Final answer:
By studying infants born during both high and low malaria season, researchers could compare the impact of greater and reduced exposure to the malaria parasite and understand how it affects infants' health in different settings and seasons. One possible explanation for their data is the difference in the immune response of infants born during high and low malaria seasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Muehlenbachs et al.'s study of placental malaria, it was important that they studied infants born during both high and low malaria seasons because it allowed them to compare the prevalence and severity of placental malaria in different conditions. By studying infants born during high malaria season, they could observe the impact of greater exposure to the malaria parasite. On the other hand, studying infants born during low malaria season provided a baseline to compare the effects of reduced exposure. This comparison helped the researchers understand how placental malaria affects infants' health in different settings and seasons.
One possible explanation for their data could be the difference in the immune response of infants born during high and low malaria seasons. Infants born during high malaria season may have had less time to develop immune responses to the parasite, leading to higher rates of placental malaria and its associated complications. On the other hand, infants born during low malaria season may have had more time to develop protective immune responses, resulting in lower rates of placental malaria and its complications.