The growing incidence of neonatal malaria--a situational review in developing countries.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal malaria was said to be a rare entity However there are increasing reports from many parts of the world about the occurrence of malaria in the newbom.
METHODS: A review of the literature on this subject was done with emphasis on developing countries. Literature search was done using Medline, as well as local and international journals.
RESULTS: The reasons for earlier reported rarity of neonatal malaria, and those for the recent rising incidence are discussed along with diagnostic and management issues.
CONCLUSION: The physician must have a high index of suspicion to make a diagnosis of neonatal malaria, as the clinical features are non-specific and very similar to those of Neonatal sepsis. Neonatal malaria is a contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, which must be drastically reduced in order to achieve the fourth millennium development goal.