Complement Consumption in Children with Malaria
Author Information
Author(s): Nyakoe Nancy K, Taylor Ronald P, Makumi Joseph N, Waitumbi John N
Primary Institution: Walter Reed Project, Kenya Medical Research Institute
Hypothesis
Complement activation may impair host innate defense in children with malaria.
Conclusion
Complement consumption is excessive in children with severe malarial anemia compared to those with uncomplicated malaria.
Supporting Evidence
- Children with severe malarial anemia had a median CH50 of 8.6 U/mL, significantly lower than the 34.6 U/mL in uncomplicated malaria.
- Plasma C3a levels were 10 times higher in both severe and uncomplicated malaria compared to normal levels.
- Functional activity of all three complement pathways was greatly reduced in severe malarial anemia compared to uncomplicated malaria.
Takeaway
This study found that children with severe malaria use up their complement system much more than those with mild malaria, which can make it harder for them to fight infections.
Methodology
A case-control study measuring serum haemolytic activity and complement levels in children with severe malarial anemia and uncomplicated malaria.
Limitations
The cross-sectional nature of the study limits causal conclusions about complement utilization and susceptibility to severe malaria.
Participant Demographics
Children aged ≤ 5 years with confirmed malaria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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