Therapies to combat co-infection of HIV and malaria during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa

In sub-Saharan Africa where Plasmodium falciparum malaria is endemic, 80% of the world’s HIV-infected persons reside, making co-infection with these two major human pathogens a common occurrence. Pregnancy is a condition that produces an immunosuppressed state in the mother, which, in combination with an immunocompromising disease such as HIV/AIDS, can lead to an increased risk of contracting infectious diseases such as malaria. Co-infection during pregnancy can lead to a number of poor outcomes for both mother and child. There has been little research into the implications of pregnancy and/or co-infection with regard to treatment of HIV/AIDS or malaria, and as a result the options for efficacious drug therapy during gestation are limited. In light of this, prophylactic measures are being investigated, including a vaccine for pregnant women or those planning a family that aims to reduce or prevent the adverse effects of malaria and/or HIV/AIDS. This review discusses the pressing need for treatment, outlines the incumbent difficulties in production of an effective chemotherapeutic or immunization regimen, and considers strategies for present and prospective vaccine development.