Submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum Infections Are Associated With Maternal Anemia, Premature Births, and Low Birth Weight

Abstract

In this detailed longitudinal study, we document the deleterious impact of submicroscopic P. falciparum parasitemia during pregnancy on multiple pregnancy outcomes. Parasitemia occurs frequently during pregnancy, but routine microscopic and rapid diagnostic tests fail to detect the vast majority of episodes. Our findings imply caution in any revision of the current strategies for prevention of pregnancy-associated malaria.