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Anti-schistosome antibody responses in children coinfected with malaria
F Mutapi1, P D Ndhlovu, P Hagan
1Wellcome Trust Centre for the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.
Insights
Coinfection with malaria significantly boosts anti-schistosome IgE and IgG3 responses in children with schistosomiasis. This highlights the complex interplay between parasitic infections and immunity development in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease prevalent in endemic areas.
- Co-infections with other parasites are common in these regions.
- Parasite interactions influence host immunity and disease epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of malaria co-infection on anti-schistosome egg immune responses.
- To understand how co-infections affect the development of immunity to schistosomiasis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of specific anti-schistosome egg antibody responses (IgE and IgG3).
- Comparison between children with schistosomiasis co-infected with malaria and those with schistosomiasis only.
Main Results:
- Children with schistosomiasis and malaria exhibited significantly higher levels of anti-schistosome IgE.
- Children with schistosomiasis and malaria also showed significantly higher levels of anti-schistosome IgG3.
- These findings were compared to children infected only with schistosomiasis.
Conclusions:
- Malaria co-infection modulates the immune response to schistosomiasis.
- Specific antibody responses, IgE and IgG3, are elevated in children with dual infections.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for schistosomiasis immuno-epidemiology and vaccine development.
Abstract:
People residing in schistosome endemic areas are often infected with other parasites. The interaction of the parasites in the host has important implications in the development of acquired immunity to schistosomiasis, and schistosome immuno-epidemiology. An analysis of specific anti-schistosome egg responses in children coinfected with schistosomiasis and malaria shows that malaria positive children produce significantly more anti-schistosome IgE and IgG3 than schistosome infected children who are negative for malaria.