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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:57
Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay
Published on: August 6, 2020
[Parasitic diseases and pregnancy]
Patrice Bourée1, Francine Bisaro
1Unité des maladies parasitaires et tropicales, hôpital Bicêtre, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre. patrice.bouree@bct.aphp.fr
La Revue Du Praticien
|April 17, 2007
Summary
Parasitic diseases like malaria are common in tropical pregnancies, causing complications for mothers and babies. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatments, including antimalarial drugs and prophylaxis, are crucial for managing these infections.
Area of Science:
- Tropical Medicine
- Maternal Health
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Parasitic infections pose significant risks during pregnancy in tropical regions.
- Malaria is a prevalent parasitic disease with severe maternal and fetal complications, particularly in first-time mothers.
Purpose:
- To highlight the impact of common parasitic diseases on pregnancy in tropical areas.
- To emphasize the importance of rapid diagnosis and effective treatment strategies for parasitic infections during gestation.
Summary:
- Pregnancy in tropical zones is frequently complicated by parasitic diseases, most notably malaria, leading to anemia, cerebral malaria, abortion, low birthweight, and congenital malaria.
- Hookworm infestations exacerbate anemia, while schistosomiasis can cause sterility or dystocia. Congenital visceral leishmaniasis is rare. Other digestive parasites have minimal impact unless severe.
Impact:
- Effective management of parasitic diseases, including antimalarial drugs and preventive measures like intermittent sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, is vital for improving maternal and fetal outcomes.
- Timely and appropriate treatment of parasitic infections can mitigate risks such as anemia, low birthweight, and other pregnancy complications, improving overall reproductive health in endemic areas.
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