Preterm delivery risk in relation to maternal HIV infection, history of malaria and other infections among urban Zimbabwean women.

Malaria infections are associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes including preterm delivery (PTD), low birth weight (LBW), neonatal death, and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In malariaendemic areas, HIV is common and is also known to contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Investigators have noted that dual infection of malaria and HIV is an important cause of infant mortality and morbidity, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries where approximately 28 million are infected with HIV.