Role of Trace Elements in Pregnant Women with Malaria: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a significant public health and socio-economic issue, affecting over 300 million people annually across more than 90 countries. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria due to their decreased immunity, which increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm delivery, and infant mortality. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role of trace elements in pregnant women with vivax malaria by comparing their serum concentrations with those of healthy pregnant women. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study was conducted at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences and City Hospital, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 120 participants were enrolled, comprising 60 pregnant women diagnosed with gestational vivax malaria and 60 age- and gestational age-matched healthy pregnant women. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to measure serum levels of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study found significantly lower concentrations of copper, magnesium, zinc, and iron in the serum of pregnant women with vivax malaria compared to healthy controls. The mean serum levels for copper were 1.50 ± 0.59 mg/L in the malaria group versus 2.01 ± 0.41 mg/L in controls, magnesium was 1.60 ± 0.72 mg/L versus 2.09 ± 0.87 mg/L, zinc was 0.93 ± 0.63 mg/L versus 1.40 ± 0.57 mg/L, and iron was 0.97 ± 0.82 mg/L versus 1.40 ± 0.77 mg/L (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion: The findings suggest that pregnant women with vivax malaria have significant deficiencies in essential trace elements, which may contribute to compromised immune function and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Addressing these deficiencies through targeted nutritional interventions could enhance immunity and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes in malaria-endemic regions.