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Malaria and helminth interactions in humans: an epidemiological viewpoint
T W Mwangi1, J M Bethony, S Brooker
1Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine and Research, P.O. Box 230, 80108 Kilifi, Kenya. tmwangi@kilifi.mimcom.net
Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology
|September 23, 2006
Summary
Helminth infections and Plasmodium (malaria) infections are common in the tropics. This review examines how these co-infections interact, impacting disease patterns and susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Helminths and Plasmodium parasites are prevalent in tropical regions.
- Co-infection with helminths and Plasmodium is common due to overlapping geographical distributions.
- Existing research on the impact of helminth co-infections on clinical malaria presents conflicting results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an epidemiological overview of potential interactions between helminths and Plasmodium parasites.
- To critically discuss current epidemiological findings on helminth-malaria co-infection.
- To identify knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on helminth and Plasmodium parasite distribution.
- Analysis of studies investigating the association between helminth infections and clinical malaria.
- Synthesis of proposed immunological interaction hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Helminth and Plasmodium infections share similar tropical distributions, leading to frequent co-infections.
- Studies on helminth-malaria co-infection have produced varied and sometimes contradictory outcomes.
- The precise immunological mechanisms underlying these interactions remain largely undetermined.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the epidemiological interplay between helminths and Plasmodium is crucial for tropical public health.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the immunological consequences of co-infection and resolve conflicting findings.
- Targeted studies are required to address knowledge gaps concerning helminth-malaria interactions.
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