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Published on: July 3, 2020
Neonatal malaria in the gambia
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. Formerly Head of Paediatric Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.
Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research
|December 5, 2012
Summary
Neonatal malaria is a significant concern in The Gambia, often presenting with symptoms similar to neonatal septicaemia. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for affected infants.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- Neonatal malaria is historically considered uncommon, even in endemic regions.
- Infants with febrile illnesses are frequently misdiagnosed with neonatal septicaemia, delaying malaria diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of malaria in neonates presenting with symptoms suggestive of septicaemia.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of malaria screening in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study screened 105 neonates admitted with suspected septicaemia for malaria parasites.
- Blood smears were examined for Plasmodium falciparum, alongside standard sepsis work-up.
Main Results:
- 13.3% of neonates diagnosed with septicaemia were positive for Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
- Clinical features of neonatal malaria mimicked those of septicaemia, with fever and feeding refusal being common.
- Malaria occurred more frequently in infants over one week old and during the rainy season.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal malaria is more prevalent in The Gambia than previously assumed.
- Clinical presentation of neonatal malaria closely resembles neonatal septicaemia, necessitating malaria screening.
