Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Antinuclear Antibodies in Malaria-Infected Children
Author Information
Author(s): Virginia S Baker, Godwin E Imade, Norman B Molta, Pallavi Tawde, Sunday D Pam, Michael O Obadofin, Soloman A Sagay, Daniel Z Egah, Daniel Iya, Bangmboye B Afolabi, Murray Baker, Karen Ford, Robert Ford, Kenneth H Roux, Thomas C Keller III
Primary Institution: Florida State University
Hypothesis
What are the relationships between neutrophil extracellular traps, antinuclear antibodies, and disease severity in children infected with Plasmodium falciparum?
Conclusion
The study suggests that neutrophil extracellular traps and antinuclear antibodies may contribute to disease pathology in children infected with Plasmodium falciparum.
Supporting Evidence
- Circulating neutrophil extracellular traps were found in 86% of the children before treatment.
- Antinuclear antibodies were significantly elevated in 100% of the children after treatment.
- Children exhibited a Th2 dominated cytokine profile.
- Significant levels of antinuclear antibodies specific for dsDNA were found in 81% of the children.
Takeaway
The study found that sick children with malaria have special traps made by their immune cells that can catch the malaria germs, and they also have antibodies that might be causing some of their sickness.
Methodology
Blood samples from 21 children under six years old with uncomplicated malaria were analyzed for cytokine levels and the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps and antinuclear antibodies before and after treatment.
Potential Biases
Potential bias may arise from the selection of participants and the specific geographic location of the study.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size and focused only on children under six years of age.
Participant Demographics
Children under six years of age from Nigeria with uncomplicated malaria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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