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Immune response to cryptosporidiosis in Philippine children
M A Laxer1, A K Alcantara, M Javato-Laxer
1U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2, APO San Francisco, California.
Insights
Filipino children with Cryptosporidium infection showed strong antibody responses and impaired cell-mediated immunity (CMI). Malnutrition and iron deficiency were also prevalent, impacting recovery from this parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cryptosporidium infections are a significant cause of childhood diarrhea, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Understanding the host immune response and nutritional status is crucial for managing these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibody response to Cryptosporidium in Filipino children.
- To assess cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and nutritional status (iron, malnutrition) in these children.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Cryptosporidium-specific IgA, IgG, and IgM in serum, stool, and duodenal fluid.
- Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin tests for CMI assessment.
- Serum iron tests and total iron-binding capacity for iron status.
- Clinical examination for malnutrition assessment.
Main Results:
- A strong and sustained antibody response (IgA, IgG, IgM) to Cryptosporidium was observed.
- Impaired CMI was evident early in infection, with partial recovery after 6 weeks.
- All children exhibited some degree of malnutrition and/or depleted iron status.
Conclusions:
- Children with Cryptosporidium infection mount a robust antibody response.
- Impaired CMI and compromised nutritional status are common comorbidities that may influence disease outcomes.
Abstract:
An ELISA was used to measure the Cryptosporidium-specific IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody levels in serum, stool, and duodenal fluid of 15 Filipino children. Antibody levels were measured on admission to the hospital, 1 week later, and at a 6 week follow-up examination. Delayed type hypersensitivity skin tests were used to assay cell mediated immunity (CMI), iron status was measured by serum iron tests and total iron binding capacity, and the degree of malnutrition was determined by clinical examination. Antibody response to Cryptosporidium was qualitatively and quantitatively strong and maintained over time. All subjects showed impaired CMI early with some reconstitution after 6 weeks. All subjects showed some degree of malnutrition and/or depleted iron status.