Pathogenesis of malaria in pregnancy

Abstract

Even though we have good tools to prevent and treat malaria, it remains a tragically common disease in poor countries, especially in Africa. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to malaria, causing anaemia and poor birth outcomes. There is marked sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) in the placenta, but the pathogenesis of malaria in pregnancy is still incompletely understood. Both intermittent preventive therapy and insecticide-impregnated bed nets are effective protective measures, but new measures are also needed.