Malaria parasitaemia among HIV positive pregnant women on intermittent preventive therapy attending a tertiary health care centre in Kano

Abstract

Background:The use of 3 doses of intermittent preventive therapy (IPT) for malaria among HIV positive pregnant women is an ante-natal preventive measure for malaria. 

Objectives: The study is aimed at determining the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and clinical malaria among HIV positive antenatal clinic attendees who had intermittent preventive therapy for malaria. 

Materials and Methods: This was a one year retrospective study of HIV positive pregnant women in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, who had antenatal care between 2nd January and 31st December, 2013. Information such as parity, gestational age at booking, number of IPT given, previous malarial treatment and results of blood smear for malarial parasites, were obtained and analysed. 

Results: A total of 1800 women had antenatal care over the study period, out of which 110 were HIV positive, giving a sero-prevalence rate of 6.1%. Up to 55.5% of them booked at gestational age of 16-20weeks. Ninety women (81.8%) had 3 doses of sulphadoxinepyrimethamine (SP) for IPT. Thirty eight women (34.5%) had positive smear for malarial parasites, with 68.4% occurring among the primigravidae at 16-20 weeks of gestation in 60.5%. Thirty four (30.9%) women were treated for clinical malaria. Thirteen of them (38.2%) had recurrence with 9 (60.2%) occurring in primigravidae. 

Conclusion: The prevalence of malarial parasitaemia is high despite the use of 3 doses of SP for IPT. The prevalence and recurrence was higher in primigravidae. Other means to support drug preventive measures should be stressed