Ouelessebougou

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum remains a serious global health problem with severe consequences. Researchers aim to better understand the immune and parasite factors linked to malaria infection and disease, especially in pregnant women and young children. The study focuses on how pregnancy malaria affects birth outcomes like low birth weight and maternal anemia, and how exposure during pregnancy may influence the risk of childhood malaria. The study also explores whether severe childhood malaria parasites have unique characteristics. This research is a large, ongoing cohort study in Ouelessebougou, Mali, an area with intense seasonal malaria transmission. Up to 2000 pregnant women and their newborns, 2000 children aged 0 to 3 years, and 2000 febrile children up to age 10 will be enrolled and followed. Pregnant women and children will have clinical evaluations and blood samples taken periodically. Additional groups include febrile hospitalized and non-hospitalized children and a case-control group of pregnant women to study pregnancy malaria and preeclampsia. Some children from the initial cohorts will be followed up to 10 years to observe long-term outcomes. Participants will undergo regular clinical exams, blood sampling, and monitoring to assess malaria infection and immune responses. Researchers will analyze maternal, placental, parasite, and host factors related to malaria resistance in children up to 5 years old. The study also includes follow-up of children through adolescence to early adulthood for some groups. Data collected will help identify factors affecting infection and disease in mothers and children, aiming to support vaccine development and improve malaria outcomes.