Congenital Malaria in Newborns from Mothers with Malaria in Colombia
Author Information
Author(s): Juan G Piñeros-Jiménez, Gonzalo Álvarez, Alberto Tobón, Margarita Arboleda, Sonia Carrero, Silvia Blair
Primary Institution: Malaria Group, Universidad de Antioquia
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of congenital malaria in newborns of mothers who suffered malaria during pregnancy in an endemic region of Colombia?
Conclusion
Congenital malaria may be a frequent event in newborns of mothers who have suffered malaria during pregnancy in Colombia.
Supporting Evidence
- The prevalence of congenital malaria was found to be 4.3% among the studied newborns.
- Five cases of congenital malaria were identified, with four caused by P. vivax and one by P. falciparum.
- Mothers of newborns with congenital malaria had malaria diagnosed during the last trimester or during delivery.
Takeaway
This study found that some babies can get malaria from their mothers during pregnancy, and it happens more often than we thought.
Methodology
A prospective, descriptive study was conducted on mothers with malaria during pregnancy and their newborns, who were evaluated and screened for Plasmodium spp. infection.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in sample selection and reliance on maternal reporting for malaria episodes.
Limitations
The study relied on thick smears for diagnosis, which may underestimate the prevalence compared to more sensitive methods like PCR.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were young mothers, with a significant percentage being adolescents and many living in malaria risk areas for over 10 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.024
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website