Clinical outcomes of submicroscopic infections and correlates of protection of VAR2CSA antibodies in a longitudinal study of pregnant women in Colombia
Open accessAbstract
Malaria in pregnancy can cause serious adverse outcomes for the mother and the fetus. However, little is known about the effects of submicroscopic infections (SMIs) in pregnancy, particularly in areas where Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax cocirculate. A cohort of 187 pregnant women living in Puerto Libertador in northwest Colombia was followed longitudinally from recruitment to delivery. Malaria was diagnosed by microscopy, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and placental histopathology. Gestational age, hemoglobin concentration, VAR2CSA-specific IgG levels, and adhesion-blocking antibodies were measured during pregnancy. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of SMIs on birth weight and other delivery outcomes. Twenty-five percent of women (45/180) were positive for SMIs during pregnancy. Forty-seven percent of infections (21/45) were caused by P. falciparum , 33% were caused by P. vivax , and 20% were caused by mixed Plasmodium spp. Mixed infections of P. falciparum and P. vivax were associated with lower gestational age at delivery ( P = 0.0033), while other outcomes were normal. Over 60% of women had antibodies to VAR2CSA, and there was no difference in antibody levels between those with and without SMIs. The anti-adhesion function of these antibodies was associated with protection from SMI-related anemia at delivery ( P = 0.0086). SMIs occur frequently during pregnancy, and while mixed infections of both P. falciparum and P. vivax were not associated with a decrease in birth weight, they were associated with significant risk of preterm birth. We propose that the lack of adverse delivery outcomes is due to functional VAR2CSA antibodies that can protect pregnant women from SMI-related anemia.
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Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
In a prospective cohort of 180 pregnant women in northwest Colombia, 25% had submicroscopic malaria infection (SMI), but SMI was not associated with lower birth weight. Mixed *P. falciparum* and *P. vivax* SMIs were associated with preterm birth, while functional VAR2CSA adhesion-blocking antibodies were associated with protection from SMI-related maternal anemia.
Key findings
- SMI prevalence was 25% (45/180); among these, 47% (21/45) were *P. falciparum*, 33% (15/45) *P. vivax*, and 20% (9/45) mixed infections.
- Mean birth weight was 3,220 ± 510 g in SMI pregnancies versus 3,259 ± 451 g without SMI (difference 38.4 g; 95% CI −121 to 198; P = 0.63).
- Mixed *P. falciparum*/*P. vivax* SMI was associated with lower gestational age at delivery (mean difference 2.3 weeks; P = 0.0033) and higher risk of preterm birth (RR 3.40; 95% CI 1.45–7.97; P = 0.005).
- VAR2CSA-specific IgG was present in 65% (117/180) of women and did not differ by SMI status; functional adhesion-blocking antibodies predicted higher maternal hemoglobin at delivery (P = 0.0086), and women without functional antibodies had higher anemia risk (RR 1.87; 95% CI 1.13–2.79; P = 0.014).
Methods
- Prospective longitudinal cohort of 187 pregnant women in Puerto Libertador, Colombia, followed from recruitment to delivery; 180 were analyzed after excluding 7 microscopy-positive women, with 45 SMI cases.
- Malaria was diagnosed by microscopy, RT-qPCR, and placental histopathology; gestational age, hemoglobin, VAR2CSA-specific IgG, and adhesion-blocking antibodies were measured during pregnancy.
- Analyses included Fisher’s exact, t tests, Mann-Whitney, linear/mixed-effects models, and relative risks; the study had 80% power to detect a 250-g birth weight difference.
Limitations
- Stated: loss to follow-up affected final sample size, and not all women attended monthly antenatal visits, so infections may have been missed.
- Evident from the text: mixed-infection outcome analyses relied on only 9 women; RT-qPCR was performed retrospectively, SMIs were not treated, and no IPTp program existed, so natural clearance and immunity may explain the lack of adverse outcomes.
- Evident from the text: no active placental infections were observed by histopathology, limiting assessment of placental malaria.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
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Cites
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Claims the paper makes
0 of 25 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
25% (45/180) of pregnant women in the cohort were positive for submicroscopic malaria infection at least once during pregnancy.
“Twenty-five percent of women (45/180) were positive for SMIs during pregnancy.”
- Also stated in: § Prevalence of MiP. · plain
“Of the 180 women included in the data analysis, 25% (n ϭ 45) were positive for an SMI at least once during pregnancy.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Also stated in: § Prevalence of MiP. · plain
- Findingown data
Active placental infections were not observed among the 180 women by histopathology.
“Based on histopathology, active placental infections were not observed among the 180 women”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
No significant association was observed between SMIs during pregnancy and submicroscopic placental infection by RT-qPCR (P = 0.08).
“or submicroscopic placental infection by RT-qPCR (P ϭ 0.08).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
Hemozoin was detected in the placentas of 12 women (6.7%).
“hemozoin was detected in the placentas of 12 women (6.7%)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Hemozoin detected in the placenta indicates a past Plasmodium infection in pregnancy.
- Findingown data
Mixed infections of P. falciparum and P. vivax were associated with lower gestational age at delivery (P = 0.0033).
“Mixed infections of P. falciparum and P. vivax were associated with lower gestational age at delivery (P ϭ 0.0033), while other outcomes were normal.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
There was no significant difference in VAR2CSA antibody levels between women with and without submicroscopic malaria infection (P = 0.69).
“there was no difference in antibody levels between those with and without SMIs.”
- Also stated in: § VAR2CSA-specific antibodies. · plain
“No significant difference was observed in the antibody levels between women with an SMI compared to levels in healthy women (P ϭ 0.69).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § VAR2CSA-specific antibodies. · plain
- Findingown data
Placental blood from nine women was positive by RT-qPCR.
“however, placental blood from nine women was positive by RT-qPCR.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
The antiadhesion function of VAR2CSA antibodies was associated with protection from SMI-related anemia at delivery (P = 0.0086).
“The antiadhesion function of these antibodies was associated with protection from SMIrelated anemia at delivery (P ϭ 0.0086).”
- Also stated in: § VAR2CSA-specific antibodies. · plain
“inhibitory antibody function was a significant independent predictor of higher maternal Hb levels at delivery (P ϭ 0.0086) (Fig. 5D).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
- Also stated in: § VAR2CSA-specific antibodies. · plain
- Findingown data
Monoinfection with different species of Plasmodium was not associated with decreases in birth weight, gestational age, weight-for-age Z-scores, and maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery.
“Monoinfection with different species of Plasmodium was not associated with decreases in birth weight, gestational age, weight-for-age Z-scores, and maternal hemoglobin (Hb) levels at delivery (Fig. 2).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
Mixed infections of P. falciparum and P. vivax were associated with significant risk of preterm birth.
“they were associated with significant risk of preterm birth.”
- Also stated in: § Prevalence of MiP. · plain
“mothers who were exposed to both P. falciparum and P. vivax during pregnancy were three times more likely (P ϭ 0.005) to deliver a preterm infant (Ͻ37 weeks gestational age) than mothers who were not infected during pregnancy (Table 3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Also stated in: § Prevalence of MiP. · plain
- Findingown data
Over 60% of women in the cohort had antibodies to VAR2CSA.
“Over 60% of women had antibodies to VAR2CSA, and there was no difference in antibody levels between those with and without SMIs.”
- Also stated in: § VAR2CSA-specific antibodies. · plain
“we measured VAR2CSA-specific IgG and observed that 65% (117/180) of women had antibodies at enrollment (Fig. 3A).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § VAR2CSA-specific antibodies. · plain
- Findingown data
No significant association was observed between SMIs during pregnancy and presence of hemozoin in the placenta (P = 0.19).
“we observed no significant association between SMIs during pregnancy and presence of hemozoin in the placenta (P ϭ 0.19)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Hemozoin detected in the placenta indicates a past Plasmodium infection in pregnancy.
- Findingown data
Mixed infections of P. falciparum and P. vivax were not associated with a decrease in birth weight.
“while mixed infections of both P. falciparum and P. vivax were not associated with a decrease in birth weight”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
Placental malaria was not observed in this population by microscopy.
“Placental malaria was not observed in this population by microscopy; however, placental blood from nine women was positive by RT-qPCR.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
The difference in mean birth weight between SMI and no SMI was 38.4 g (95% CI, -121 to 198; P = 0.63).
“difference of means, 38.4 g; 95% confidence interval [CI], Ϫ121 to 198; P ϭ 0.63”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
In a multivariable linear regression model adjusting for potential confounding effects of covariates, inhibitory antibody function was a significant independent predictor of higher maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery (P = 0.0086).
“inhibitory antibody function was a significant independent predictor of higher maternal Hb levels at delivery (P ϭ 0.0086) (Fig. 5D).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
- Findingown data
In the nine women with a mixed infection, no significant association was observed between preterm birth and past placental infection (P = 0.69; 95% CI, -3.1 to 4.5).
“No significant association was observed with PTB and past placental infection (presence of hemozoin by placental histopathology) (P ϭ 0.69; 95% CI, Ϫ3.1 to 4.5).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Hemozoin detected in the placenta indicates a past Plasmodium infection in pregnancy.
- Findingown data
In subanalysis by gravidity, anti-VAR2CSA antibody levels of primigravid and multigravid women had mean decreases of 8.2 AU (P < 0.001) and 6.8 AU (P < 0.0001) from enrollment to delivery, respectively.
“the anti-VAR2CSA antibody levels of primigravid and multigravid women had a mean decrease of 8.2 AU (P Ͻ 0.001) and 6.8 AU (P Ͻ 0.0001) from enrollment to delivery, respectively.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
The proportion of women seropositive for anti-VAR2CSA antibodies was similar at enrollment and delivery (P = 0.67).
“The proportion of women seropositive for anti-VAR2CSA antibodies was similar at enrollment and delivery (P ϭ 0.67)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
65% (117/180) of women had VAR2CSA-specific IgG antibodies at enrollment.
“we measured VAR2CSA-specific IgG and observed that 65% (117/180) of women had antibodies at enrollment (Fig. 3A).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Anti-VAR2CSA antibody levels decreased from enrollment to delivery by a mean of 7.2 arbitrary units (P < 0.0001) in all women.
“anti-VAR2CSA antibody levels decreased from enrollment to delivery by a mean of 7.2 arbitrary units (AU) (P Ͻ 0.0001) in all women (Fig. 3B).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was no significant boosting of VAR2CSA-specific antibody levels following Plasmodium infection, irrespective of species (P = 0.66, P = 0.21, P = 0.25 for P. falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infections, respectively).
“There was no significant boosting of antibody levels following Plasmodium infection, irrespective of the species (P ϭ 0.66, P ϭ 0.21, P ϭ 0.25, for P. falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infections, respectively).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Of the 45 women with an SMI, 40% (18/45) had functional antibodies at enrollment.
“Of the 45 women with an SMI, 40% (18/45) had functional antibodies at enrollment (Fig. 4A)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
- Findingown data
Both primigravid and multigravid women who did not have functional antibodies were at significantly higher risk for anemia (Hb < 11 g/dl) (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.79; P = 0.014).
“both primigravid and multigravid women who did not have functional antibodies were at a significantly higher risk for anemia (Hb of Ͻ11 g/dl) (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.79; P ϭ 0.014)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
- Findingown data
Mothers exposed to both P. falciparum and P. vivax during pregnancy were three times more likely (P = 0.005) to deliver a preterm infant (<37 weeks gestational age) than mothers not infected during pregnancy.
“mothers who were exposed to both P. falciparum and P. vivax during pregnancy were three times more likely (P ϭ 0.005) to deliver a preterm infant (Ͻ37 weeks gestational age) than mothers who were not infected during pregnancy (Table 3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
In a multivariable linear regression model adjusting for maternal age and parity, mixed infections remained a significant predictor of gestational age at delivery (P = 0.0074).
“In a multivariable linear regression model adjusting for maternal age and parity as significant independent covariates, mixed infections remained a significant predictor of gestational age at delivery (P ϭ 0.0074).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Findingown data
A significant difference in levels of inhibition was observed between primigravid and multigravid women (31.5% versus 40%; mean difference, 8.5%; P = 0.049).
“A significant difference in the levels of inhibition was observed between primigravid and multigravid women (31.5% versus 40%; mean difference, 8.5%; P ϭ 0.049).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
- Findingown data
No significant association was observed between VAR2CSA-specific IgG levels and birth weight, gestational age, small for gestational age, or maternal hemoglobin levels at delivery.
“no significant association was observed between VAR2CSA-specific IgG levels and birth weight (P ϭ 0.58), gestational age (P ϭ 0.67), SGA (P ϭ 0.58), or maternal Hb levels at delivery (P ϭ 0.54).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Submicroscopic malaria infections during pregnancy are not generally associated with changes in outcomes at delivery.
“Submicroscopic malaria infections during pregnancy are not generally associated with changes in outcomes at delivery.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Women without CSA adhesion-blocking antibodies had a higher risk of maternal anemia compared to those with functional antibodies (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.13-2.79, P=0.014).
“Maternal anemia | 1.87 | 1.13-2.79 | 0.014”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Inhibitory activity of antibodies at enrollment differed significantly between primigravid and multigravid women (P=0.049).
“(B) Inhibitory activity of antibodies from primigravid and multigravid women at enrollment.The horizontal dotted line represents the cutoff for inhibition (39.1%).*, P ϭ 0.049 (Mann-Whitney test).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Anti-VAR2CSA antibody levels are independent of parity.
“Anti-VAR2CSA antibody levels are independent of parity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
CSA adhesion-blocking antibodies are observed in sera from Colombian pregnant women infected with submicroscopic malaria.
“CSA adhesion-blocking antibodies are observed in sera from Colombian pregnant women infected with submicroscopic malaria.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
Submicroscopic malaria infections occur frequently during pregnancy.
“SMIs occur frequently during pregnancy, and while mixed infections of both P. falciparum and P. vivax were not”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Interpretationown data
The lack of adverse delivery outcomes is proposed to be due to functional VAR2CSA antibodies that can protect pregnant women from SMI-related anemia.
“We propose that the lack of adverse delivery outcomes is due to functional VAR2CSA antibodies that can protect pregnant women from SMI-related anemia.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
- Study design and conductown data
There were no significant differences in characteristics at enrollment between women with and without an SMI in pregnancy.
“There were no significant differences in characteristics at enrollment between women with and without an SMI in pregnancy.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
VAR2CSA antibodies can block adhesion of infected erythrocytes to chondroitin sulfate A in vitro.
“These antibodies can block adhesion of IEs to CSA in vitro (4,5) and are associated with protection from placental malaria and other adverse delivery outcomes (6,7).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Study design and conductnone given
The study had adequate statistical power (80%) to detect a clinically meaningful difference in birth weights (250 g).
“our study had adequate statistical power (80%) to detect a clinically meaningful difference in birth weights (250 g)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The data suggest that these SMIs resolved naturally during the course of pregnancy.
“suggesting that these SMIs resolved naturally during the course of pregnancy.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The findings reveal a novel association of P. falciparum and P. vivax mixed SMIs and adverse birth outcomes that is particularly relevant to regions outside Africa.
“Our findings reveal a novel association of P. falciparum and P. vivax mixed SMIs and adverse birth outcomes that is particularly relevant to regions outside Africa.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Interpretationcitation
Prior work, in conjunction with the data presented here, suggests that in this population and malaria transmission area, antibodies to the full-length VAR2CSA protein may be acquired outside of pregnancy.
“This prior work, in conjunction with the data presented here, suggests that in this population and malaria transmission area, antibodies to the full-length VAR2CSA protein may be acquired outside of pregnancy.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [30] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
The study can exclude an effect of SMI on infant birth weight in this Colombian cohort.
“We can therefore exclude an effect of SMI on infant birth weight in this Colombian cohort.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Loss to follow-up did not bias the primary birth weight comparison.
- Premisecitation
Pregnant women, men, and children who were infected with only P. vivax had antibodies that cross-reacted with the DBL5ε, DBL3X, and ID1-ID2 domains of VAR2CSA with similar frequencies.
“This is supported by our findings that pregnant women, men, and children who were infected with only P. vivax had antibodies that cross-reacted with the DBL5, DBL3X, and ID1-ID2 domains of VAR2CSA with similar frequencies (30).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [30] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
This study identifies an important role for host immunity in protecting pregnant women from SMI-related anemia.
“identifies an important role for host immunity in protecting pregnant women from SMI-related anemia.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
- Study design and conductnone given
The study was adequately powered not to reject the null hypothesis of the primary objective to test whether SMIs during pregnancy are significantly associated with birth weight at delivery.
“Nevertheless, our study was adequately powered not to reject the null hypothesis of our primary objective to test whether SMIs during pregnancy are significantly associated with birth weight at delivery.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
Results with molecular diagnostics confirm the high prevalence of submicroscopic malaria in pregnancy in Colombia despite a reduction in the overall burden of malaria in recent years.
“Our results with molecular diagnostics confirm the high prevalence of submicroscopic MiP in Colombia despite a reduction in the overall burden of malaria in recent years (37).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [37]
Not checked in the free run.
- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- May combine two claims. 18
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 17
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataAmong the submicroscopic infections, 47% were caused by P. falciparum, 33% by P. vivax, and 20% by mixed Plasmodium spp.
“Forty-seven percent of infections (21/45) were caused by P. falciparum, 33% were caused by P. vivax, and 20% were caused by mixed Plasmodium spp.”
- Also stated in: § Prevalence of MiP. · plain
“Forty-seven percent (21/45) of these women were infected with P. falciparum, 33% (15/45) were infected with P. vivax, and 20% (9/45) were infected with mixed infections”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
- Also stated in: § Prevalence of MiP. · plain
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataThe mean birth weight of infants born to mothers with an SMI was 3,220 g ± 510 g, and it was 3,259 g ± 451 g among those without an SMI.
“The mean birth weight (Ϯ standard deviation [SD]) of infants born to mothers with an SMI was 3,220 g Ϯ 510 g, and it was 3,259 g Ϯ 451 g among those without an SMI”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataAmong women with functional antibodies, 28% (5/18) were primigravid and 48% (13/27) were multigravid.
“28% (5/18) were primigravid, and 48% (13/27) were multigravid (Fig. 4B).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataNo significant association was observed between percent inhibition and birth weight, gestational age, or small for gestational age.
“No significant association was observed between the percent inhibition and birth weight (P ϭ 0.85) (Fig. 5A), gestational age (P ϭ 0.80) (Fig. 5B), or SGA (P ϭ 0.33) (Fig. 5C).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataVAR2CSA antibody levels were independent of parity, and 64% of primigravid women were seropositive at enrollment.
“Furthermore, VAR2CSA antibody levels were independent of parity, and 64% of primigravid women were seropositive at enrollment.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataAntibody levels in primigravid and multigravid women were similar (P = 0.76), as were the proportions of primigravid (64%) and multigravid (65%) women with antibodies.
“Antibody levels in primigravid and multigravid women were similar (P ϭ 0.76), as were the proportions of primigravid (64%) and multigravid (65%) women with antibodies”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataIn women with a submicroscopic infection, CSA adhesion-blocking antibodies correlate with hemoglobin levels at delivery but not with other delivery outcomes (birth weight, gestational age at delivery, or SGA).
“CSA adhesion-blocking antibodies correlate with hemoglobin levels at delivery but not with other delivery outcomes in women with a submicroscopic infection.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationVAR2CSA antibodies are associated with protection from placental malaria and other adverse delivery outcomes.
“These antibodies can block adhesion of IEs to CSA in vitro (4,5) and are associated with protection from placental malaria and other adverse delivery outcomes (6,7).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationPlasmodium vivax infection during pregnancy was associated with adverse outcomes in studies from Thailand and Indonesia.
“Plasmodium vivax infection during pregnancy was associated with adverse outcomes in studies from Thailand and Indonesia (8,9); however, studies in Latin America reported varying results.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn another study in Colombia, no changes in mean birth weight, gestational age, or hemoglobin levels at delivery were observed with P. vivax infection.
“while in another study, also in Colombia, no changes in mean birth weight, gestational age, or hemoglobin levels at delivery were observed (11).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [11] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataA total of 148 women were lost to follow-up, with specified reasons.
“A total of 148 women were lost to follow-up: 16 women delivered in their homes, 19 women delivered in their local villages, 98 women delivered at a distant regional hospital, 5 women delivered when study staff were unavailable, and 10 women were lost to follow-up without any known reason.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationSMIs are frequently detected in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa and were associated with adverse outcomes in several cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
“SMIs are also frequently detected in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa and were associated with adverse outcomes in several cross-sectional (21)(22)(23)(24) and longitudinal studies (25,26).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataOf 402 women recruited into the study, 187 participated through to delivery.
“Of the 402 women recruited into the study, 187 women participated through to delivery (Fig. 1).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationIn studies from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela, P. vivax was associated with anemia, reduced birth weight, and histological changes in the placenta.
“In studies from Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela, P. vivax was associated with anemia, reduced birth weight, and histological changes in the placenta (12)(13)(14)(15).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationPregnant women acquire antibodies to VAR2CSA following exposure to malaria in pregnancy, usually in a parity-dependent manner.
“Pregnant women acquire antibodies to VAR2CSA following exposure to MiP, usually in a parity-dependent manner (1).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [1] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationIn a multicenter study of pregnant women in Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, India, and PNG, submicroscopic P. falciparum and P. vivax infections were not associated with either maternal anemia or low birth weight.
“In a multicenter study of pregnant women in Colombia, Guatemala, Brazil, India, and PNG, submicroscopic P. falciparum and P. vivax infections were not associated with either maternal anemia or LBW (29).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [29] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationOne study in Colombia demonstrated that P. vivax infection during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight.
“One study in Colombia demonstrated that P. vivax infection during pregnancy was associated with lower birth weight (10), while in another study, also in Colombia, no changes in mean birth weight, gestational age, or hemoglobin levels at delivery were observed (11).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [10] source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductreasoningSeven women were excluded from downstream data analysis due to a smear-positive Plasmodium result by microscopy.
“because of the focus on SMI, seven women were excluded from downstream data analysis due to a smear-positive Plasmodium result by microscopy.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationP. falciparum and P. vivax SMIs at delivery were associated with poor outcomes in one study from Papua New Guinea but not in studies conducted in Colombia and India.
“P. falciparum and P. vivax SMIs at delivery were associated with poor outcomes in one study from Papua New Guinea (PNG) (27) but not in studies conducted in Colombia and India (10,28).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationAntibodies that protect women from adverse outcomes in pregnancy predominantly target the VAR2CSA surface antigen.
“Antibodies that protect women from adverse outcomes in pregnancy predominantly target the VAR2CSA surface antigen (1,2).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataThe data suggest that women had immunity that facilitated parasite clearance and prevented sequestration of infected erythrocytes in the placenta.
“Our data suggest that women had immunity that facilitated parasite clearance and prevented sequestration of IEs in the placenta.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
May combine two claims.
Study design and conductreasoningWomen with SMIs were not treated with antimalarials because RT-qPCR was performed retrospectively, and no intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy program is available in the study communities.
“In our study, women with SMIs were not treated with antimalarials as RT-qPCR was performed retrospectively, and no intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) program is available in the study communities”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationAntibodies that blocked adhesion of infected erythrocytes to chondroitin sulfate A were associated with reduced risk of anemia in women exposed to SMIs during pregnancy, suggesting a role for these antibodies in opsonization of infected erythrocytes.
“Antibodies that blocked adhesion of IEs to CSA were associated with reduced risk of anemia in women exposed to SMIs during pregnancy, suggesting a role for these antibodies in opsonization of IEs (35).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [35] source
Not checked in the free run.
- Rests on an assumption: Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataVisual inspection of residual plots did not reveal any obvious deviations from homoscedasticity or normality in the linear mixed-effects model.
“Visual inspection of residual plots did not reveal any obvious deviations from homoscedasticity or normality.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataVAR2CSA was expressed on the surface of IEs infected with P. falciparum CS2, as confirmed by flow cytometry.
“Expression of VAR2CSA on the surface of IEs infected with P. falciparum CS2 was confirmed by flow cytometry using a rabbit anti-VAR2CSA polyclonal antibody (1:40 dilution) and detected using a goat anti-rabbit secondary conjugated to Alexa Fluor 647 (1:500 dilution; Life Technologies).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenNot all women attended monthly antenatal visits, and infections may have been missed during follow-up.
“Additionally, not all women attended monthly antenatal visits, and infections may have been missed during follow-up.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenAll microscopists were trained and underwent proficiency testing.
“All microscopists were trained and underwent proficiency testing.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductreasoningA sample size of 115 mother-infant pairs was needed to detect a clinically significant difference of 250 g in birth weight between groups.
“a sample size of 115 mother-infant pairs was needed to detect a clinically significant difference of 250 g in birth weight between groups.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenThe final sample size was affected by loss to follow-up in the early stages of the study.
“First, the final sample size was affected by the loss to follow-up in the early stages of the study.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
The paper relies on this without support.
RT-qPCR-positive peripheral blood samples indicate submicroscopic Plasmodium infection relevant to pregnancy outcomes.
“Malaria was diagnosed by microscopy, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and placental histopathology.”
“Samples were tested by reverse-transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) retrospectively.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Hemozoin detected in the placenta indicates a past Plasmodium infection in pregnancy.
“hemozoin was detected in the placentas of 12 women (6.7%), indicating a past Plasmodium infection in pregnancy.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Functional anti-adhesion antibody activity measured at enrollment reflects antibody function at delivery and protection from anemia.
“we measured the functional activity of antibodies at enrollment in the 45 women with SMIs.”
“inhibitory antibody function was a significant independent predictor of higher maternal Hb levels at delivery (P ϭ 0.0086) (Fig. 5D).”
The paper relies on this without support.
Loss to follow-up did not bias the primary birth weight comparison.
“First, the final sample size was affected by the loss to follow-up in the early stages of the study.”
“Nevertheless, our study was adequately powered not to reject the null hypothesis of our primary objective to test whether SMIs during pregnancy are significantly associated with birth weight at delivery.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Mixed Plasmodium infections were associated with a higher risk of preterm birth but did not result in lower birth weight compared to single-species infections.
“Another study found that mixed Plasmodium infections were associated with a higher risk of preterm birth but did not result in lower birth weight compared to single-species infections [97].”
From Current update on malaria in pregnancy: a systematic review (2025) · cites this paper as [97]
The Prevalence of MiP results and Table 3 report a higher risk of preterm birth with mixed P. falciparum and P. vivax infection, and the paper says mixed infections were not associated with decreased birth weight. However, the reported risk comparisons use uninfected women as the reference, not women with single-species infections. The claimed comparison with single-species infections is therefore not established by these results. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredSubmicroscopic cases are not detected or treated, resulting in severe outcomes for the mother and child (anemia and severe malaria) while also perpetuating parasite transmission and disease endemicity.
“submicroscopic cases are not detected or treated, resulting in severe outcomes for the mother and child (anemia and severe malaria) while also perpetuating parasite transmission and disease endemicity [20,23,24,25,26]”
From Diagnostic Accuracy of a Thick Blood Smear Compared to qPCR for Malaria Associated with Pregnancy in Colombia (2023) · cites this paper as [20]
The similar proportion of P. vivax and P. falciparum in PM would contradict several assumptions about P. vivax's lower capacity for clinical damage.
“the similar proportion of P. vivax and P. falciparum in PM would contradict several assumptions about P. vivax’s lower capacity for clinical damage [20,21,22,48]”
From Diagnostic Accuracy of a Thick Blood Smear Compared to qPCR for Malaria Associated with Pregnancy in Colombia (2023) · cites this paper as [20]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Gestational-age difference falls outside its reported confidence interval
MajorThe reported 95% confidence interval of 35 to 38 weeks cannot be the confidence interval for a mean difference of 2.3 weeks. The interval appears to describe a gestational age rather than the stated difference.
“mean difference, 2.3 weeks”
“95% CI, 35 to 38”
Gravidity counts differ between Table 1 and the antibody analysis
MajorThe antibody analysis uses denominators of 18 primigravid and 27 multigravid women among the 45 women with SMIs. Table 1 instead lists 16 primigravid, 11 secundigravid, and 18 multigravid women in that group.
“28% (5/18) were primigravid, and 48% (13/27) were multigravid”
“Primigravid 16 (35.6)40 (29.6)0.46 Secundigravid 11 (24.4) 31 (23) 0.84 Multigravid 18 (40) 64 (44.4) 0.49”
Incorrect percentage for PCR-negative multigravid women
MinorTable 1 lists 64 multigravid women among 135 PCR-negative women, which is 47.4%, not 44.4%.
Reported 44.4 · recomputed 47.407407
“Multigravid 18 (40) 64 (44.4) 0.49”
Gestational-age result cites the hemoglobin panel
MinorThe text directs readers to Figure 2D for gestational age, but the figure caption identifies gestational age as panel B and maternal hemoglobin as panel D.
“babies born to mothers who had a mixed infection during pregnancy had a significantly lower gestational age at birth than those of uninfected mothers (mean difference, 2.3 weeks; 95% CI, 35 to 38; P ϭ 0.0033) (Fig. 2D).”
“gestational age at delivery (B), Z-scores of babies to determine small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (C), and maternal hemoglobin (Hb) levels at delivery (D)”
The citation lists haven’t been fetched yet
References 47 · Cited by 26
- Authors
- Gavina, K., Gnidehou, S., Arango, E., Hamel-Martineau, C., Mitran, C., Agudelo, O., Lopez, C., Karidio, A., Banman, S., Carmona-Fonseca, J., Salanti, A., Tuikue Ndam, N., Hawkes, M., Maestre, A., & Yanow, S. K.
- Affiliations
- University of Alberta (CA)
- Department of Biology, Campus Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Universidad de Antioquia (CO)
- Grupo Salud y Comunidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- University of Copenhagen (DK)
- University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Venue
- Infection and Immunity
- Publisher
- American Society for Microbiology
- Published
- 2018-04
- Volume
- 86
- Issue
- 4
- ISSN
- 0019-9567 (ISSN-L)
- 1098-5522
- PMC
- PMC5865023
- OpenAlex
- W2787058498
- Cited by
- 26
- References
- 47
- Citations by year
- 2025: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 1
- FWCI
- 2.62
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Update notices
- correction (2018-07-23)
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Infection and Immunity (publishedVersion)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
- Research at the University of Copenhagen (University of Copenhagen) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Institutional Repository University of Antioquia (University of Antioquia) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Funders
- COLCIENCIAS
- Emerging Leaders of the Americas
- Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- Gouvernement du Canada | Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Universidad de Antioquia
- University of Alberta
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Malaria Research and Control
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Hematology › Blood groups and transfusion
- Keywords
- malaria in pregnancy, submicroscopic malaria infection, placental adhesions, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, mixed malaria infection, preterm birth, birth weight, placental pathology, pregnancy outcomes
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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
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