Effects of Gravidity and Gestational Age on Parasite Density and Biochemical Parameters among Malaria-infected Pregnant Women in Ondo State, Nigeria
Anthony Ebenezer Keke *
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Olusegun Matthew Akanbi
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Malaria during pregnancy remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing substantially to maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Gravidity and gestational age are recognised determinants of malaria susceptibility, yet their influence on parasite density and biochemical alterations among pregnant women remains inadequately characterised in many endemic communities. This study investigated the effects of gravidity and gestational age on parasite density and selected biochemical parameters among malaria-infected pregnant women in Iwaro-Oka, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 63 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. Participants were classified according to gravidity (primigravidae, secundigravidae, and multigravidae) and gestational age (first, second, and third trimesters). Venous blood samples were collected for malaria parasite detection and biochemical analyses using standard laboratory methods.
Results: Forty-five (71.4%) participants were positive for malaria infection. Mean parasite density was significantly higher among primigravidae than secundigravidae and multigravidae (P < 0.05). Likewise, women in the first trimester exhibited significantly higher parasite densities than those in the second and third trimesters (P < 0.05). Serum creatinine and urea concentrations were significantly elevated among primigravidae and first-trimester women (P < 0.05), whereas serum sodium, calcium, bicarbonate, and chloride concentrations were significantly higher among secundigravidae and multigravidae (P < 0.05). Although HDL cholesterol levels were lower among primigravidae and first-trimester women, these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Gravidity and gestational age significantly influence malaria parasite density and selected biochemical parameters during pregnancy. Primigravidae and women in the first trimester demonstrated the greatest parasite burden and the most pronounced biochemical alterations, suggesting increased vulnerability to malaria-related complications. Strengthening malaria prevention, early diagnosis, and routine biochemical monitoring during antenatal care, particularly among first-time mothers and women in early pregnancy, may improve maternal and foetal outcomes in malaria-endemic settings.
Keywords: Malaria in pregnancy, gravidity, gestational age, parasite density, biochemical parameters, antenatal care