Malaria in Pregnancy: Considerations for Health Care Providers in Nonendemic Countries

Abstract

Malaria is a common infection world‐wide, which carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Health care providers in the United States may lack experience in recognizing and treating this disease. The pathophysiology of malaria differs during pregnancy, resulting in increased risk for serious morbidity and mortality for the woman and her fetus. Screening for risk factors, especially immigration from and travel to endemic countries, is critical. Symptoms of malaria can mimic influenza‐type illnesses, causing delay in diagnosis. Consultation with an infectious disease specialist and hospitalization may be required for appropriate testing and treatment. Chemoprophylaxis and counseling regarding methods to reduce risk are important components of prevention. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have established protocols for treatment and are helpful resources for clinicians. A team approach to care based on the woman's stage of illness and recovery, can involve midwives, physicians, specialists and others.

Serum Metabolome Signatures Characterizing Co-Infection of Plasmodium falciparum and HBV in Pregnant Women

“…The pathophysiology of malaria diverges in pregnant cases, which implies that infected pregnant women are at an increased risk of infection severity and its complications [ 13 ]. As a result of the increased risk of malaria morbidity, the serum metabolome signature in P. falciparum -infected pregnant women was determined and compared to that of uninfected pregnant women.…”

Serum metabolome signatures characterizing co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and HBV in pregnant women

“…The pathophysiology of malaria diverges in pregnant cases, which implies that infected pregnant women are at an increased risk of infection severity and its complications (Mills et al, 2021). As a result of the increased risk of malaria morbidity, we determined the serum metabolite signatures in P. falciparum infected pregnant women compared to uninfected pregnant women.…”

Implication of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence Systems in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Malaria Infection among Children Aged 1 to 15 Years in the Mount Cameroon Area

“…Prolonged and persistent malaria infections without symptoms are known to induce oxidative stress, which may result in adverse malaria outcomes and may lead to complications in the pathology of the disease [12] [13]. Phagocytes (macrophages and neutrophils) are involved in the activation of the host's natural defence mechanisms during malaria infection, which causes a significant rise in the level of reactive oxygen species and an imbalance between the production Journal of Biosciences and Medicines of oxidising species and the activity of antioxidant defence mechanisms.…”