Syeda Azra Qamar

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Plasmodium falciparum and P.vivax, the large spread Haemosporidian parasite and universally causing agent of malaria in Asia and other continents. Malaria is risky to both the mother and fetus. P. falciparum infection is well known cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. P. vivax infected women are more commonly anemic and delivered lower birth weight neonates, as compared to healthy women. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, intensity, guideness and observation of P falciparum and P.vivax in pregnancy.

METHOD: Study was conducted in Karachi Pakistan; detailed clinical and personal history was taken by interviews and questionnaires performa was provided to the pregnant women before the blood sampling. Microscopic examination of thin blood films was done by pricking the pulp of one of the fingers with aseptic surgical needle. Blood was also tested for blood groups, Hb%, ESR/mm, TLC/cmm, and DLC.

RESULT: 550 pregnant women visited at different hospitals of Karachi were examined during a year, 10.6% were parasitoid at the time of delivery in which 56% and 20% had P.vivax and P. falciparum infection respectively and remainder had mixed infection of both species. The women with 1st to 3 rd month’s pregnancy had 30% infection of P. vivax whereas living in lower middle class areas had highest rate of infection of 46%. P. vivax and most of them delivered lower birth weights child.

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there is a need to aware women about the risk and severity of malaria during pregnancy and especially routine clinical visit.