Malaria

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Malaria is a parasitic infestation caused by the protozoa Plasmodium, which is transmitted through the bite of the female anopheles mosquito. Pregnancy results in reduction in cell-mediated immunity. This decreased immunity makes pregnant women more susceptible to malaria than non-pregnant women. The treatment of malaria in pregnancy is determined by the stage of pregnancy at which the disease is diagnosed. In holoendemic areas, artemisin-based combination therapy (ACT) is recommended as the standard preferred treatment to improve efficacy and limit drug resistance. Intermitted preventive treatment in pregnancy is the use of anti-malarial medications at defined intervals during the pregnancy regardless of the presence or absence of confirmed malaria. It is recommended that pregnant women in holoendemic areas sleep under insecticide-treated bed-nets in order to reduce the frequency of mosquito bites during pregnancy. Effective diagnosis and treatment of malaria helps prevent the occurrence of maternal and fetal complications of malaria.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProtocols for High-Risk Pregnancies
Subtitle of host publicationAn Evidence-Based Approach: Sixth Edition
PublisherWiley Blackwell
Pages232-237
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781119001256
ISBN (Print)9781119000877
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2015

Keywords

  • Artemisin-based combination therapy
  • Cell-mediated immunity
  • Female anopheles mosquito
  • Fetal complication
  • Holoendemic areas
  • Insecticide-treated bed-nets
  • Intermitted preventive treatment
  • Malaria
  • Maternal complication
  • Parasitic infestation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Malaria'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this