Detection and Impact of Placental Malaria in Pregnant Women in Ghana
Author Information
Author(s): Mockenhaupt Frank P, Bedu-Addo George, von Gaertner Christiane, Boyé Renate, Fricke Katrin, Hannibal Iris, Karakaya Filiz, Schaller Marieke, Ulmen Ulrike, Acquah Patrick A, Dietz Ekkehart, Eggelte Teunis A, Bienzle Ulrich
Primary Institution: Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité – University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and clinical impact of Plasmodium falciparum infections in pregnant women in southern Ghana?
Conclusion
Placental malaria is often missed by standard microscopy, and infections detected by HRP2 tests are associated with increased risks of maternal anaemia and poor pregnancy outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 19% of peripheral blood samples tested positive for P. falciparum by microscopy.
- 35% of placental samples tested positive for P. falciparum by microscopy.
- HRP2 tests identified women at increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes.
- Sub-microscopic infections were associated with increased risks of anaemia and preterm delivery.
- Positive HRP2 tests in women with negative peripheral blood films indicated significant risks for adverse outcomes.
Takeaway
This study shows that many pregnant women have malaria that standard tests miss, which can make them and their babies sick.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 839 delivering women, screening for P. falciparum in peripheral and placental blood samples and analyzing associations with maternal anaemia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include selection bias due to the specific population studied and the reliance on certain diagnostic tests.
Limitations
The study may not account for all confounding factors affecting pregnancy outcomes.
Participant Demographics
The study included 839 women with live-singleton deliveries, with a median age of 25 years, and varying parity and antenatal care visit histories.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0002
Confidence Interval
95%CI, 1.0–2.2
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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