IMPACT OF PLACENTAL MALARIA ON MATERNAL, AND FETAL CORD RESPONSES AND ITS ROLE IN PREGNANCY IN HADEJIA GENERAL HOSPITAL, JIGAWA STATE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/Keywords:
Placental Malaria, Cytokines, InflammationAbstract
Placental malaria [U1] remains a significant public health problem in malaria-endemic regions, posing serious risks to pregnant women and their newborns. This study investigated the prevalence, associated risk factors, and immunological impact of PM among pregnant women attending Hadejia General Hospital in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 participants. Maternal and fe[U2] [U3] tal cord samples were collected and examined for malaria parasite[U4] mia using microscopy. Cytokine levels (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and IFN-γ) were measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The prevalence of placental malaria was 30.1%. PM [U5] was significantly associated with younger maternal age (15-35 years), low educational attainment, primigravidity, rural residence, non-use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and fewer than four antenatal care (ANC) visits. Use of ITNs and adequate ANC attendance were identified as protective factors. Cytokine analysis revealed that IL-4 and IL-10 levels in both maternal and fetal cord blood among malaria-positive women, indicating a predominant anti-inflammatory immune response. In contrast, IL-6 and IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced, suggesting suppression of pro-inflammatory responses, while IL-17A showed no significant difference. Correlation analysis demonstrated that IL-4 and IL-10 were positively associated with placental malaria and low birth weight, whereas IL-6 was inversely associated with malaria infection and linked to improved birth outcomes.
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