pregnancy

A new sequence approach is used to compare variable regions in sequences that have extensive segmental gene relationship. Using this approach, the VAR2CSA DBL6 domain is composed of 7 variable blocks with limited polymorphism.

This flow cytometry-based phagocytosis assay proved to be efficient and accurate for the measurement of Fc-receptor mediated phagocytosis-inducing antibodies in large cohorts. HIV was found to affect mainly the acquisition of antibodies to pregnancy-specific malaria in primigravidae. Further studies of the relationship between opsonising antibodies to malaria in pregnancy and HIV are indicated.

The results indicate that there is limited antigenic diversity in placenta-binding isolates and may explain why immunity to malaria in pregnancy can be achieved after exposure during one pregnancy.

A case-control study: Cases were women who delivered stillbirths; 2 consecutive women who delivered a live-born singleton neonate at term (37–42 weeks) per case were used as controls.

Levels of IgG antibody to pregnancy‐specific VSAs decrease during receipt of IPTp. Antibody levels in early pregnancy did not predict clinical outcome. IPTp and decreasing malaria prevalence pose challenges for the evaluation of novel interventions for malaria during pregnancy.

Although we found no significant PQ toxicity, clinical data are lacking and monitoring of women and their infants for biochemical and haematological adverse effects is recommended when PQ is used in pregnancy.

In the global context of a reduction of under-five mortality, neonatal mortality is an increasingly relevant component of this mortality. Malaria in pregnancy may affect neonatal survival, though no strong evidence exists to support this association.

No abstract available

These findings underline the need for a regular assessment of the relationship between the presence of resistant isolates and in vitro/in vivo IPTp/SP efficacy, and evaluation of an alternative drug.

Although malaria in pregnancy can cause very significant neonatal morbidity, congenital malaria is a very rare condition in both endemic and non-endemic areas.