Associations between Intrauterine Exposure to Malaria and Childhood Neurodevelopment

Introduction

The financial cost of mental illness in low- and middle-income countries in 2010 was estimated to be $870 billion USD, with this number expected to double by 2030. There is mounting evidence supporting a link between malaria in pregnancy (MIP) and adverse birth outcomes. However, substantial evidence verifying the impact of MIP on neurocognitive function in offspring is lacking. This viewpoint will discuss the burden of MIP globally and explore current literature linking MIP and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Methods

Through an extensive database search, this narrative review summarized 66 references from the existing literature, which demonstrates a significant association between intrauterine exposure to malaria and adverse childhood neurodevelopment.

Results

Malaria incidence is on the rise in many countries and preventative measures not only improve the health outcomes for mother and infant but also potentially reduce the long-term economic burden on countries globally. Much attention has been focused on the effects of malaria on maternal health and birth outcomes, but foetal neurodevelopment is now emerging as an important risk factor. This review highlights the potential risk for neurodevelopmental delay in those children exposed to malaria infection in utero and consequently millions of children may not be meeting their developmental potential.

Conclusion

Treating MIP as a preventable risk factor for childhood neurocognitive and adult neuropsychiatric disorders could have overwhelming health and financial implications. Ideally, a shift from global health priorities focused on lifelong treatment and rehabilitation to disease prevention is necessary to combat the adverse outcomes from malaria infection.