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Protocol for Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Mosquitoes and Infection Phenotype Determination
14:10

Protocol for Plasmodium falciparum Infections in Mosquitoes and Infection Phenotype Determination

Published on: July 4, 2007

Clinical presentation of congenital malaria at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

F E A Lesi1, M Y Mukhtar, E U Iroha

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. afolabilesi@hotmail.com

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice
|May 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Congenital malaria affects 13.6% of newborns in endemic areas. Poor feeding and irritability in infants by day 14 warrant malaria screening alongside sepsis tests.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Congenital malaria is increasingly recognized in endemic regions.
  • Early identification of congenital malaria is crucial to prevent newborn morbidity.
  • This study aimed to describe clinical features of neonates with congenital malaria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the clinical presentation of neonates with congenital malaria.
  • To identify key symptoms indicative of congenital malaria in newborns.
  • To assess the diagnostic value of specific symptoms for congenital malaria.

Main Methods:

  • 100 mother-newborn pairs were recruited and followed for 28 days.
  • Blood films from placentae and neonates were examined for malaria parasites.
  • Symptomatic neonates underwent sepsis screening; symptoms were attributed to malaria if sepsis was ruled out.

Main Results:

  • Congenital malaria was diagnosed in 13.6% of neonates at delivery.
  • Jaundice, irritability, and poor feeding were the most frequent symptoms.
  • Irritability and poor feeding showed a 100% positive predictive value for congenital malaria on day 14.

Conclusions:

  • Neonates presenting with poor feeding and irritability on day 14 require malaria screening.
  • Malaria testing should be considered in conjunction with standard neonatal sepsis investigations.
  • Recognizing these symptoms aids in timely diagnosis and management of congenital malaria.
Abstract

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