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Methods to Investigate the Regulatory Role of Small RNAs and Ribosomal Occupancy of Plasmodium falciparum
Published on: December 4, 2015
Sickle cell anaemia and malaria.
1Honorary Professor of Haematology, University of Florence, Scientific Director, Istituto Toscano Tumori. Firenze. Italy.
Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases
|November 22, 2012
Summary
Sickle cell gene carriers (AS) show protection against malaria, while those with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) are more vulnerable. Malaria exacerbates SCA, highlighting the need for prophylaxis in endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Genetics
Background:
- Sickle cell anaemia is a significant hemolytic anemia.
- Its epidemiology is linked to Plasmodium falciparum malaria distribution.
- This review examines the intricate relationship between sickle cell disease and malaria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex relationship between sickle cell anaemia and malaria.
- To discuss the protective effect of sickle cell trait against malaria.
- To explore the increased susceptibility of sickle cell anaemia patients to malaria.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical field studies on sickle cell trait and malaria.
- Analysis of experimental data on red blood cell sickling in AS heterozygotes.
- Examination of malaria's impact on sickle cell anaemia severity and hyposplenism.
Main Results:
- Heterozygotes for the sickle gene (AS) exhibit relative protection against fatal malaria.
- A proposed mechanism involves preferential sickling and macrophage removal of infected red cells in AS individuals.
- Homozygotes for the sickle gene (SCA) are highly susceptible to lethal malaria, with malaria worsening the anemia and hyposplenism reducing parasite clearance.
Conclusions:
- The sickle cell gene offers a survival advantage in malaria-endemic areas due to protection against severe malaria.
- Sickle cell anaemia patients face increased mortality risk from malaria, necessitating protective measures.
- Public health strategies should prioritize malaria prophylaxis for individuals with sickle cell anaemia in endemic regions.
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