Monocytes and Macrophages in Placental Malaria Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Salih Magdi M, Mohammed Amal H, Mohmmed Ahmed A, Adam Gamal K, Elbashir Mustafa I, Adam Ishag
Primary Institution: Faculty of Medical laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
Hypothesis
Maternal immunity plays a major role in the susceptibility of pregnant women to malaria.
Conclusion
Significantly higher rates of monocytes and macrophages were detected in placentae with malaria infections, but these infections did not affect birth weight.
Supporting Evidence
- 75.2% of the placentae had no malaria infections.
- Monocytes and macrophages were detected in 31.2% of the placentae.
- There was no significant difference in birth weight between women with and without placental malaria infections.
Takeaway
The study found that more immune cells were present in the placentas of women with malaria, but this didn't change the babies' weights.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study was conducted analyzing 93 placentae for malaria infections and immune cell presence.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of malaria infections observed.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and limited power to detect associations.
Participant Demographics
Women aged 13-44, with a mean age of 25.9 years; 36.5% were primiparae.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.047
Statistical Significance
p=0.047
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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