Placental malaria typically occurs in which group of pregnant women?

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Study for the Introduction to Parasitology Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam thoroughly!

Multiple Choice

Placental malaria typically occurs in which group of pregnant women?

Explanation:
Placental malaria is driven by parasites that bind to the placental tissue, a process mediated by VAR2CSA on infected red blood cells. Women develop antibodies to this placental-binding protein with prior pregnancies, so immunity to placental sequestration increases as parity rises. In a first pregnancy, these antibodies are not yet present, making placental sequestration and infection more likely. With each subsequent pregnancy, maternal immunity grows and provides protection, lowering the risk of placental malaria. Therefore, placental malaria most commonly occurs in first-time pregnant women, i.e., primigravidae.

Placental malaria is driven by parasites that bind to the placental tissue, a process mediated by VAR2CSA on infected red blood cells. Women develop antibodies to this placental-binding protein with prior pregnancies, so immunity to placental sequestration increases as parity rises. In a first pregnancy, these antibodies are not yet present, making placental sequestration and infection more likely. With each subsequent pregnancy, maternal immunity grows and provides protection, lowering the risk of placental malaria. Therefore, placental malaria most commonly occurs in first-time pregnant women, i.e., primigravidae.

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