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Congenital malaria in a hyperendemic area: a preliminary study
J A Akindele1, A Sowunmi, A E Abohweyere
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Congenital malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, affects nearly a quarter of neonates in Southwestern Nigeria. Maternal pyrimethamine prophylaxis showed no significant impact on preventing neonatal infection.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Neonatal Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Plasmodium falciparum is a major cause of malaria globally.
- Congenital malaria, transmission from mother to child, is a concern in endemic areas.
- Previous data on congenital malaria prevalence in Nigeria was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia in neonates admitted to University College Hospital, Ibadan.
- To investigate the association between prematurity and P. falciparum parasitaemia.
- To assess the effectiveness of maternal pyrimethamine prophylaxis in preventing neonatal malaria.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted on 59 neonates between August and December 1991.
- Peripheral blood samples were analyzed for Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia.
- Data on gestational age, birth weight, and maternal prophylaxis were collected.
Main Results:
- Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia was detected in 14 (23.7%) neonates.
- Parasite densities were uniformly low (< 2000 asexual forms/microliter).
- Maternal pyrimethamine prophylaxis did not significantly reduce the prevalence of neonatal parasitaemia.
Conclusions:
- Congenital malaria is more prevalent than previously thought in Southwestern Nigeria.
- The effectiveness of maternal pyrimethamine prophylaxis in this setting is questionable.
- Further research is needed to understand factors contributing to congenital malaria.