What is the primary cause of recurring fever in pregnant women?

Recurring fever in pregnant women is most commonly associated with malaria, particularly in regions where malaria endemicity is high. During pregnancy, women have altered immune responses, which can lead to increased susceptibility to infections. Malaria is especially notable because it can be both directly caused by the Plasmodium parasite and can have significant complications for both the mother and fetus, including anemia, placental malaria, and increased risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.

In contrast, while typhoid fever, influenza, and COVID-19 can also cause fever in pregnant women, they are less prevalent causes of recurring fever specific to this demographic. Typhoid fever has a more limited geographical prevalence and is less common compared to malaria in endemic regions. Influenza can cause severe symptoms but generally does not present as recurring fever. COVID-19 can also cause fever, but it is more often characterized by a variety of other respiratory symptoms, and its prevalence in causing recurring fevers specifically in pregnant women is lower than that of malaria.

Understanding this context is important, particularly in regions where malaria is endemic, as it directs attention towards appropriate screening and management strategies for pregnant women at risk.