HIV infection and placental malaria reduce maternal transfer of multiple antimalarial antibodies in Mozambican women

Each year, more than 200 million cases of malaria occur worldwide, the majority in Africa [1]. Pregnant women and children older than 6 months of age are the most vulnerable groups affected by malaria. In fact, malaria in pregnancy is estimated to account for 100,000 neonatal deaths annually and it increases the risk of severe maternal anaemia, premature delivery, low birth weight (LBW) and perinatal mortality [2, 3]. The lower impact of malaria disease in infants younger than 6 months of age is thought to be due to a number of factors, such as passive transfer of maternal antibodies or higher presence of foetal haemoglobin associated with slower parasite growth [4 –8].

Source: Journal of Infection - February 22, 2021 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Selena Alonso, Marta Vidal, Gemma Ruiz-Olalla, Raquel Gonz ález, Chenjerai Jairoce, M. Nelia Manaca, Miquel Vázquez-Santiago, Reyes Balcells, Anifa Vala, María Ruperez, Pau Cisteró, Laura Fuente-Soro, Evelina Angov, Ross L. Coppel, Benoit Gamain, Davi Source Type: research