Burden and Impact of Plasmodium Vivax in Pregnancy: A Multi-Centre Prospective Observational Study (Raw Data)

Abstract

P. vivax is a major parasite responsible for malaria in humans. While it is well known that pregnant women have an increased risk of P. falciparum infection and disease, less is known on the epidemiology and the impact of P. vivax in pregnancy. We conducted a health-facility based observational study in pregnant women from five endemic countries aimed to determine the burden of P. vivax infection in pregnancy and its impact on the mother and the newborn. We found that the prevalence of P. vivax malaria in pregnant women was overall low across sites, however submicroscopic infections were significantly higher in some areas. Pregnant women with clinical malaria experienced an increased risk of anaemia, which may have an impact on infant health. The results of this study can be useful to guide maternal health programs in settings where vivax malaria is endemic, and they highlight the importance to address a special population such as pregnant women while embracing malaria elimination in endemic countries.