Influence of Gravidity (Parity) on Placental Parasitaemia in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The influence of gravidity on placental parasitaema was studied in the University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital. Because Immunity is acquired over successive pregnancies, susceptibility to malaria is greatest during the first pregnancy and dimini shes with increasing gravidity. Similarly, placenta inflammation and the sequelae of pregnancy malaria, such as severe maternal anemia and low birth weight, are most frequent during first pregnancies. Methodology: Blood samples of the neonates, placenta, cord and the mothers were taken and malaria rapid immunodiagnostic tests were carried out using Plasmodium falciparum rapid test device. Tick films were examined microscopically for malaria parasite using oil immersion objective. Twenty six mothers and their placenta as well as the accompanying umbilical cord and 26 neonates were studied. Result: The prevalence of placental malaria that lead to symptomatic first parasitamia significantly decreased as the gravidity increased (X2=15.99, P<0.001). Infants born from primigravidae were significantly more likely to be infected with P. falciparum(X2=6.45 P<0.001) as compared to infants born from multigravidae. Conclusion: Immunity to malaria is lowest in primigravids, hence greater prevalence of placental inflammation and the sequel of pregnancy malaria, and associated complications.