Plasmodium and Other Parasites in Pregnant Women and Children Around Margibi and Montserrado Counties, Liberia

Background: The disease malaria affects many people in Liberia and other parts of Africa. It is caused by germs that are spread by mosquito bites. It may be mild but can be serious or can lead to death if not diagnosed and treated. Children younger than 5 years old and pregnant women are most at risk of malaria. Worms also infect many people in Liberia. They can be caused by mosquito bites or by touching soil or still water. Worm infections can be mild or serious. Doctors in Liberia and their NIH partners want to learn more about these diseases in women and children. Objective: To measure how much malaria and worm infections there are in pregnant women and children in two counties of Liberia. Eligibility: Pregnant women ages 18 and older and children ages 6 12 months seeking routine care at C.H. Rennie Hospital or the Duport Road Health Center Design: Participants will be screened with questions about their health or their child s health. Participants will be asked further questions about their health and about their home life. Participants will give a small amount of blood by finger prick. This will be tested to see if they have malaria or some types of worms, and for research studies. Participants who are sick from malaria will be treated at a study clinic. Treatment will follow standards of the Liberia and/or the World Health Organization.