Consequence of malaria and dengue on reproductive vigor. A scoping review.
Abstract
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.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Malaria Research and Control
Sperm and Testicular Function
Reproductive Health and Technologies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- La Clinica Terapeutica
- Volume
- 177
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 358–372
- Publication date
- 1 March 2026
- Language
- EN