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Depressed malarial immunity in pregnant mice
Infection and Immunity
|May 1, 1980
Summary
Pregnancy can weaken immunity in mice previously resistant to malaria. This immune suppression can cause malaria to return, sometimes fatally.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Solid immunity to Plasmodium berghei was established in a mouse model.
- Pregnancy is known to modulate the immune system in various mammals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pregnancy on established immunity against Plasmodium berghei.
- To determine if pregnancy-induced immunosuppression leads to malaria recrudescence.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of mice with confirmed solid immunity to Plasmodium berghei was utilized.
- Immune status and parasite levels were monitored during pregnancy.
Main Results:
- Mice exhibited pregnancy-associated depressed immunity.
- A transient or lethal recrudescence of Plasmodium berghei occurred in pregnant mice.
- Established immunity was compromised during gestation.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy can overcome solid immunity to Plasmodium berghei in mice.
- Pregnancy-induced immunosuppression poses a significant risk for malaria relapse, even in previously immune individuals.