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Autoantibodies, immunoglobulins, complement and circulating immune complexes in acute malaria
K N Jhaveri1, K Ghosh, D Mohanty
1Government Medical College and New Civil Hospital, Surat, Gujarat, India.
The National Medical Journal of India
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Acute malaria infection can trigger false-positive autoantibody tests and elevate immune markers. These immunological changes, including immunoglobulin and immune complex levels, may persist even after the infection resolves.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Malaria, caused by Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, is prevalent in the Indian subcontinent.
- Malarial infection is associated with significant immunostimulation.
- The study aimed to investigate immunological alterations in malaria patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen malaria patients for autoantibodies.
- To measure immunoglobulin, circulating immune complex, and complement levels.
- To determine the extent of immunological alterations during acute malaria.
Main Methods:
- One hundred adult malaria patients and 25 controls were studied.
- Autoantibody screen, immunoglobulin, complement (C3, C4), and circulating immune complex levels were measured.
- Direct Coomb's test was performed.
Main Results:
- Elevated anti-ssDNA, anti-dsDNA, and rheumatoid factor were observed in malaria patients.
- Increased IgM, IgG, and IgA levels were noted.
- Raised circulating immune complexes and decreased complement C3/C4 levels were found.
Conclusions:
- Acute malaria can lead to false-positive autoantibody results.
- Malarial infection can increase serum immunoglobulin, complement, and circulating immune complex levels.
- Some immunological alterations may persist post-infection.