A MINI OVERVIEW OF MALARIA IN PREGNANCY.

Human malaria is caused by five species of Plasmodia: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi. Most infections are due to either P. falciparum or P. vivax, but mixed infections with more than one malarial species also occur. The majority of malaria-related deaths are due to P. falciparum. Generally, the pregnant women are a high risk group, as malaria can be a life threatening infection for both mother and fetus. Risk of stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes is increased in the setting of malaria, and pregnant travelers should be advised to defer travel until after delivery whenever feasible.