Malaria in Pregnancy Flashcards
(40 cards)
What organism causes malaria?
Plasmodium parasites.
How is malaria transmitted?
Through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Who is most at risk for malaria?
Women and children, especially pregnant women in endemic areas.
What proportion of global malaria cases occur in Africa?
About 90%.
What percentage of maternal anaemia in endemic areas is due to malaria?
Up to 15%.
What percentage of low birth weight is attributed to malaria?
5–14% of all low birth weight cases.
What is the most dangerous malaria parasite?
Plasmodium falciparum.
Which Plasmodium species accounts for most malaria in Nigeria?
P. falciparum (95%), followed by P. malariae (4%), P. ovale (1%).
What are the five Plasmodium species that infect humans?
P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, P. knowlesi.
Why is P. vivax not found in Nigeria?
Due to absence of the Duffy blood group antigen.
How is the malaria infection initiated in the human body?
Via sporozoites from a mosquito bite.
What is the incubation period for malaria?
Usually 10–14 days.
Where do sporozoites multiply first?
In the liver (hepatocytes).
What happens when merozoites invade red blood cells?
They grow and rupture, releasing more merozoites.
What is the duration of the asexual cycle in RBCs?
48 hours.
What stage of the parasite is taken up by mosquitoes during a blood meal?
Gametocytes.
What environmental factor increases malaria severity in pregnancy?
Living in areas with high or unstable malaria transmission.
What maternal factors increase malaria risk?
Age, gravidity, immunity, nutrition, trimester.
What is the difference between stable and unstable malaria regions?
Stable = frequent bites and high immunity; Unstable = infrequent exposure, low immunity.
Why are pregnant women more attractive to mosquitoes?
Higher body temperature, increased carbon dioxide exhalation, and vasodilation.
Why is malaria more severe in pregnancy?
Increased parasite density, severe disease, atypical symptoms, and treatment limitations.
How does pregnancy affect immunity to malaria?
There is immune suppression and loss of prior immunity.
What are the effects of malaria on the foetus?
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity.
What are common symptoms of uncomplicated malaria?
Fever, chills, headache, joint pain, vomiting, false labour pains.
