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Assessing malaria burden during pregnancy in Mali
Kassoum Kayentao1, Mary Mungai, Monica Parise
1Department of Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odonto-Stomatology, Malaria Research and Training Center, PO Box 1805, Bamako, Mali.
Acta Tropica
|June 5, 2007
Summary
Malaria in pregnancy poses risks like low birth weight, especially for first-time mothers. This study in Mali highlights the high malaria burden and informs public health strategies, leading to changes in prophylaxis recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Pregnancy malaria is linked to adverse outcomes like low birth weight (LBW) and maternal anemia.
- Primigravidae and secundigravidae are particularly vulnerable to these complications.
- Existing preventive measures showed limited efficacy in reducing malarial burden during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the burden of malaria in pregnant women in Koro and Bandiagara, Mali.
- To generate baseline data for a clinical trial on malaria prevention regimens.
- To inform national malaria control strategies and prophylaxis recommendations.
Main Methods:
- A one-year cross-sectional study involving 261 women in Koro and 192 in Bandiagara.
- Utilized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) assessment methodology for malarial burden.
- Collected data on placental parasitemia, gravidity, birth weight, and season of birth.
Main Results:
- Placental parasitemia rates were high: 17.1% in Koro and 42.3% in Bandiagara.
- Low gravidity (1st and 2nd pregnancies) was significantly associated with both peripheral and placental malaria, and low birth weight.
- First and second pregnancies showed the highest risk for placental malaria and low birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Malaria during pregnancy presents a substantial public health challenge in Mali.
- Low gravidity is a critical risk factor for malaria infection and adverse birth outcomes.
- Study findings led to the discontinuation of chloroquine prophylaxis recommendations and can guide other endemic countries.
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