Malaria - Introduction

Question 1

Cases of malaria every year

Answer 1

1500

Question 2

Mortality from malaria

Answer 2

• 5-15/year

- 0.5-1%

Question 3

Hallmark of malaria falciparum in pregancy

Answer 3

sequestration of parassites in the placenta

Question 4

Sequestration doesn’t happen for which Plasmodiums

Answer 4

• P. vivax
• P. ovale
• P. malariae

Question 5

Adverse effects of malaria in pregnancy

Answer 5

• the systemic infection, comparable to the effects of any severe febrile illness in pregnancy: maternal and fetal mortality, miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth
• The parasitisation itself: fetal growth restriction and low birth weight, maternal and fetal anaemia, interaction with HIV, susceptibility of the infant to malaria.

Question 6

Severe and complicated malaria definition

Answer 6

• Parasitaemia of severe malaria can be less than 2%
• Pregnant women with 2% or more parasitised red blood cells are at higher risk of developing severe malaria and should be treated with the severe malaria protocol

Question 7

Uncomplicated malaria definition

Answer 7

• Fewer than 2% parasitised red blood cells in a woman with no signs of severity and no complicating features

Question 8

Congenital malaria definition

Answer 8

Congenital malaria in the very young infant or newborn results from the passage of parasites or infected red
blood cells from the mother to the newborn while in utero or during delivery and not by the bite of the
female anopheline mosquito