Association between malaria infection and antibody response in children living in malaria endemic area in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction

Malaria remains a major public health problem. . A better knowledge of the immunology of malaria can contribute to vaccine research as well as a better knowledge of the epidemiology of this disease. The aim of this work was to understand the association between malaria infection and the antibody response in children under 5 years old.

Material and Methods: Samples and parasitological data collected during two cross-sectional surveys made it possible to measure the level of IgG antibodies and IgG subclasses directed against 5 antigens of the erythrocyte stage (MSP3, MSP2A, MSP2B, GLURP R0, GLURP R2) of Plasmodium falciparum in children under five. These data also made it possible to assess the influence of concomitant parasitaemia on the level of IgG antibodies and IgG subclasses. The level of the antibodies was measured using the ELISA technique. The thick drop and thin smear have been used for the quantitative and qualitative microscopic diagnosis of malaria.

Results: The results of the study showed that the presence of Plasmodium falciparum was associated with a higher level of IgG antibodies and IgG subclasses. Above a certain level of parasite load, the level of antibodies fell, possibly due to the use of these antibodies.

Conclusion: This study revealed the influence of concomitant parasitaemia on the level of antibodies in children under five naturally exposed to malaria infection