Abstract

This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence and risk factors of plasmodial infection in parturients in Abengourou. This cross-sectional study included pregnant women who were presented for delivery at the maternity ward in Abengourou. Plasmodial DNA was extracted from venous blood, placental, and cord samples, dried on Whatman filter papers, using the Chelex 100 method. The extracts were subsequently amplified by nested PCR using specific primer pairs for each Plasmodium species. The average age of women was 27.25 years (standard deviation = 6.2 years). The coverage rate for IPTp3 was 46%. Most women were multigravida (58%) and multiparous (49.5%). Over half of the women had undergone at least 4 antenatal care visits (53%), and they were more compliant with IPTp (IPTp3; 70.8%, p=<0.0001). Placental, venous, and cord Plasmodium infection rates were 22.5, 16.5, and 2.2%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between age (p=0.018), gravidity (p=0.02), and plasmodial infection. Primigravidae were 2.5 times more likely to have a plasmodial infection. This study, confirming the presence of plasmodial infection in both the parturient and the newborn, underscores the need to strengthen malaria prevention measures during pregnancy.

Key words: Parturients, plasmodium infection, Abengourou, Ivory Coast.