article · Journal of Advances in Microbiology
A cross-sectional study of 242 pregnant women attending their first antenatal visit in Bamenda, Cameroon, evaluated how malaria and HIV infections affect maternal haemoglobin levels. The findings revealed that almost 43% of the participants had malaria, over 7% had HIV, nearly 3% had both infections, and roughly 24% were anaemic. Malaria was particularly prevalent among women older than 35 and urban residents, while anaemia occurred most frequently in teenagers. Anaemia severity rose significantly in the presence of malaria. In addition, malaria parasite density was notably elevated in women who were HIV-positive, anaemic, or affected by both conditions simultaneously. These results demonstrate that co-existing infections exacerbate maternal anaemia, supporting the integration of systematic diagnostic screening and targeted interventions during early antenatal care.
Maternal anaemia, malaria, and HIV present major health risks during pregnancy across sub-Saharan Africa. By demonstrating how these conditions overlap to intensify illness, this research provides healthcare professionals with clear evidence to prioritise combined screening and rapid treatment. Focusing resources on vulnerable demographics, such as young mothers and individuals living with HIV, can help protect maternal and infant health from the very first antenatal visit.
The abstract does not indicate a direct commercial application pathway, as it presents observational epidemiological data. However, the findings provide clinical evidence that could inform public health guidelines, diagnostic service delivery, and integrated screening protocols used by maternal healthcare providers and health programme managers in malaria-endemic regions.
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Malaria and HIV remain major contributors to maternal anemia in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the relationship between malaria burden, HIV status, and hemoglobin levels and identified predictors of anemia and malaria among pregnant women at antenatal enrollment in Bamenda. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2023 among pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit at the Azire Integrated Health Center. All consenting participants completed a questionnaire and provided venous blood samples. Malaria infection and parasite density were determined by microscopy, HIV status was determined using RDTs and medical records, and hemoglobin concentration was measured using a hemoglobinometer. All statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.0 and RStudio. Of the 242 pregnant women enrolled, the prevalence of malaria was 42.98% (104/242), HIV prevalence was 7.44% (18/242), malaria-HIV coinfection was 2.89% (7/242), and anemia prevalence was 23.97% (58/242). Malaria prevalence was highest among women older than 35 years (47.37%, 9/19) and urban residents (43.31%, 55/127), whereas anemia was most frequent among women younger than 20 years (37.50%, 6/16). Anemia severity was markedly higher (p < 0.0001) among malaria-positive participants, with 33.65% (35/104) having mild anemia and 14.42% (15/104) having moderate anemia. The overall geometric mean parasite density was 974.3 ± 3.86 parasites/µL. Parasite density was elevated among HIV-positive (2312.92 ± 2.88 parasites/µL) and anemic women, with the highest value observed among those with both HIV infection and anemia (2659.8 ± 2.97 parasites/µL). The combined burden of malaria and HIV highlights the need for integrated screening and early interventions at antenatal enrollment, with particular emphasis on malaria control and anemia prevention among HIV-infected and younger pregnant women in malaria-endemic settings.
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DOI: 10.9734/jamb/2026/v26i101187
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