Effectiveness of Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine against SubmicroscopicfalciparumMalaria in Central Region, Ghana

• DOI: 10.1155/2015/959427
• Publication Date: 2015-09-14T06:18:41Z
• Authors: Ekene K. Nwaefuna; Richmond Afoakwah; Verner N. Orish; Alexander Egyir-Y...; Johnson N. Boampong
• Keywords: Sulfadoxine; Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine

Malaria infections undetectable by microscopy but detectable Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (submicroscopic malaria) are common in endemic areas like Ghana. Submicroscopic malaria has been linked with severe pregnancy outcomes as well contributing to transmission. In this cross-sectional study 872 consenting pregnant women (gestation ≥ 20 weeks) were recruited from 8 hospitals Central Region, Ghana, between July and December 2009. infection was detected PCR. Haemoglobin measured anaemia defined haemoglobin lower than 11 g/dL. Majority of the women, 555 (63.6%), Intermittent Preventive Treatment Pregnancy Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) users while 234 (36.4%) nonusers. The prevalence 20.9% (182/872) 9.7% (67/688) negative had submicroscopic malaria. IPTp-SP usage significantly (odds ratio = 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.23, p 0.005) reduced more nonusers (51/234) (16/454) PCR positive. After controlling for other variables effect remained statistically significant 0.11, 0.02-0.22, 0.006). These results suggest that is useful reduction pregnancy.