Malaria impact on cognitive function of children in a peri-urban community in the Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Background: In Latin America, where Plasmodium vivax malaria is more prevalent, it is known that this species plays an important role in the sustainability of transmission, and can have an impact on morbidity in terms of anaemia, nutritional status, and cognitive development in children. Methods: The present study aimed to assess the impact of malaria infection on cognition of children in a peri-urban community in the Brazilian Amazon with moderate endemicity by applying Home Inventory and WPPSI-IV. A non-concurrent cohort study was designed and the cognitive, haematological, and nutritional profiles of the children were assessed. Children with documented malaria history were identified from official reported data. Results: A total of 219 children aged between 2 and 7 years were enrolled. Although 205 (95%) children had normal birth weight, 177 (81%) were malnourished, and 35 (16%) had anaemia. Among the 100 (46%) children who experienced at least one episode of malaria, 89 (89%) children demonstrated low level of cognitive development. The findings showed that Plasmodium vivax malaria was an independent risk factor for low cognitive development. Conclusions: In addition to the known economic impact of malaria in the Amazon region, the study highlights the deleterious effects P. vivax malaria has on the socio-cultural development of the population.