Prevalence of Congenital Malaria in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the prevalence of congenital malaria among newborn babies delivered at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Antenatal clinic and labour ward of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between January and September 2010.
Methodology: This study was conducted among 281 pregnant women attending antenatal services at the hospital. Socio-demographic and obstetric information of the mothers was collected. Samples of cord blood smears of babies were stained with Giemsa and examined for malaria parasites.
Results: Plasmodium falciparum was the only malaria parasite species. The prevalence of congenital malaria among newly born was 9.6%. This was more prevalent in women of Para 0 (5.3%) compared to other parities (4.3%) (P = 0.048). Malaria parasite was found in 4(16.7%) of preterm and 23(8.9%) of term deliveries (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Congenital malaria is still common in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is important that blood smear from neonates are taken and examined for malaria parasite soon after birth. Malaria prevention measures such as intermittent preventive treatment, prompt management of all malaria cases and use of insecticide treated bed nets should be emphasized for all pregnant women.