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Nakalega R, Nabisere-Arinaitwe R, Mukiza N, Kuteesa CN, Mawanda D, Natureeba P, Kasirye R, Nakabiito C, Nabakooza J, Mulumba E, Nabukeera J, Ggita J, Kakuru A, Atuyambe L, Musoke P, Fowler MG, Lukyamuzi Z. Attitudes and perceptions towards developing a health educational video to enhance optimal uptake of malaria preventive therapy among pregnant women in Uganda: a qualitative study involving pregnant women, health workers, and Ministry of health officials. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:484. [PMID: 38637742 PMCID: PMC11027371 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10944-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy remains a major global public health problem. Intermittent prophylaxis treatment of malaria in pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and co-trimoxazole is efficacious for prevention of malaria in pregnancy HIV negative and positive women, respectively. However, uptake of the recommended doses of therapies has remained suboptimal in Uganda, majorly due to inadequate knowledge among pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to explore attitudes and perceptions towards developing an educational video for malaria preventive therapy. METHODS We conducted an exploratory study with qualitative methods among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kisenyi Health Center IV (KHCIV), health workers from KHCIV, and officials from the Ministry of Health. The study was conducted at KHCIV from October 2022 to March 2023. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among purposively selected pregnant women and key informant interviews (KII) among health workers and Ministry of Health officials. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic methods in atlas ti.8. RESULTS A total of five FGDs comprising of 7-10 pregnant women were conducted; and KIIs were conducted among four mid-wives, two obstetricians, and two Ministry of Health officials. Generally, all respondents mentioned a need for interventions to improve malaria preventive knowledge among pregnant women; were positive about developing an educative video for malaria preventive therapy in pregnancy; and suggested a short, concise, and edutaining video focusing both the benefits of taking and risks of not taking malaria preventive therapy. They proposed that women may be encouraged to view the video as soon as they conceive and throughout the pregnancy. It also was suggested that the video may be viewed on television sets in maternal and reproductive health clinics and homes, and on smart phones. CONCLUSION Pregnant women, health workers, and Ministry of Health officials were positive about the development of a short edutaining video on malaria preventive therapy that focuses on both benefits of taking and risks of not taking the malaria preventive therapy in pregnancy. This information guided the video development and therefore, in the development of health educative videos, client and stakeholder inputs may always be solicited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nakalega
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | | | | | - Denis Mawanda
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Natureeba
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronnie Kasirye
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Clemensia Nakabiito
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Emmie Mulumba
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Josephine Nabukeera
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ggita
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Abel Kakuru
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Philippa Musoke
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Zubair Lukyamuzi
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
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Mutoro J, Kafunjo JB, Eric-Kitutu F, Kalyango J, Mumbere I, Nshakira N. Level of and factors associated with optimal uptake of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy at private-not-for-profit health facilities in Kasese district. PLOS Glob Public Health 2024; 4:e0002622. [PMID: 38569001 PMCID: PMC10990232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Malaria in pregnancy poses a high risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes and WHO recommends IPTp. However, its uptake has remained sub-optimal among mothers who attend antenatal care at private-not-for-profit health facilities. This study determined the level of and factors associated with uptake Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria for pregnant women (IPTp) at private-not-for-profit (PNFP) health facilities in Kasese District, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study involving 396 postpartum mothers in the postnatal wards of 8 PNFP health facilities in Kasese district was conducted in September 2022. One hospital and 2 Health Centre IVs were purposively selected and 5 Health Centre IIIs selected randomly. Mothers were consecutively selected and interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data were entered in epi-data version 3.1, cleaned and analyzed using STATA version 14. Data were adjusted for clustering & modified poison regression was used to determine associations of the factors and the outcome. From the analysis, level of optimal uptake of IPTp was 51.5% CI = (46.6-56.4). Being married (aPR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.06-1.7, p = 0.014), attending ANC more than 4 Visits (aPR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.09-1.54, p<0.001) positively influence optimal uptake while not taking IPTp at recommended time intervals (aPR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.39-0.62 p<0.001) and mothers paying for IPTp drugs themselves (aPR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.57-0.97, p = 0.031) negatively influence optimal uptake. This moderate uptake of IPTp among pregnant mothers suggests insufficient protection of pregnant mothers against malaria. Efforts to improve Antenatal care attendance, taking IPTp at recommended time intervals, not paying for ITPp drugs and encouraging marriages should be intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Mutoro
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Justus Barageine Kafunjo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Freddy Eric-Kitutu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joan Kalyango
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Iving Mumbere
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nathan Nshakira
- Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Kabale University, Kampala, Uganda
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Mahamar A, Traore M, Swihart B, Attaher O, Diarra BS, Santara G, Issiaka D, Barry A, Sidibé Y, Dicko YT, Keita S, Ndiaye O, Dicko A, Duffy PE, Fried M. Acquisition of antibodies that block Plasmodium falciparum adhesion to placental receptor chondroitin sulfate A with increasing gravidity in Malian women. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1330962. [PMID: 38274790 PMCID: PMC10808177 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1330962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In malaria-endemic areas, pregnant women are more susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum infection, especially primigravidae. During pregnancy, parasites sequester in the placenta and bind to the receptor chondroitin sulfate (CSA). This unique adhesion is mediated by the parasite protein VAR2CSA expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IE). Placental malaria is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes including perinatal mortality, preterm delivery, small for gestational age (SGA) and low birthweight deliveries. Over successive pregnancies, women acquire functional antibodies that inhibit IE adhesion to CSA. Here, we examine the development of anti-adhesion activity and the breadth of anti-adhesion activity as a function of number of previous pregnancies, using samples collected from pregnant women living in an area with high seasonal malaria transmission. Women reached plateau levels of anti-adhesion activity and breadth of anti-adhesion activity after 5 pregnancies. We related the level of anti-adhesion activity and reactivity with surface IE to SGA 19/232 pregnancies resulted in SGA, and report that an increase of 10% in median anti-adhesion activity reduced the odds of SGA by 13% and this relationship approached significance. Further, at an anti-adhesion activity level of 43.7%, an increase of 10% in the breadth of activity significantly reduced the odds of SGA by 21.5%. Antibodies that recognize IE surface increased over successive pregnancies, but were not associated with a reduction in SGA. These results can serve as a guideline for assessing vaccine candidates aiming to reduce poor pregnancy outcomes associated with placental malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almahamoudou Mahamar
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Moussa Traore
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bruce Swihart
- Biostatistics Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Oumar Attaher
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bacary Soumana Diarra
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Gaoussou Santara
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Djibrilla Issiaka
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Barry
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Youssoufa Sidibé
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Yahia T. Dicko
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekouba Keita
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Oulematou Ndiaye
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Alassane Dicko
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Patrick E. Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michal Fried
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Tomori C, O'Connor DL, Ververs M, Orta-Aleman D, Paone K, Budhathoki C, Pérez-Escamilla R. Critical research gaps in treating growth faltering in infants under 6 months: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Glob Public Health 2024; 4:e0001860. [PMID: 38190356 PMCID: PMC10773941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
In 2020, 149.2 million children worldwide under 5 years suffered from stunting, and 45.4 million experienced wasting. Many infants are born already stunted, while others are at high risk for growth faltering early after birth. Growth faltering is linked to transgenerational impacts of poverty and marginalization. Few interventions address growth faltering in infants under 6 months, despite a likely increasing prevalence due to the negative global economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Breastfeeding is a critical intervention to alleviate malnutrition and improve child health outcomes, but rarely receives adequate attention in growth faltering interventions. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to identify and evaluate interventions addressing growth faltering among infants under 6 months that employed supplemental milks. The review was carried out following guidelines from the USA National Academy of Medicine. A total of 10,405 references were identified, and after deduplication 7390 studies were screened for eligibility. Of these, 227 were assessed for full text eligibility and relevance. Two randomized controlled trials were ultimately included, which differed in inclusion criteria and methodology and had few shared outcomes. Both studies had small sample sizes, high attrition and high risk of bias. A Bangladeshi study (n = 153) found significantly higher rates of weight gain for F-100 and diluted F-100 (DF-100) compared with infant formula (IF), while a DRC trial (n = 146) did not find statistically significant differences in rate of weight gain for DF-100 compared with IF offered in the context of broader lactation and relactation support. The meta-analysis of rate of weight gain showed no statistical difference and some evidence of moderate heterogeneity. Few interventions address growth faltering among infants under 6 months. These studies have limited generalizability and have not comprehensively supported lactation. Greater investment is necessary to accelerate research that addresses growth faltering following a new research framework that calls for comprehensive lactation support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecília Tomori
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Population, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mija Ververs
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dania Orta-Aleman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Katerina Paone
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Yale University School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Chakra Budhathoki
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Yale University School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Abstract
Malaria is resurging in many African and South American countries, exacerbated by COVID-19-related health service disruption. In 2021, there were an estimated 247 million malaria cases and 619 000 deaths in 84 endemic countries. Plasmodium falciparum strains partly resistant to artemisinins are entrenched in the Greater Mekong region and have emerged in Africa, while Anopheles mosquito vectors continue to evolve physiological and behavioural resistance to insecticides. Elimination of Plasmodium vivax malaria is hindered by impractical and potentially toxic antirelapse regimens. Parasitological diagnosis and treatment with oral or parenteral artemisinin-based therapy is the mainstay of patient management. Timely blood transfusion, renal replacement therapy, and restrictive fluid therapy can improve survival in severe malaria. Rigorous use of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy and infancy and seasonal chemoprevention, potentially combined with pre-erythrocytic vaccines endorsed by WHO in 2021 and 2023, can substantially reduce malaria morbidity. Improved surveillance, better access to effective treatment, more labour-efficient vector control, continued drug development, targeted mass drug administration, and sustained political commitment are required to achieve targets for malaria reduction by the end of this decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne Rini Poespoprodjo
- Centre for Child Health and Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Timika Malaria Research Facility, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Indonesia; Mimika District Hospital and District Health Authority, Timika, Indonesia; Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.
| | - Nicholas M Douglas
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Ansong
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Steven Kho
- Timika Malaria Research Facility, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Indonesia; Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Nicholas M Anstey
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
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Gu J, Xu Y, Hua D, Chen Z. Role of artesunate in autoimmune diseases and signaling pathways. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:1183-1193. [PMID: 37431601 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2023-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART) is a derivative of artemisinin. Compared with artemisinin, ART has excellent water solubility, high stability and oral bioavailability. In this review, the application of ART in classic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ulcerative colitis is summarized. ART exhibited similar or even better efficacy than other highly effective immunosuppressive agents, such as methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. In addition, ART exerts its pharmacological effects mainly by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors, reactive oxygen species, autoantibodies and the migration of cells to reduce damage to tissues or organs. Moreover, ART widely affected the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways to exert pharmacological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsai Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Yishuang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Dihao Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
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Mondeilh A, Yovo E, Accrombessi M, Hounkonnou C, Agbota G, Atade W, Ladikpo OT, Mehoba M, Degbe A, Vianou B, Sossou D, Ndam NT, Massougbodji A, McGready R, Fievet N, Rijken MJ, Cottrell G, Briand V. Malaria Infections and Placental Blood Flow: A Doppler Ultrasound Study From a Preconception Cohort in Benin. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad376. [PMID: 37577115 PMCID: PMC10414806 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) has been associated with fetal growth restriction, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of which remain poorly understood. Malaria in pregnancy is suspected to induce abnormalities in placental vascularization, leading to impaired placental development. Our study evaluated MIP's effect on uterine artery (UtA) and umbilical artery (UA) blood flow. Methods The analysis included 253 Beninese women followed throughout pregnancy and screened monthly for submicroscopic and microscopic malaria. Uterine artery Doppler measurement was performed once between 21 and 25 weeks' gestation (wg), and UA Doppler measurement was performed 1-3 times from 28 wg. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of malaria infections on UtA Doppler indicators (pulsatility index and presence of a notch), whereas a logistic mixed model was used to assess the association between malaria infections and abnormal UA Doppler (defined as Z-score ≥2 standard deviation or absent/reversed UA end-diastolic flow). Results Primigravidae represented 7.5% of the study population; 42.3% of women had at least 1 microscopic infection during pregnancy, and 29.6% had at least 1 submicroscopic infection (and no microscopic infection). Both microscopic and submicroscopic infections before Doppler measurement were associated with the presence of a notch (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-16.3 and aOR 3.3, 95% CI = .9-11.9, respectively). No associations were found between malaria before the Doppler measurement and abnormal UA Doppler. Conclusions Malaria infections in the first half of pregnancy impair placental blood flow. This highlights the need to prevent malaria from the very beginning of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Mondeilh
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emmanuel Yovo
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Montpellier Interdisciplinary Center on Sustainable Agri-food Systems (MoISA), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Manfred Accrombessi
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Cornelia Hounkonnou
- Centre d'investigation clinique, module épidémiologie clinique (CIC-EC 1425), Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Paris, France
- Département d’Épidémiologie, Biostatistique et Recherche Clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital BichatParis, France
| | - Gino Agbota
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - William Atade
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | | | - Murielle Mehoba
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Auguste Degbe
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Bertin Vianou
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Dariou Sossou
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), UMR 261 MERIT, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Fievet
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), UMR 261 MERIT, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marcus J Rijken
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gilles Cottrell
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), UMR 261 MERIT, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Briand
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Cirera L, Sacoor C, Meremikwu M, Ranaivo L, Manun'Ebo MF, Pons-Duran C, Arikpo D, Ramirez M, Ramponi F, Figueroa-Romero A, Gonzalez R, Maly C, Roman E, Sicuri E, Pagnoni F, Menéndez C. Cost-effectiveness of community-based distribution of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e010238. [PMID: 37479498 PMCID: PMC10364184 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria in pregnancy is a major driver of maternal and infant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The WHO recommends the administration of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) at antenatal care (ANC) visits. Despite being a highly cost-effective strategy, IPTp-SP coverage and uptake remains low. A pilot project was conducted to assess the cost-effectiveness (CE) of community-based delivery of IPTp (C-IPTp) in addition to ANC delivery to increase IPTp uptake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar (MDG), Mozambique (MOZ) and Nigeria (NGA). METHODS Costs and CE estimates of C-IPTp were calculated according to two scenarios: (1) costs in 'programmatic mode' (ie, costs if C-IPTp was to be implemented by national health systems) and (2) costs from the pilot project. The effectiveness of C-IPTp was obtained through estimates of the averted disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with maternal clinical malaria and anaemia, low birth weight and neonatal mortality. RESULTS Net incremental costs of C-IPTp ranged between US$6138-US$47 177 (DRC), US$5552-US$31 552 (MDG), US$10 202-US$53 221 (MOZ) and US$667-US$28 645 (NGA) per 1000 pregnant women, under scenarios (1) and (2), respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) ranged between US$15-US$119 in DRC, US$9-US$53 in MDG, US$104-US$543 in MOZ and US$2-US$66 in NGA per DALY averted, under scenarios (1) and (2), respectively. ICERs fall below the WHO recommended CE threshold based on the gross domestic product per capita. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that C-IPTp is a highly cost-effective intervention. Results can inform policy decisions on adopting and optimising effective interventions for preventing malaria in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Cirera
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Martin Meremikwu
- Cross River Health and Demographic Surveillance System, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Louise Ranaivo
- Malagasy Associates for Numerical Information and Statistical Analysis (MANISA), Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Manu F Manun'Ebo
- Bureau d'Étude et de Gestion de l'Information Statistique (BEGIS), Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Clara Pons-Duran
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dachi Arikpo
- Cross River Health and Demographic Surveillance System, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Maximo Ramirez
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Ramponi
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antia Figueroa-Romero
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Gonzalez
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Christina Maly
- Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elaine Roman
- Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elisa Sicuri
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Health Policy, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Franco Pagnoni
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
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Nana RRD, Hawadak J, Foko LPK, Kumar A, Chaudhry S, Arya A, Singh V. Intermittent preventive treatment with Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine for malaria: a global overview and challenges affecting optimal drug uptake in pregnant women. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:462-475. [PMID: 36177658 PMCID: PMC10337642 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2128563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) leading to morbidity and mortality is a major public health problem that poses significant risk to pregnant women and their fetus. To cope with this alarming situation, administration of Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) drugs to pregnant women as an intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) from 16 weeks of gestation is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. We conducted a comprehensive search of published articles related to MiP in last 10 years with predefined keywords or their synonyms. The mapping of malaria in pregnant women showed a prevalence rate up to 35% in many countries. Although IPTp-SP has been implemented in endemic regions since several years but the IPTp-SP coverage percentage vary from country to country and continue to remain below the target of 80%. Major reasons for low IPTp-SP involve gestational age at first prenatal visit, level of education, place of residence, knowledge of IPTp-SP benefits, and use of antenatal services. Several challenges including the emergence of septuple and octuple SP-resistant parasites is reported from many countries which make the prophylactic use of IPTp-SP currently debatable. This narrative review addresses the barriers for optimal use of IPTp-SP and discusses alternative approaches to increase the use and effectiveness of SP intervention for preventing MiP. The COVID pandemic has drastically affected the public health disrupting the management of diseases worldwide. In view of this, a brief summary of COVID impact on MiP situation is also included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigue Roman Dongang Nana
- Parasite Host Biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
- Parasitology laboratory, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Joseph Hawadak
- Parasite Host Biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
| | - Loick Pradel Kojom Foko
- Parasite Host Biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Parasite Host Biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
| | - Shewta Chaudhry
- Parasite Host Biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
| | - Aditi Arya
- Parasite Host Biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Parasite Host Biology group, ICMR-National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi, India
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Eboumbou Moukoko CE, Kojom Foko LP, Ayina A, Tornyigah B, Epote AR, Penda IC, Epee Eboumbou P, Ebong SB, Texier G, Nsango SE, Ayong L, Tuikue Ndam N, Same Ekobo A. Effectiveness of Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Pregnancy: Low Coverage and High Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum dhfr-dhps Quintuple Mutants as Major Challenges in Douala, an Urban Setting in Cameroon. Pathogens 2023; 12:844. [PMID: 37375534 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is a key component in the malaria control strategy implemented in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine IPTp-SP adherence and coverage, and the impact on maternal infection and birth outcomes in the context of widespread SP resistance in the city of Douala, Cameroon. Clinical and demographic information were documented among 888 pregnant women attending 3 health facilities, from the antenatal care visit to delivery. Positive samples were genotyped for P. falciparum gene (dhfr, dhps, and k13) mutations. The overall IPTp-SP coverage (≥three doses) was 17.5%, and 5.1% received no dose. P. falciparum prevalence was 16%, with a predominance of submicroscopic infections (89.3%). Malaria infection was significantly associated with locality and history of malaria, and it was reduced among women using indoor residual spraying. Optimal doses of IPTp-SP were significantly associated with reduced infection among newborns and women (secundiparous and multiparous), but there was no impact of IPTp-SP on the newborn bodyweight. Pfdhfr-Pfdhps quintuple mutants were over-represented (IRNI-FGKAA, IRNI-AGKAA), and sextuple mutants (IRNI-AGKAS, IRNI-FGEAA, IRNI-AGKGS) were also reported. The Pfk13 gene mutations associated with artemisinin resistance were not detected. This study highlights the role of ANC in achieving optimal SP coverage in pregnant women, the mitigated impact of IPTp-SP on malaria outcomes, and the high prevalence of multiple SP-resistant P. falciparum parasites in the city of Douala that could compromise the efficacy of IPTp-SP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Else Eboumbou Moukoko
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Mycology and Virology, Postgraduate Training Unit for Health Sciences, Postgraduate School for Pure and Applied Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | | | - Angèle Ayina
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Bernard Tornyigah
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 1181, Ghana
- UMR 261 MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Annie Rachel Epote
- Haematology Laboratory, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
| | - Ida Calixte Penda
- Clinical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Patricia Epee Eboumbou
- Clinical Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
- Pediatric Wards, Bonassama Hospital, Douala P.O. Box 9023, Cameroon
| | - Serge Bruno Ebong
- Animal Organisms Biology and Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Gaetan Texier
- UMR 257-Vecteurs, Infections Tropicales et Méditerranéennes-VITROME-IRD/SSA/AP-HM, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Sandrine Eveline Nsango
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
| | - Lawrence Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur Cameroon, Yaoundé P.O. Box 1274, Cameroon
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box 1181, Ghana
- UMR 261 MERIT, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Albert Same Ekobo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 24157, Cameroon
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Adokiya MN, Boah M, Atinbire SA, Achana F, Ndago JA, Kanligi DA, Abotiyire Z, Moyer CA. A qualitative study of health workers' perspectives on malaria case identification and management among pregnant women in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana. PLOS Glob Public Health 2023; 3:e0001963. [PMID: 37224167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite successes in malaria control interventions over the past two decades, malaria remains a major public health concern. Over 125 million women live in endemic areas and experience adverse pregnancy outcomes due to malaria. Understanding health workers' perspectives on malaria identification and management is important to informing policy changes on the control and eradication of the disease. This study explored the perspectives of health workers on malaria case identification and management among pregnant women in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana. A qualitative study with a phenomenology design was conducted among participants. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was performed and the results were presented as themes and sub-themes. Four themes and eight sub-themes regarding case identification and management of malaria in pregnancy were identified including malaria case identification training (trained and untrained), identification approach (signs/symptoms and routine laboratory test), diagnostic tools (rapid diagnostic test and microscopy) and management options. It revealed that attending malaria training programs was generally optional. Some of the participants had not undergone any refresher training for malaria identification after their formal training at health institutions. Participants identified malaria by its signs and symptoms. However, they often referred clients for routine laboratory tests for confirmation. When malaria is confirmed in pregnancy, quinine is used for first trimester treatment, while Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies are prescribed after the first trimester. Clindamycin was not used in the first trimester treatment. This study found that training programs were optional for health workers. Some participants have not received refresher training after graduating from health institutions. Treatment of confirmed cases did not include clindamycin for first trimester malaria infections. Malaria refresher training programs should be made mandatory for health workers. Every suspected case should be confirmed using Rapid Diagnostic Test or microscopy before treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Nyaaba Adokiya
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Michael Boah
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | | | - Felix Achana
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Joyce Aputere Ndago
- Department of Social and Behavioral Change, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - David Abatanie Kanligi
- Pediatric Unit, Savelugu Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Northern Region, Ghana
| | | | - Cheryl A Moyer
- Department of Learning Health Sciences and OB/GYN, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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Ding XC, Incardona S, Serra-Casas E, Charnaud SC, Slater HC, Domingo GJ, Adams ER, ter Kuile FO, Samuels AM, Kariuki S, Dittrich S. Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) studies assessing the clinical performance of highly sensitive rapid diagnostic tests (HS-RDT) for Plasmodium falciparum detection. Malar J 2023; 22:60. [PMID: 36803858 PMCID: PMC9942317 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04445-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are effective tools to diagnose and inform the treatment of malaria in adults and children. The recent development of a highly sensitive rapid diagnostic test (HS-RDT) for Plasmodium falciparum has prompted questions over whether it could improve the diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes in malaria endemic areas. METHODS This landscape review collates studies addressing the clinical performance of the HS-RDT. Thirteen studies were identified comparing the HS-RDT and conventional RDT (co-RDT) to molecular methods to detect malaria in pregnancy. Using data from five completed studies, the association of epidemiological and pregnancy-related factors on the sensitivity of HS-RDT, and comparisons with co-RDT were investigated. The studies were conducted in 4 countries over a range of transmission intensities in largely asymptomatic women. RESULTS Sensitivity of both RDTs varied widely (HS-RDT range 19.6 to 85.7%, co-RDT range 22.8 to 82.8% compared to molecular testing) yet HS-RDT detected individuals with similar parasite densities across all the studies including different geographies and transmission areas [geometric mean parasitaemia around 100 parasites per µL (p/µL)]. HS-RDTs were capable of detecting low-density parasitaemias and in one study detected around 30% of infections with parasite densities of 0-2 p/µL compared to the co-RDT in the same study which detected around 15%. CONCLUSION The HS-RDT has a slightly higher analytical sensitivity to detect malaria infections in pregnancy than co-RDT but this mostly translates to only fractional and not statistically significant improvement in clinical performance by gravidity, trimester, geography or transmission intensity. The analysis presented here highlights the need for larger and more studies to evaluate incremental improvements in RDTs. The HS-RDT could be used in any situation where co-RDT are currently used for P. falciparum diagnosis, if storage conditions can be adhered to.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier C. Ding
- grid.452485.a0000 0001 1507 3147FIND, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Hannah C. Slater
- grid.415269.d0000 0000 8940 7771Diagnostics Program, PATH, Seattle, USA
| | | | - Emily R. Adams
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Department of Tropical Disease Biology and Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
| | - Feiko O. ter Kuile
- grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Department of Tropical Disease Biology and Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
| | - Aaron M. Samuels
- grid.512515.7Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, Kenya ,grid.467642.50000 0004 0540 3132Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia USA
| | - Simon Kariuki
- grid.33058.3d0000 0001 0155 5938Kenya Medical Research Institute-Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
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Reddy V, Weiss DJ, Rozier J, Ter Kuile FO, Dellicour S. Global estimates of the number of pregnancies at risk of malaria from 2007 to 2020: a demographic study. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e40-e47. [PMID: 36521951 PMCID: PMC9764451 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most recent global estimates of the number of pregnancies at risk of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria infection are from 2007. To inform global malaria prevention and control efforts, we aimed to estimate the global distribution of pregnancies at risk of malaria infection from 2007 to 2020. METHODS We used estimates from the Malaria Atlas Project on the total population living in areas of P falciparum and P vivax transmission, combined with country-specific demographic data on women of reproductive age, fertility rates, induced abortions, and stillbirths, to derive the annual number of pregnancies overall, by parasite species, and by endemicity strata from 2007 to 2020. The definition of endemicity strata was based on the parasite point prevalence in individuals aged 2-10 years for P falciparum and 1-99 years for P vivax. We also did a sensitivity analysis in which we considered most of sub-Saharan Africa endemic for P vivax. FINDINGS In 2020, 121·9 million pregnancies occurred in malaria transmission areas, resulting in an estimated 70·9 million (58·1%) livebirths. The total number of pregnancies at risk of malaria was 52·9 million in the WHO South-East Asia (SEARO) region, 5·1 million in the Western Pacific (WPRO) region, 46·1 million in the Africa (AFRO) region, 11·1 million in the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) region, and 6·7 million in the Americas (AMRO) region. Between 2007 and 2020, pregnancies in areas of P falciparum transmission declined by 11·4% globally, despite an overall 7·0% increase in pregnancies, representing a decrease of 100·0% in the WHO Europe (EURO) region, 52·6% in WPRO, 51·5% in AMRO, 23·9% in EMRO, and 17·2% in SEARO, and a 25·4% increase in AFRO. Pregnancies in P vivax transmission areas fell by 42·8%, representing a decrease of 100·0% in EURO, 89·8% in WPRO, 48·4% in AMRO, 32·4% in EMRO, and 10·0% in SEARO, and a 25·8% increase in AFRO. Our sensitivity analysis suggests that the number of pregnancies at risk of P vivax infection could be seven-fold higher for AFRO if the whole of sub-Saharan Africa was considered endemic for P vivax. INTERPRETATION Between 2007 and 2020, substantial declines in the number of pregnancies at risk of malaria were seen globally. However, in AFRO, 25·4% more pregnancies were at risk of P falciparum or P vivax malaria than in 2007. This increase in the number at risk in AFRO comes despite the decline in malaria rates due to the rapidly rising population and the corresponding number of pregnancies in endemic areas. These estimates should guide priority setting for resource allocation to control malaria in pregnancy. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Telethon Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Reddy
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Daniel J Weiss
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia; Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jennifer Rozier
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia; Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Stephanie Dellicour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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Maketa V, Kabalu J, Kabena M, Luzolo F, Muhindo-Mavoko H, Schallig HDFH, Kayentao K, Mens PF, Lutumba P, Tinto H. Comparison of intermittent screening (using ultra-sensitive malaria rapid diagnostic test) and treatment (using a newly registered antimalarial pyronaridine-artesunate—PYRAMAX®) to standard intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women living in endemic areas: ULTRAPYRAPREG. Trials 2022; 23:963. [DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is an important malaria control strategy in sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed, it overcomes the risk of misdiagnosis due to low peripheral parasitemia during pregnancy by treating women with SP on predetermined schedules. However, over time, the spread of Plasmodium-resistant strains has threatened this strategy in many countries. As an alternative, the intermittent screening and treatment for pregnancy (ISTp) aims at a monthly screening of pregnant women, preferably by using very sensitive tests such as ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic tests (us-RDTs) and the treatment of positive cases with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) regardless of the presence of symptoms. Unlike IPTp-SP, ISTp prevents overuse of antimalarials limiting the drug pressure on parasites, an advantage which can be potentiated by using an ACT like pyronaridine-artesunate (Pyramax®) that is not yet used in pregnant women in the field.
Methods
This study aims to compare the non-inferiority of ISTp using us-RDTs and Pyramax® versus IPTp-SP on malaria in pregnancy through a randomized clinical trial performed in Kisenso, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a malaria perennial transmission area.
Discussion
The results will be essential for the National Malaria Control Program to update the malaria prevention policy in pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04783051
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Abdullahi A, Wong TWL, Ng SSM. Establishing childhood disability clinics may help reduce the prevalence of disability among children in Africa: A viewpoint. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1010437. [PMID: 36407982 PMCID: PMC9672508 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1010437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, there are about a billion people comprising of about 95 million children who experience disability. The number of people in Africa living with disability is about 80 million people; out of which 10%-15% are children of school age. The causes of disability among these children include epilepsy, vision loss, or hearing loss, cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, tetanus, cerebrospinal meningitis and malaria. However, these causes of disability are preventable and can be managed with proper care. The aim of this article is to propose the establishment of childhood disability clinics in Africa in order to help prevent or reduce the incidence/ prevalence of disability among children. Some of the mandates of the clinics will be to carry out routine assessment of children for disability, to provide education on disability and strategies for disability prevention to parents and caregivers, to promptly prevent and manage disability or its causes. However, establishing these clinics requires shared commitment of all the stakeholders.
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El Gaaloul M, Tornesi B, Lebus F, Reddy D, Kaszubska W. Re-orienting anti-malarial drug development to better serve pregnant women. Malar J 2022; 21:121. [PMID: 35413907 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04137-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the most serious infectious diseases affecting predominantly low- and middle-income countries, where pregnant women are among the populations at risk. There are limited options to prevent or treat malaria in pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, and existing ones may not work optimally in areas where the threat of drug resistance is rising. As malaria elimination is a key goal of the global health community, the inclusion of pregnant women in the adult population to protect from malaria will be key to achieving success. New, safe, and effective options are needed but it can take decades of evidence-gathering before a medicine is recommended for use in pregnancy. This is because pregnant women are typically not included in pre-registration clinical trials due to fear of causing harm. Data to support dosing and safety in pregnancy are subsequently collected in post-licensure studies. There have been growing calls in recent years that this practice needs to change, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing public awareness that newly developed medicines generally cannot be administered to pregnant women from the onset. The development of new anti-malarials should ensure that data informing their use in pregnancy and breastfeeding are available earlier. To achieve this, a mindset change and a different approach to medications for pregnant women are needed. Changes in non-clinical, translational, and clinical approaches in the drug development pathway, in line with recent recommendations from the regulatory bodies are proposed in this Comment. The new approach applies to any malaria-endemic region, regardless of the type of Plasmodium responsible for malaria cases. By incorporating intentional and systematic data collection from pre-registration stages of development through post-licensure, it will be possible to inform on the benefit/risk balance of a new anti-malarial earlier and help ensure that the needs of pregnant individuals are addressed in a more timely and equitable manner in the future.
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Apanga PA, Kumbeni MT, Chanase MW. The Association Between Early Antenatal Care and Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Effect Modification by Planned Pregnancy Status. Ann Glob Health 2022; 88:4. [PMID: 35087704 PMCID: PMC8757383 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.3550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax infects an estimated 7 million people every year. Previously, vivax malaria was perceived as a benign condition, particularly when compared to falciparum malaria. Reports of the severe clinical impacts of vivax malaria have been increasing over the last decade. METHODS AND FINDINGS We describe the main clinical impacts of vivax malaria, incorporating a rapid systematic review of severe disease with meta-analysis of data from studies with clearly defined denominators, stratified by hospitalization status. Severe anemia is a serious consequence of relapsing infections in children in endemic areas, in whom vivax malaria causes increased morbidity and mortality and impaired school performance. P. vivax infection in pregnancy is associated with maternal anemia, prematurity, fetal loss, and low birth weight. More than 11,658 patients with severe vivax malaria have been reported since 1929, with 15,954 manifestations of severe malaria, of which only 7,157 (45%) conformed to the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria. Out of 423 articles, 311 (74%) were published since 2010. In a random-effects meta-analysis of 85 studies, 68 of which were in hospitalized patients with vivax malaria, we estimated the proportion of patients with WHO-defined severe disease as 0.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19% to 2.57%] in all patients with vivax malaria and 7.11% [95% CI 4.30% to 11.55%] in hospitalized patients. We estimated the mortality from vivax malaria as 0.01% [95% CI 0.00% to 0.07%] in all patients and 0.56% [95% CI 0.35% to 0.92%] in hospital settings. WHO-defined cerebral, respiratory, and renal severe complications were generally estimated to occur in fewer than 0.5% patients in all included studies. Limitations of this review include the observational nature and small size of most of the studies of severe vivax malaria, high heterogeneity of included studies which were predominantly in hospitalized patients (who were therefore more likely to be severely unwell), and high risk of bias including small study effects. CONCLUSIONS Young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to adverse clinical impacts of vivax malaria, and preventing infections and relapse in this groups is a priority. Substantial evidence of severe presentations of vivax malaria has accrued over the last 10 years, but reporting is inconsistent. There are major knowledge gaps, for example, limited understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and the reason for the heterogenous geographical distribution of reported complications. An adapted case definition of severe vivax malaria would facilitate surveillance and future research to better understand this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prabin Dahal
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory–IDDO, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mayfong Mayxay
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED), University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Laos
- Lao–Oxford–Mahosot Hospital–Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
| | - Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao–Oxford–Mahosot Hospital–Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
- * E-mail:
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Seijas-Chávez JA, Nolan MS, Lynn MK, da Rocha MJF, da Costa Araújo M, Fonseca FLA, Laporta GZ. Causal effects on low Apgar at 5-min and stillbirth in a malaria maternal-fetal health outcome investigation: a large perinatal surveillance study in the Brazilian Amazon. Malar J 2021; 20:444. [PMID: 34823521 PMCID: PMC8614005 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03981-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria elimination in Brazil poses several challenges, including the control of Plasmodium falciparum foci and the hidden burden of Plasmodium vivax in pregnancy. Maternal malaria and fetal health outcomes were investigated with a perinatal surveillance study in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre state, Brazilian Amazon. The research questions are: what are the causal effects of low birth weight on low Apgar at 5-min and of perinatal anaemia on stillbirth? METHODS From November 2018 to October 2019, pregnant women of ≥ 22 weeks or puerperal mothers, who delivered at the referral maternity hospital (Juruá Women and Children's Hospital), were recruited to participate in a malaria surveillance study. Clinical information was obtained from a questionnaire and abstracted from medical reports. Haemoglobin level and presence of malarial parasites were tested by haematology counter and light microscopy, respectively. Low Apgar at 5-min and stillbirth were the outcomes analysed in function of clinical data and epidemiologic risk factors for maternal malaria infection using both a model of additive and independent effects and a causal model with control of confounders and use of mediation. RESULTS In total, 202 (7.2%; N = 2807) women had malaria during pregnancy. Nearly half of malaria infections during pregnancy (n = 94) were P. falciparum. A total of 27 women (1.03%; N = 2632) had perinatal malaria (19 P. vivax and 8 P. falciparum). Perinatal anaemia was demonstrated in 1144 women (41.2%; N = 2779) and low birth weight occurred in 212 newborns (3.1%; N = 2807). A total of 75 newborns (2.7%; N = 2807) had low (< 7) Apgar scores at 5-min., and stillbirth occurred in 23 instances (30.7%; n = 75). Low birth weight resulted in 7.1 higher odds of low Apgar at 5-min (OR = 7.05, 95% CI 3.86-12.88, p < 0.001) modulated by living in rural conditions, malaria during pregnancy, perinatal malaria, and perinatal anaemia. Stillbirth was associated with perinatal anaemia (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.02-6.42, p = 0.0444) modulated by living in rural conditions, falciparum malaria during pregnancy, perinatal malaria, and perinatal fever. CONCLUSIONS While Brazil continues its path towards malaria elimination, the population still faces major structural problems, including substandard living conditions. Here malaria infections on pregnant women were observed having indirect effects on fetal outcomes, contributing to low Apgar at 5-min and stillbirth. Finally, the utility of employing multiple statistical analysis methods to validate consistent trends is vital to ensure optimal public health intervention designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Abel Seijas-Chávez
- Centro Universitário FMABC, Fundação ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
- Hospital da Mulher e da Criança do Juruá (HMCJ), Cruzeiro do Sul, AC, Brazil
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Parasitic Diseases, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Mary K Lynn
- Laboratory of Vector-Borne and Parasitic Diseases, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Muana da Costa Araújo
- Vigilância Entomológica da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Cruzeiro do Sul, AC, Brazil
| | - Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca
- Centro Universitário FMABC, Fundação ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
- Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, Brazil
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21
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Simionescu AA, Streinu-Cercel A, Popescu FD, Stanescu AMA, Vieru M, Danciu BM, Miron VD, Săndulescu O. Comprehensive Overview of Vaccination during Pregnancy in Europe. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111196. [PMID: 34834548 PMCID: PMC8623700 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations during pregnancy can protect the mother from several infections, thus blocking vertical transmission. Furthermore, through passive antibody transfer, the newborn can be protected against some infections in the first months of life until their own vaccination regimen is initiated and completed at the appropriate age. Pregnancy can be considered a high-risk condition that increases vulnerability to infectious diseases with potentially unfavorable evolution. We present the current knowledge on vaccination during pregnancy in Europe as a useful information source for different health workers involved in prenatal care. Many European countries implement vaccination policies specifically designed for pregnant women, but there is great heterogeneity among programs. Recommendations on vaccination during pregnancy must be based on current high-quality scientific data. The decisions must be made for each individual case, depending on the associated conditions or special circumstances, with a concomitant assessment of the potential benefits and risks to both the pregnant patient and the fetus. Many vaccines are well-tolerated in pregnant women, with no clinically meaningful injection site reactions, systemic symptoms, or vaccine-related serious adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Angela Simionescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011132 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Streinu-Cercel
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin-Dan Popescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Nicolae Malaxa Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
| | - Mariana Vieru
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Nicolae Malaxa Clinical Hospital, 022441 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca Mihaela Danciu
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 127715 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Victor Daniel Miron
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- National Institute for Mother and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu”, 127715 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Oana Săndulescu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (A.A.S.); (A.S.-C.); (A.M.A.S.); (M.V.); (V.D.M.); (O.S.)
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș”, 021105 Bucharest, Romania
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Gutman JR, Khairallah C, Stepniewska K, Tagbor H, Madanitsa M, Cairns M, L'lanziva AJ, Kalilani L, Otieno K, Mwapasa V, Meshnick S, Kariuki S, Chandramohan D, Desai M, Taylor SM, Greenwood B, ter Kuile FO. Intermittent screening and treatment with artemisinin-combination therapy versus intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria in pregnancy: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 41:101160. [PMID: 34746720 PMCID: PMC8556518 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, the efficacy of intermittent preventive therapy in pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) for malaria in pregnancy is threatened by parasite resistance. We conducted an individual-participant data (IPD) meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of intermittent screening with malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treatment of RDT-positive women with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ISTp-ACT) compared to IPTp-SP, and understand the importance of subpatent infections. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and the Malaria-in-Pregnancy Library on May 6, 2021 for trials comparing ISTp-ACT and IPTp-SP. Generalised linear regression was used to compare adverse pregnancy outcomes (composite of small-for-gestational-age, low birthweight (LBW), or preterm delivery) and peripheral or placental Plasmodium falciparum at delivery. The effects of subpatent (PCR-positive, RDT/microscopy-negative) infections were assessed in both arms pooled using multi-variable fixed-effect models adjusting for the number of patent infections. PROSPERO registration: CRD42016043789. FINDINGS Five trials conducted between 2007 and 2014 contributed (10,821 pregnancies), two from high SP-resistance areas where dhfr/dhps quintuple mutant parasites are saturated, but sextuple mutants are still rare (Kenya and Malawi), and three from low-resistance areas (West-Africa). Four trials contributed IPD data (N=10,362). At delivery, the prevalence of any malaria infection (relative risk [RR]=1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16, I2=67.0 %) and patent infection (RR=1.02, 0.61-1.16, I2=0.0%) were similar. Subpatent infections were more common in ISTp recipients (RR=1.31, 1.05-1.62, I2=0.0%). There was no difference in adverse pregnancy outcome (RR=1.00, 0.96-1.05; studies=4, N=9,191, I2=54.5%). Subpatent infections were associated with LBW (adjusted RR=1.13, 1.07-1.19), lower mean birthweight (adjusted mean difference=32g, 15-49), and preterm delivery (aRR=1.35, 1.15-1.57). INTERPRETATION ISTp-ACT was not superior to IPTp-SP and may result in more subpatent infections than the existing IPTp-SP policy. Subpatent infections were associated with increased LBW and preterm delivery. More sensitive diagnostic tests are needed to detect and treat low-grade infections. FUNDING Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carole Khairallah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK
| | - Harry Tagbor
- University of Health and Allied Science, Ho, Ghana
| | | | | | - Anne Joan L'lanziva
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Linda Kalilani
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kephas Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Steve Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Meghna Desai
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Steve M. Taylor
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Feiko O. ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
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Abstract
Vaccination in pregnancy provides an important opportunity to target illnesses that are known to impact pregnant women, fetal development, and newborns in particular. The ability to create antibodies through safe vaccination that cross the placenta can provide protection against maternal, congenital, and newborn infections. At present, multiple vaccines are being developed which have direct benefits for pregnant women and their newborns. Group B streptococcus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Cytomegalovirus, Zika, Ebola, Malaria, and Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 are all being researched with the view to develop a safe vaccine available for pregnant women. There is also an increased movement towards the inclusion of pregnant women in vaccine development and trials - challenging the historical, ethical, and medicolegal arguments against their involvement in such research.
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24
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Lawford HLS, Nuamah MA, Liley HG, Griffin A, Lekpor CE, Botchway F, Oppong SA, Samba A, Badoe EV, Kumar S, Lee AC, Gyasi RK, Adjei AA, Bora S. Associations Between Malaria in Pregnancy and Neonatal Neurological Outcomes: Malaria in Pregnancy and Neonatal Neurological Outcomes. Int J Infect Dis 2021:S1201-9712(21)00593-2. [PMID: 34284089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare neurological functioning of neonates born to mothers with and without malaria in pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant women presenting at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana were recruited into this prospective observational study. Malaria exposure was determined by clinically-documented antenatal malaria infection; parasitemia in maternal, placental, or umbilical cord blood; or placental histology. Neurological functioning was assessed using the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination within 48 hours of birth. Performance was classified as "optimal" or "suboptimal" by subdomain and overall. RESULTS Between 21st November 2018 and 10th February 2019, 211 term-born neonates, of whom 27 (13%) were exposed to malaria, were included. In the reflexes subdomain, exposed neonates tended to score lower (adjusted mean difference: -0.34, 95% CI: -0.70-0.03) with increased risk (adjusted risk ratio: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.09-2.44) of suboptimal performance compared to unexposed neonates. There were no significant between-group differences in scores or optimality classification for the remaining subdomains and overall. CONCLUSION Malaria-exposed neonates had similar neurological functioning relative to unexposed neonates, with differences confined to the reflexes subdomain, suggesting potential underlying neurological immaturity or injury. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the significance of malaria in pregnancy on long-term neurological outcomes.
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25
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Saito M, Carrara VI, Gilder ME, Min AM, Tun NW, Pimanpanarak M, Viladpai-Nguen J, Paw MK, Haohankhunnatham W, Konghahong K, Phyo AP, Chu C, Turner C, Lee SJ, Duanguppama J, Imwong M, Bancone G, Proux S, Singhasivanon P, White NJ, Nosten F, McGready R. A randomized controlled trial of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, artesunate-mefloquine and extended artemether-lumefantrine treatments for malaria in pregnancy on the Thailand-Myanmar border. BMC Med 2021; 19:132. [PMID: 34107963 PMCID: PMC8191049 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artemisinin and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) partner drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum have spread across the Greater Mekong Subregion compromising antimalarial treatment. The current 3-day artemether-lumefantrine regimen has been associated with high treatment failure rates in pregnant women. Although ACTs are recommended for treating Plasmodium vivax malaria, no clinical trials in pregnancy have been reported. METHODS Pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria on the Thailand-Myanmar border participated in an open-label randomized controlled trial comparing dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP), artesunate-mefloquine (ASMQ) and a 4-day artemether-lumefantrine regimen (AL+). The primary endpoint for P. falciparum infections was the PCR-corrected cure rate and for P. vivax infections was recurrent parasitaemia, before delivery or day 63, whichever was longer, assessed by Kaplan-Meier estimate. RESULTS Between February 2010 and August 2016, 511 pregnant women with malaria (353 P. vivax, 142 P. falciparum, 15 co-infections, 1 Plasmodium malariae) were randomized to either DP (n=170), ASMQ (n=169) or AL+ (n=172) treatments. Successful malaria elimination efforts in the region resulted in premature termination of the trial. The majority of women had recurrent malaria (mainly P. vivax relapses, which are not prevented by these treatments). Recurrence-free proportions (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) for vivax malaria were 20.6% (5.1-43.4) for DP (n=125), 46.0% (30.9-60.0) for ASMQ (n=117) and 28.7% (10.0-50.8) for AL+ (n=126). DP and ASMQ provided longer recurrence-free intervals. PCR-corrected cure rates (95% CI) for falciparum malaria were 93.7% (81.6-97.9) for DP (n=49), 79.6% (66.1-88.1) for AMSQ (n=55) and 87.5% (74.3-94.2) for AL+ (n=50). Overall 65% (85/130) of P. falciparum infections had Pfkelch13 propeller mutations which increased over time and recrudescence occurred almost exclusively in them; risk ratio 9.42 (95% CI 1.30-68.29). Among the women with falciparum malaria, 24.0% (95% CI 16.8-33.6) had P. vivax parasitaemia within 4 months. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and sleep disturbance were more frequent with ASMQ. Miscarriage, small-for-gestational-age and preterm birth did not differ significantly among the treatment groups, including first trimester exposures (n=46). CONCLUSIONS DP was well tolerated and safe, and was the only drug providing satisfactory efficacy for P. falciparum-infected pregnant woman in this area of widespread artemisinin resistance. Vivax malaria recurrences are very common and warrant chloroquine prophylaxis after antimalarial treatment in this area. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01054248 , registered on 22 January 2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Saito
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Verena I Carrara
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Department of Family Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Aung Myat Min
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nay Win Tun
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Mupawjay Pimanpanarak
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Jacher Viladpai-Nguen
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Moo Kho Paw
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Warat Haohankhunnatham
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Kamonchanok Konghahong
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Cindy Chu
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claudia Turner
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sue J Lee
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jureeporn Duanguppama
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Germana Bancone
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephane Proux
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Pratap Singhasivanon
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand.
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Mahamar A, Andemel N, Swihart B, Sidibe Y, Gaoussou S, Barry A, Traore M, Attaher O, Dembele AB, Diarra BS, Keita S, Dicko A, Duffy PE, Fried M. Malaria infection is common and associated with perinatal mortality and preterm delivery despite widespread use of chemoprevention in Mali: an observational study 2010 to 2014. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:1355-1361. [PMID: 33846719 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In malaria-endemic areas, pregnant women and especially first-time mothers are more susceptible to Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria diagnosis is often missed during pregnancy, since many women with placental malaria remain asymptomatic or have submicroscopic parasitemia, masking the association between malaria and pregnancy outcomes Severe maternal anemia and low birthweight deliveries are well-established sequelae, but few studies have confirmed the relationship between malaria infection and severe outcomes like perinatal mortality in high transmission zones. METHODS Pregnant women of any gestational age enrolled at antenatal clinic into a longitudinal cohort study in Ouelessebougou, Mali, an area of high seasonal malaria transmission. Follow-up visits included scheduled and unscheduled visits throughout pregnancy. Blood smear microscopy and PCR analysis were employed to detect both microscopic and submicroscopic infections, respectively. Intermittent preventative treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) was documented and prompt treatment regardless of symptoms given upon malaria diagnosis. RESULTS Of the 1850 women followed through delivery, 72.6% of women received 2 or more IPTp-SP doses, 67.2% of women experienced at least one infection between enrollment up to and including delivery. Malaria infection increased the risks of stillbirth (adjusted-hazard ratio (aHR) 3.87, 95%CI 1.18-12.71) and preterm delivery (aHR 2.41, 95%CI 1.35-4.29) in primigravidae, and early neonatal death (death within 7 days) in secundigravidae and multigravidae (HR 6.30, 95%CI 1.41-28.15). CONCLUSIONS Malaria treatment after diagnosis, alongside IPTp-SP, is insufficient to prevent malaria-related stillbirth, early neonatal death and PTD. While IPTp-SP was beneficial in Mali during the study period, new tools are needed to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almahamoudou Mahamar
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Naissem Andemel
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bruce Swihart
- Biostatistics Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Youssoufa Sidibe
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Santara Gaoussou
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Amadou Barry
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Moussa Traore
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Oumar Attaher
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Adama B Dembele
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Bacary S Diarra
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sekouba Keita
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Alassane Dicko
- Malaria Research & Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences Techniques and Technologies of Bamako;, Bamako, Mali
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michal Fried
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Athni TS, Shocket MS, Couper LI, Nova N, Caldwell IR, Caldwell JM, Childress JN, Childs ML, De Leo GA, Kirk DG, MacDonald AJ, Olivarius K, Pickel DG, Roberts SO, Winokur OC, Young HS, Cheng J, Grant EA, Kurzner PM, Kyaw S, Lin BJ, López RC, Massihpour DS, Olsen EC, Roache M, Ruiz A, Schultz EA, Shafat M, Spencer RL, Bharti N, Mordecai EA. The influence of vector-borne disease on human history: socio-ecological mechanisms. Ecol Lett 2021; 24:829-846. [PMID: 33501751 PMCID: PMC7969392 DOI: 10.1111/ele.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are embedded within complex socio-ecological systems. While research has traditionally focused on the direct effects of VBDs on human morbidity and mortality, it is increasingly clear that their impacts are much more pervasive. VBDs are dynamically linked to feedbacks between environmental conditions, vector ecology, disease burden, and societal responses that drive transmission. As a result, VBDs have had profound influence on human history. Mechanisms include: (1) killing or debilitating large numbers of people, with demographic and population-level impacts; (2) differentially affecting populations based on prior history of disease exposure, immunity, and resistance; (3) being weaponised to promote or justify hierarchies of power, colonialism, racism, classism and sexism; (4) catalysing changes in ideas, institutions, infrastructure, technologies and social practices in efforts to control disease outbreaks; and (5) changing human relationships with the land and environment. We use historical and archaeological evidence interpreted through an ecological lens to illustrate how VBDs have shaped society and culture, focusing on case studies from four pertinent VBDs: plague, malaria, yellow fever and trypanosomiasis. By comparing across diseases, time periods and geographies, we highlight the enormous scope and variety of mechanisms by which VBDs have influenced human history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tejas S. Athni
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marta S. Shocket
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lisa I. Couper
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Nova
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Iain R. Caldwell
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie M. Caldwell
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Jasmine N. Childress
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Marissa L. Childs
- Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Giulio A. De Leo
- Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Devin G. Kirk
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew J. MacDonald
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
- Earth Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - David G. Pickel
- Department of Classics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Olivia C. Winokur
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Hillary S. Young
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Julian Cheng
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Saw Kyaw
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Bradford J. Lin
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Erica C. Olsen
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Maggie Roache
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Angie Ruiz
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Muskan Shafat
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Nita Bharti
- Department of Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Gamain B, Chêne A, Viebig NK, Tuikue Ndam N, Nielsen MA. Progress and Insights Toward an Effective Placental Malaria Vaccine. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634508. [PMID: 33717176 PMCID: PMC7947914 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In areas where Plasmodium falciparum transmission is endemic, clinical immunity against malaria is progressively acquired during childhood and adults are usually protected against the severe clinical consequences of the disease. Nevertheless, pregnant women, notably during their first pregnancies, are susceptible to placental malaria and the associated serious clinical outcomes. Placental malaria is characterized by the massive accumulation of P. falciparum infected erythrocytes and monocytes in the placental intervillous spaces leading to maternal anaemia, hypertension, stillbirth and low birth weight due to premature delivery, and foetal growth retardation. Remarkably, the prevalence of placental malaria sharply decreases with successive pregnancies. This protection is associated with the development of antibodies directed towards the surface of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes from placental origin. Placental sequestration is mediated by the interaction between VAR2CSA, a member of the P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 family expressed on the infected erythrocytes surface, and the placental receptor chondroitin sulfate A. VAR2CSA stands today as the leading candidate for a placental malaria vaccine. We recently reported the safety and immunogenicity of two VAR2CSA-derived placental malaria vaccines (PRIMVAC and PAMVAC), spanning the chondroitin sulfate A-binding region of VAR2CSA, in both malaria-naïve and P. falciparum-exposed non-pregnant women in two distinct Phase I clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02658253 and NCT02647489). This review discusses recent advances in placental malaria vaccine development, with a focus on the recent clinical data, and discusses the next clinical steps to undertake in order to better comprehend vaccine-induced immunity and accelerate vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Gamain
- Université de Paris, Inserm, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Chêne
- Université de Paris, Inserm, Biologie Intégrée du Globule Rouge, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Paris, France
| | - Nicola K Viebig
- European Vaccine Initiative, UniversitätsKlinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Morten A Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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