Polymerase chain reaction and histology in diagnosis of placental malaria in an area of unstable malaria transmission in Central Sudan.

Background: Prevalence of placental malaria has been widely used as a standard indicator to characterize malaria infection in epidemiologic surveys. Placental malaria poses a greater diagnostic challenge, accurate and sensitive diagnostic tool for malaria infections in pregnancy is needed.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Medani Hospital, which serves catchment area which is characterized by unstable malaria transmission.