus, in contrast to maternal TLR4 responses that presumably preserve the mother‘s health but result in reduced fetal viability. We propose that this conflict of fetal and maternal responses is a determinant of the clinical outcomes of placental malaria and that fetally derived trophoblasts are on the front lines of this conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Pandya
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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29
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Malerba P, Kaminstein D, Brunetti E, Manciulli T. Is there a role for bedside ultrasound in malaria? A survey of the literature. J Ultrasound 2019; 23:13-21. [PMID: 30852774 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-019-00371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has proven utility in the evaluation and treatment of many tropical diseases. Its role in malaria has been studied, but its value for the clinician at the bedside is unclear. Our review aimed at summarizing the existing studies to assess the usefulness, if any, of POCUS in treating malaria. METHODS We used Boolean operators using keywords "malaria", "acoustic", "ultrasound", "echography", and "ultrasonography" to search PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct in three languages (Italian, French, and English). RESULTS We found 22 eligible references. Organs explored include the liver, spleen, heart, optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), kidney, lungs, and cerebral vasculature. Multiple pathologic findings by ultrasound are reported, but few demonstrate clinical utility. Current studies involve small numbers of patients, and a few trends emerge when studies are compared. The ability to combine study results is limited due to the significant heterogeneity that exists between studies in regards to both methods of evaluation and the reporting of organ pathology and malaria severity. CONCLUSIONS AND ASSESSMENT A review of the current literature indicates that the use of ultrasound by clinicians adds little to the diagnostic evaluation of patients with malaria. Our review did find that measurements of the spleen, lungs, optic nerve sheath diameter, and cerebral blood flow have potential utility in specific patient populations. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether this utility persists when a larger sample size is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Malerba
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Brambilla 74, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Daniel Kaminstein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Enrico Brunetti
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Brambilla 74, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Hospital Fundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Manciulli
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Brambilla 74, 27100, Pavia, PV, Italy.
- PhD School of Experimental Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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30
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Pincelli A, Neves PAR, Lourenço BH, Corder RM, Malta MB, Sampaio-Silva J, de Souza RM, Cardoso MA, Castro MC, Ferreira MU, For The Mina Brazil Working Group. The Hidden Burden of Plasmodium vivax Malaria in Pregnancy in the Amazon: An Observational Study in Northwestern Brazil. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:73-83. [PMID: 29741155 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We measured the prevalence of malaria in pregnancy and estimated its impact on birth weight and length and maternal hemoglobin in 1,180 women from Juruá Valley, the main malaria hotspot in Brazil. Antenatal malaria episodes, 74.6% of them due to Plasmodium vivax, were microscopically diagnosed in 8.0% of the women and were associated with an average reduction in birth weight z-scores of 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.14-0.57) and in birth length z-scores of 0.31 (95% CI = 0.08-0.54), compared with malaria-free pregnancies. Affected mothers had a mean decrease in hemoglobin concentration at delivery of 0.33 g/100 mL (95% CI = 0.05-0.62 g/100 mL); 51.6% were anemic. The timing and frequency of antenatal infections influenced pregnancy outcomes and first- or second-trimester infections were not associated with decreased birth weight and length and maternal hemoglobin at delivery. Although repeated antenatal vivax infections were associated with poorer birth outcomes, even a single vivax malaria episode was associated with a significant reduction in birth weight and length and maternal hemoglobin. Overall, 7.5% women had the parasite's DNA found in peripheral blood at delivery. Most (83.1%) of these 89 perinatal infections were due to P. vivax and only 7.9% of them progressed to symptomatic disease after delivery. Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum DNA was found in 0.6% and 0.3% of 637 cord blood samples examined, respectively, but only one newborn developed clinical neonatal malaria. Our results further challenge the notion that vivax malaria is relatively benign during pregnancy and call for better strategies for its prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaclara Pincelli
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo A R Neves
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Barbara H Lourenço
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M Corder
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maíra B Malta
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Sampaio-Silva
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M de Souza
- Multidisciplinary Center, Federal University of Acre, Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marly A Cardoso
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcia C Castro
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marcelo U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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