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Rent S, Bauserman M, Laktabai J, Tshefu AK, Taylor SM. Malaria in Pregnancy: Key Points for the Neonatologist. Neoreviews 2023; 24:e539-e552. [PMID: 37653081 DOI: 10.1542/neo.24-9-e539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
In malaria-endemic regions, infection with the malaria parasite Plasmodium during pregnancy has been identified as a key modifiable factor in preterm birth, the delivery of low-birthweight infants, and stillbirth. Compared with their nonpregnant peers, pregnant persons are at higher risk for malaria infection. Malaria infection can occur at any time during pregnancy, with negative effects for the pregnant person and the fetus, depending on the trimester in which the infection is contracted. Pregnant patients who are younger, in their first or second pregnancy, and those coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus are at increased risk for malaria. Common infection prevention measures during pregnancy include the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and the use of intermittent preventive treatment with monthly doses of antimalarials, beginning in the second trimester in pregnant patients in endemic areas. In all trimesters, artemisinin-combination therapies are the first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria, similar to treatment in nonpregnant adults. The World Health Organization recently revised its recommendations, now listing the specific medication artemether-lumefantrine as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester. While strong prevention and detection methods exist, use of these techniques remains below global targets. Ongoing work on approaches to treatment and prevention of malaria during pregnancy remains at the forefront of global maternal child health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharla Rent
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Antoinette K Tshefu
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Steve M Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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2
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Roh ME, Mpimbaza A, Oundo B, Irish A, Murphy M, Wu SL, White JS, Shiboski S, Glymour MM, Gosling R, Dorsey G, Sturrock H. Association between indoor residual spraying and pregnancy outcomes: a quasi-experimental study from Uganda. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 51:1489-1501. [PMID: 35301532 PMCID: PMC9557839 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Indoor residual spraying with insecticide (IRS) reduces malaria infections, yet the effects of IRS on pregnancy outcomes are not well established. We evaluated the impact of a large-scale IRS campaign on pregnancy outcomes in Eastern Uganda. METHODS Birth records (n = 59 992) were obtained from routine surveillance data at 25 health facilities from five districts that were part of the IRS campaign and six neighbouring control districts ∼27 months before and ∼24 months after the start of the campaign (January 2013-May 2017). Campaign effects on low birthweight (LBW) and stillbirth incidence were estimated using the matrix completion method (MC-NNM), a machine-learning approach to estimating potential outcomes, and compared with the difference-in-differences (DiD) estimator. Subgroup analyses were conducted by HIV and gravidity. RESULTS MC-NNM estimates indicated that the campaign was associated with a 33% reduction in LBW incidence: incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49-0.93)]. DiD estimates were similar to MC-NNM [IRR = 0.69 (0.47-1.01)], despite a parallel trends violation during the pre-IRS period. The campaign was not associated with substantial reductions in stillbirth incidence [IRRMC-NNM = 0.94 (0.50-1.77)]. HIV status modified the effects of the IRS campaign on LBW [βIRSxHIV = 0.42 (0.05-0.78)], whereby HIV-negative women appeared to benefit from the campaign [IRR = 0.70 (0.61-0.81)], but not HIV-positive women [IRR = 1.12 (0.59-2.12)]. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the effectiveness of the campaign in Eastern Uganda based on its benefit to LBW prevention, though HIV-positive women may require additional interventions. The IRS campaign was not associated with a substantively lower stillbirth incidence, warranting further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle E Roh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute of Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arthur Mpimbaza
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brenda Oundo
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amanda Irish
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute of Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maxwell Murphy
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sean L Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Justin S White
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Shiboski
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M Maria Glymour
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Roly Gosling
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute of Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hugh Sturrock
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute of Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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3
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Wastnedge E, Waters D, Murray SR, McGowan B, Chipeta E, Nyondo-Mipando AL, Gadama L, Gadama G, Masamba M, Malata M, Taulo F, Dube Q, Kawaza K, Khomani PM, Whyte S, Crampin M, Freyne B, Norman JE, Reynolds RM. Interventions to reduce preterm birth and stillbirth, and improve outcomes for babies born preterm in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04050. [PMID: 35003711 PMCID: PMC8709903 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing preterm birth and stillbirth and improving outcomes for babies born too soon is essential to reduce under-5 mortality globally. In the context of a rapidly evolving evidence base and problems with extrapolating efficacy data from high- to low-income settings, an assessment of the evidence for maternal and newborn interventions specific to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is required. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was done. We included all studies performed in LMICs since the Every Newborn Action Plan, between 2013 - 2018, which reported on interventions where the outcome assessed was reduction in preterm birth or stillbirth incidence and/or a reduction in preterm infant neonatal mortality. Evidence was categorised according to maternal or neonatal intervention groups and a narrative synthesis conducted. RESULTS 179 studies (147 primary evidence studies and 32 systematic reviews) were identified in 82 LMICs. 81 studies reported on maternal interventions and 98 reported on neonatal interventions. Interventions in pregnant mothers which resulted in significant reductions in preterm birth and stillbirth were (i) multiple micronutrient supplementation and (ii) enhanced quality of antenatal care. Routine antenatal ultrasound in LMICs increased identification of fetal antenatal conditions but did not reduce stillbirth or preterm birth due to the absence of services to manage these diagnoses. Interventions in pre-term neonates which improved their survival included (i) feeding support including probiotics and (ii) thermal regulation. Improved provision of neonatal resuscitation did not improve pre-term mortality rates, highlighting the importance of post-resuscitation care. Community mobilisation, for example through community education packages, was found to be an effective way of delivering interventions. CONCLUSIONS Evidence supports the implementation of several low-cost interventions with the potential to deliver reductions in preterm birth and stillbirth and improve outcomes for preterm babies in LMICs. These, however, must be complemented by overall health systems strengthening to be effective. Quality improvement methodology and learning health systems approaches can provide important means of understanding and tackling implementation challenges within local contexts. Further pragmatic efficacy trials of interventions in LMICs are essential, particularly for interventions not previously tested in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Wastnedge
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Donald Waters
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sarah R Murray
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian McGowan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Effie Chipeta
- Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando
- Department of Health Systems & Policy, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Luis Gadama
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Gladys Gadama
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Martha Masamba
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Monica Malata
- Centre for Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Frank Taulo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Queen Dube
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kondwani Kawaza
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Sonia Whyte
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mia Crampin
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Bridget Freyne
- Malawi-Liverpool Wellcome Trust Research Program, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jane E Norman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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4
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Chua CLL, Hasang W, Rogerson SJ, Teo A. Poor Birth Outcomes in Malaria in Pregnancy: Recent Insights Into Mechanisms and Prevention Approaches. Front Immunol 2021; 12:621382. [PMID: 33790894 PMCID: PMC8005559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.621382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women in malaria-endemic regions are susceptible to malaria in pregnancy, which has adverse consequences on birth outcomes, including having small for gestational age and preterm babies. These babies are likely to have low birthweights, which predisposes to infant mortality and lifelong morbidities. During malaria in pregnancy, Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes express a unique variant surface antigen, VAR2CSA, that mediates sequestration in the placenta. This process may initiate a range of host responses that contribute to placental inflammation and dysregulated placental development, which affects placental vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and nutrient transport. Collectively, these result in the impairment of placental functions, affecting fetal development. In this review, we provide an overview of malaria in pregnancy and the different pathological pathways leading to malaria in pregnancy-associated low birthweight. We also discuss current prevention and management strategies for malaria in pregnancy, and some potential therapeutic interventions that may improve birth outcomes. Lastly, we outline some priorities for future research that could bring us one step closer to reducing this health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wina Hasang
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Teo
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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Doritchamou JYA, Suurbaar J, Tuikue Ndam N. Progress and new horizons toward a VAR2CSA-based placental malaria vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:215-226. [PMID: 33472449 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1878029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Several malaria vaccines are under various phases of development with some promising results. In placental malaria (PM) a deliberately anti-disease approach is considered as many studies have underlined the key role of VAR2CSA protein, which therefore represents the leading vaccine candidate. However, evidence indicates that VAR2CSA antigenic polymorphism remains an obstacle to overcome.Areas covered: This review analyzes the progress made thus far in developing a VAR2CSA-based vaccine, and addresses the current issues and challenges that must be overcome to develop an effective PM vaccine.Expert opinion: Phase I trials of PAMVAC and PRIMVAC VAR2CSA vaccines have shown more or less satisfactory results with regards to safety and immunogenicity. The second generation of VAR2CSA-based vaccines could benefit from optimization approaches to broaden the activity spectrum against various placenta-binding isolates through continued advances in the structural understanding of the interaction with CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Yai Alamou Doritchamou
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Suurbaar
- Université de Paris, MERIT, IRD, F-75006 Paris, France.,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Université de Paris, MERIT, IRD, F-75006 Paris, France.,Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Department of Immunology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Prahl M, Odorizzi P, Gingrich D, Muhindo M, McIntyre T, Budker R, Jagannathan P, Farrington L, Nalubega M, Nankya F, Sikyomu E, Musinguzi K, Naluwu K, Auma A, Kakuru A, Kamya MR, Dorsey G, Aweeka F, Feeney ME. Exposure to pesticides in utero impacts the fetal immune system and response to vaccination in infancy. Nat Commun 2021; 12:132. [PMID: 33420104 PMCID: PMC7794579 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20475-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of pesticides to reduce mosquito vector populations is a cornerstone of global malaria control efforts, but the biological impact of most pesticides on human populations, including pregnant women and infants, is not known. Some pesticides, including carbamates, have been shown to perturb the human immune system. We measure the systemic absorption and immunologic effects of bendiocarb, a commonly used carbamate pesticide, following household spraying in a cohort of pregnant Ugandan women and their infants. We find that bendiocarb is present at high levels in maternal, umbilical cord, and infant plasma of individuals exposed during pregnancy, indicating that it is systemically absorbed and trans-placentally transferred to the fetus. Moreover, bendiocarb exposure is associated with numerous changes in fetal immune cell homeostasis and function, including a dose-dependent decrease in regulatory CD4 T cells, increased cytokine production, and inhibition of antigen-driven proliferation. Additionally, prenatal bendiocarb exposure is associated with higher post-vaccination measles titers at one year of age, suggesting that its impact on functional immunity may persist for many months after birth. These data indicate that in utero bendiocarb exposure has multiple previously unrecognized biological effects on the fetal immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Prahl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - Pamela Odorizzi
- Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - David Gingrich
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, Drug Research Unit, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mary Muhindo
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tara McIntyre
- Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - Rachel Budker
- Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | | | - Lila Farrington
- Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | | | | | - Esther Sikyomu
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Kate Naluwu
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ann Auma
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R Kamya
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA
| | - Francesca Aweeka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, Drug Research Unit, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Margaret E Feeney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94143, USA.
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7
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Nankabirwa JI, Briggs J, Rek J, Arinaitwe E, Nayebare P, Katrak S, Staedke SG, Rosenthal PJ, Rodriguez-Barraquer I, Kamya MR, Dorsey G, Greenhouse B. Persistent Parasitemia Despite Dramatic Reduction in Malaria Incidence After 3 Rounds of Indoor Residual Spraying in Tororo, Uganda. J Infect Dis 2020; 219:1104-1111. [PMID: 30383230 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoor residual spraying of insecticide (IRS) has been associated with reductions in the incidence of malaria, but its impact on malaria parasitemia is unclear. METHODS We followed 469 participants from August 2011 to May 2016 in Tororo, Uganda, a historically high malaria transmission setting. Three rounds of IRS with bendiocarb were implemented from December 2014 to December 2015. Symptomatic malaria episodes were identified by passive surveillance. Parasitemia was identified by active surveillance every 1-3 months using microscopy and Plasmodium falciparum-specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification. RESULTS IRS was associated with a significant decline in the incidence of symptomatic malaria irrespective of age (episodes per person per year declined from 3.98 to 0.13 in children aged <5 years, 2.30 to 0.15 in children aged 5-10 years, and 0.41 to 0 in adults; P < .001 for all). IRS significantly reduced the prevalence of parasitemia, but the prevalence remained high (pre-IRS to post-third round: 58.5% to 11.3% in children aged <5 years, 73.3% to 23.7% in children aged 5-10 years, and 52.2% to 15.4% in adults; P < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS Although IRS was associated with significant reductions in the incidence of malaria and prevalence of parasitemia, a proportion of the population remained parasitemic, providing a potential reservoir for malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaniter I Nankabirwa
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jessica Briggs
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - John Rek
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Shereen Katrak
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sarah G Staedke
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Moses R Kamya
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grant Dorsey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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8
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Abstract
One hundred twenty-five million pregnant women are at risk for contracting malaria, a preventable cause of maternal and infant morbidity and death. Malaria parasites contribute to adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes due to their preferential accumulation in placental intervillous spaces. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria infections, and malaria infections during pregnancy put their fetuses at risk. Malaria in pregnancy is associated with anemia, stillbirth, low birth weight and maternal and fetal death. We review the challenges to diagnosing malaria in pregnancy, as well as strategies to prevent and treat malaria in pregnancy. Finally, we discuss the current gaps in knowledge and potential areas for continued research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bauserman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Krysten North
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jackie Patterson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Carl Bose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Steve Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gilligns School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
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