Malaria Control & Elimination

Malaria continues to be a major global health concern, particularly in regions like Northwest Colombia, where the disease burden is significant. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the clinical and parasitological profiles of three specific forms of malaria: gestational malaria, placental malaria and congenital malaria, in the context of Northwest Colombia. Understanding the distinct characteristics of each form is crucial for effective diagnosis, management and prevention strategies in this region. The article explores the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, treatment options and prevention measures associated with gestational, placental and congenital malaria, shedding light on the challenges faced and potential solutions in this specific setting.

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the Thick Blood Smear (TBS) versus quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for the diagnosis of Malaria Associated With Pregnancy (MAP) caused by P. falciparum or P. vivax in Colombia in its Gestational Malaria (GM), Placental Malaria (PM) and Congenital Malaria (CM) forms as well as to compare its accuracy in different subgroups of pregnant women according to the presence of fever, anaemia and a history of malaria. 829 pregnant women, 579 placentas, 381 samples of the umbilical cord and 221 samples of newborn peripheral blood were evaluated for this diagnostic study. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and validity index, together with their 95% confidence intervals, were used to evaluate accuracy.

By using serological surveillance techniques, it may be possible to locate P. vivax exposures, including asymptomatic carriers. Serosurveillance is used in different ways across the world, including differences in methodology and transmission setting. There is no systematic review detailing the benefits and drawbacks of using surveillance in diverse contexts. To standardise and validate the use of serology for the surveillance of P. vivax in particular transmission scenarios, these results must first be compiled and compared. Applications for P. vivax serosurveillance were reviewed globally from a scoping perspective. There were 94 studies discovered that matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Cerebral malaria is a severe form of malaria infection that affects the brain, leading to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This article provides an in-depth analysis of cerebral malaria, focusing on its effects, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. By understanding the intricacies of this debilitating condition, healthcare professionals can enhance their ability to diagnose and manage cerebral malaria effectively, ultimately improving patient outcomes.