Reduced birth weight caused by sextuple drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum infection in early second trimester

Helle Hansson, Daniel T R Minja, Sofie L Moeller, John P A Lusingu, Ib C Bygbjerg, Anna-Mathilde Yde, Rasmus W Jensen, Sidsel Nag, Omari A Msemo, Thor G Theander, Michael Alifrangis, Christentze Schmiegelow

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Abstract

Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum genes Pfdhfr and Pfdhps, particularly the sextuple mutant haplotype threatens the antimalarial effectiveness of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine as intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp). To explore the impact of sextuple mutant haplotype infections on outcome measures after provision of IPTp-SP, we monitored birth outcomes in women followed from prior to conception or from the first trimester until delivery. Women infected with sextuple haplotypes in early 2 nd trimester specifically, delivered newborns with a lower birth weight (-267g, 95% CI -454; -59, p=0·01) compared to women who did not have malaria during pregnancy and women infected with less SP resistant haplotypes (-461g, 95% CI -877; -44, p=0·03). Thus, sextuple haplotype infections seems to impact the effectiveness of SP for IPTp and directly impact birth outcome by lowering birth weight. Close monitoring and targeted malaria control during early pregnancy is therefore crucial to improve birth outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume224
Issue number9
Pages (from-to)1605–1613
ISSN0022-1899
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

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