The high prevalence of hemoglobin S (HbS) in Africa and hemoglobin C (HbC) in parts of West Africa is caused by the strong protection against severe falciparum malaria during childhood. Much less is known about the effect of HbS and especially HbC on Plasmodium falciparum infection, uncomplicated malaria, and anemia. A total of 1070 children from the Ashanti Region, Ghana, were enrolled at the age of 3 months and visited monthly until 2 years of age. The effects of the beta-globin genotype on the age-dependent incidence of malaria, levels of parasitemia, and hemoglobin as well as physical development were analyzed by population-averaged models. Infants with HbAS were protected from uncomplicated malaria (P < .005) and anemia (P < .001), had lower age-adjusted parasite densities (P < .001), and higher age-adjusted hemoglobin levels compared with children with the HbAA genotype (P = .004). In contrast, HbAC carriers had lower hemoglobin levels (P < .033) and were not protected against malaria or anemia. Notably, infants with HbAS were also significantly protected against stunting compared with carriers of HbAA or HbAC. This indicates differing mechanisms of protection against malaria of HbAS and HbAC and might help to understand why HbC is restricted to distinct areas of West Africa.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1182/blood-2009-09-241844 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Under-5 Malaria and Fever Morbidities as Correlates of Anaemia in Niger: A Heteroscedasticity-Consistent Ordered Probit Approach.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
December 2024
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, North-West University Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa.
: The relationship between malaria/other febrile infections and anaemia among under-5 children is a subject of significant policy relevance among African health policy makers. The international significance of addressing anaemia is prominently underscored in the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). This paper therefore analysed the effect of malaria/other febrile infections and other maternal and child's demographic variables on the prevalence of anaemia in Niger.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMalian field isolates provide insight into Plasmodium malariae intra-erythrocytic development and invasion.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis
January 2025
Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali.
Plasmodium malariae is the third most prevalent human malaria parasite species and contributes significantly to morbidity. Nevertheless, our comprehension of this parasite's biology remains limited, primarily due to its frequent co-infections with other species and the lack of a continuous in vitro culture system. To effectively combat and eliminate this overlooked parasite, it is imperative to acquire a better understanding of this species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFContext: Anemia is a medical condition resulting from a reduction in the number of red blood cells below the reference range. It is a major public health problem, particularly among adolescents, as it can have negative effects on cognitive performance, growth and reproduction. This study aims to assess the determinants of anemia among adolescents in schools in the city of Douala.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAcquisition of Fc-afucosylation of PfEMP1-specific IgG is age-dependent and associated with clinical protection against malaria.
Nat Commun
January 2025
Centre for translational Medicine and Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Protective immunity to malaria depends on acquisition of parasite-specific antibodies, with Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) being one of the most important target antigens. The effector functions of PfEMP1-specific IgG include inhibition of infected erythrocyte (IE) sequestration and opsonization of IEs for cell-mediated destruction. IgG glycosylation modulates antibody functionality, with increased affinity to FcγRIIIa for IgG lacking fucose in the Fc region (Fc-afucosylation).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEffectiveness of Monthly Versus Two-Dose Regimen of Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy in Southeastern Nigeria: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
West Afr J Med
August 2024
Department of Haematology and Immunology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
Background: There are reports of a high prevalence of maternal peripheral and placental malarial parasitaemia (MP) in southeastern Nigeria following the two-dose regimen of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) for intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) of malaria in pregnancy.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of monthly versus two-dose regimens of SP for IPT of malaria in pregnancy in Enugu, south-eastern Nigeria.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial involving antenatal clinic attendees at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!