Congenital Malaria in Warri, Nigeria

Blessing O. Okperi

Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, P.O.Box 1737, Effurun, Delta State (Nigeria).

ABSTRACT: A descriptive study of the prevalence of congenital malaria in Warri, a Malaria endemic region of Nigeria was done by performing a thick blood film on the cord blood of consecutive live born babies at a Central Hospital,Warri and Rapha Specialist Children & General clinic, Effurun both in Delta state of Nigeria was done. Out of 50 deliveries, 29 of the babies had their cord or peripheral venous blood taken within the first seven days of life positive of malaria parasite by thick film representing 58%. This is quite significantly high enough to justify the routine screening of all babies in malaria endemic regions for malaria parasite by thick film whenever such babies are been screened for presumed neonatal sepsis.

KEYWORDS: Congenital; Malaria; Plasmodium(P); P.falciparum; P.malariae; P.ovale; P.vivax; Parasiteamia

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