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Published on: August 6, 2020
Decrease of microscopic Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence during pregnancy following IPTp-SP implementation
M K Bouyou-Akotet1, D P Mawili-Mboumba2, E Kendjo3
1Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville, Gabon Malaria Clinical and Operational Research Unit (MCORU), Centre Hospitalier Regional de l´Estuaire Melen, Libreville, Gabon mariellebouyou@gmail.com.
Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) reduced malaria in Gabon. However, young women remain susceptible to malaria and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Tropical Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Assessing the impact of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) on placental malaria and pregnancy outcomes in Gabon.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of IPTp-SP six years post-implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the impact of IPTp-SP on placental malaria and pregnancy outcomes in Gabon.
- To analyze factors associated with malaria, anemia, and adverse birth outcomes in pregnant women.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2011 involving 387 women at the end of pregnancy.
- Data collection included maternal age, gestational data, IPTp-SP usage, and birth weight.
- Malaria prevalence was assessed using peripheral and placental blood samples.
Main Results:
- Malaria prevalence was 6.7% in peripheral and 5.3% in placental blood.
- IPTp-SP use (≥2 doses) was associated with a 50% reduction in Plasmodium falciparum infection among primigravidae.
- Young maternal age was linked to higher rates of malaria, anemia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery.
- Birth weight increased with maternal age, parity, and the number of SP doses received.
- Peripheral and placental parasitaemia were associated with reduced birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Microscopic P. falciparum prevalence significantly declined post-IPTp-SP implementation.
- Young women and those with fewer pregnancies remain most vulnerable to malaria and its complications.
- IPTp-SP demonstrates effectiveness in reducing malaria during pregnancy, but targeted interventions for susceptible groups are needed.
