Consequence of malaria and dengue on reproductive vigor. A scoping review.

BACKGROUNDV: Malaria is associated with decreased semen quality, oligozoospermia, necrozoo-spermia/azoospermia. Antimalarial-drugs have adverse-effects on re¬productive functions. (40-90) % of male infertility is due to scarce sperm production of obscure source. This review was undertaken to understand the effects of malaria/dengue and antimalarial drugs on reproductive health.

METHODOLOGY: A broad systematic exploration was steered, using electronic databases, limiting to articles (English) using words- "Infertility", "Malaria", "Preterm birth", "Dengue" etc., (2013-2024), to identify relevant studies.

RESULTS

Malaria causes decreased semen quality in men; higher rates of miscarriage, intrauterine demise, premature delivery, LBW, neonatal deaths, anemia and maternal deaths in pregnancy. Antimalarial-drugs (chloroquine, quinine, quinacrine, pyrimethamine) cause male infertility. Acute dengue infection leads to temporary alterations in sperm but not long-term infertility; during pregnancy it causes an increased risk of premature delivery, fetal death, and hemorrhagic complications.

CONCLUSION

Malaria/dengue affect reproductive health in humans, indirect effect being infertility due to antimalarial-drugs.