Identification of biomarkers for fetal growth restriction during gestational Malaria

• Grant number: 21/07170-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: January 01, 2022
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Cláudio Romero Farias Marinho
• Grantee: Maria Ines dos Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/05344-4 - Association of IgG reactivity to full-length VAR2CSA-type PfEMP1 with pregnancy outcomes in a malaria endemic region, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Malaria in pregnancy is characterized by the presence of Plasmodium spp. in maternal circulation, being one of the main causes of mortality in tropical regions, causing maternal anemia, abortion, premature birth, low birth weight, and Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Therefore, IUGR is one of the main consequences of gestational Malaria, occurring in about 13% to 70% of cases. Although its prevalence and important complications associated with the infection are known, there are still no early diagnostic methods to predict IUGR caused by infection of Plasmodium spp. during pregnancy. As it is a disease of great magnitude, this project aims to identify potential biomarkers for intrauterine growth restriction during gestational Malaria. Understanding the mechanisms present in the pathogenesis of infection during pregnancy will provide a significant contribution not only to the comprehension of the immunobiology of the disease and its complications but will also help in the development of new diagnostic, intervention, and treatment methodologies. (AU)