Patterns of cytokine secretion by individuals living in a malaria endemic area of western Kenya
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Date
2011-12-07
Authors
Munene, Rose Mbuthu
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Abstract
Malaria causes a variety of immune responses in the infected host. Stimulated immunocomponent cells secrete cytokine which, although primarily play a role in immunity are also immunopathological. The severity and the nature of malaria complications depend on age and intensity of transmission. In malaria holoendemic areas, it is the young children, 6 months to 2 years who bear the brant of infections, and usually develop severe malaria complicated with anemia while adults develop some immunity. A cross-sectional study was carried out at Kombewa, a malaria holoendemic area in Western Kenya, to determine whether age-related differences exist in the pattern of cytokine secretion in malaria infection. Plasma samples were obtained from 420 study participants aged 1 month to 60 years. The participants were stratified into seven groups by age. The plasma samples were then assayed for levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF- a and IL-8) and antiinflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) using sandwich ELISA. TNF- a concentration was highest among 13-24 months old children (73.22f37.65pg/ml) and declined steadily in the older age groups. (P<0.05). This peak corresponded with the peak in the levels of IL-10 (201.52f54.34pg/ml). The proportion of IL-10 to TNF- a was significantly lower in this age group (13-24 months) as compared to the other age groups. The levels of IL- 8 were highest at 13-24month old (68.75f20.52pg/ml) compared to the other age groups. The levels of IL-4 were undetectable in the majority of the samples. This data suggests a possible age related pattern in the secretion of both pro- inflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines with a peak at the age of 13-24 months when the individuals are susceptible to severe malaria infection and a decline in older ages. This study has improved the understanding of roles of cytokines on malaria disease pathogenesis and its management.
Description
Department of Zoological Sciences, 53p.The RC 156.M35 2008
Keywords
Malaria--immunological aspects, Malaria -- Immunological aspects., Cytokines