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Published on: February 27, 2018
Murine malaria is associated with significant hearing impairment
Joachim Schmutzhard1, Christian H Kositz, Peter Lackner
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck Austria. Joachim.Schmutzhard@i-med.ac.at
Background:
Plasmodium falciparum malaria has been suspected to cause hearing loss. Developmental, cognitive and language disorders have been observed in children, surviving cerebral malaria. This prospective study aims to evaluate whether malaria influences hearing in mice.
Methods:
Twenty mice were included in a standardized murine cerebral malaria model. Auditory evoked brainstem responses were assessed before infection and at the peak of the illness.
Results:
A significant hearing impairment could be demonstrated in mice with malaria, especially the cerebral form. The control group did not show any alterations. No therapy was used.
Conclusion:
This suggests that malaria itself leads to a hearing impairment in mice.
Insights
Malaria, particularly cerebral malaria, significantly impairs hearing in mice. This study demonstrates that the Plasmodium falciparum parasite directly impacts auditory function, suggesting a causal link.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a potential cause of hearing loss.
- Cerebral malaria survivors exhibit developmental, cognitive, and language disorders.
- This study investigates malaria's impact on auditory function in a murine model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the influence of malaria on hearing in mice.
- To determine if malaria infection causes hearing impairment.
- To assess auditory evoked brainstem responses in a malaria model.
Main Methods:
- A standardized murine cerebral malaria model was utilized.
- Twenty mice were assessed.
- Auditory evoked brainstem responses were measured pre-infection and at peak illness.
Main Results:
- Significant hearing impairment was observed in mice with malaria, especially the cerebral form.
- The control group showed no auditory alterations.
- No therapeutic interventions were administered during the study.
Conclusions:
- Malaria infection itself appears to induce hearing impairment in mice.
- The findings suggest a direct link between Plasmodium falciparum infection and auditory dysfunction.
- Further research may explore mechanisms and potential treatments for malaria-induced hearing loss.
