American journal of epidemiology
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In areas endemic for malaria, pregnant women frequently present with a placenta that has been parasitized by Plasmodium falciparum, an infection associated with a reduction in the birth weight of the offspring. However, the impact of placental infection on malaria-related morbidity during the infant's first years of life has not been investigated. Between 1993 and 1995, 197 children in southern Cameroon were followed weekly clinically and monthly parasitologically. ⋯ Thus, malarial infection of the placenta seems to result in a higher susceptibility of infants to the parasite. This was not related to maternally transmitted antibodies, as specific antibody levels were similar in both groups of infants. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms may have important implications for the development of malaria control strategies.
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Historical Article
Tobacco as a cause of lung cancer: some reflections.