Concurrent gastro-intestinal nematode infection does not alter the development of experimental cerebral malaria
2008
Helminth Infection and Cerebral Malaria in Mice
Sample size: 25
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): de Souza, Brian, Helmby, Helena
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Does concurrent gastro-intestinal nematode infection alter the development of experimental cerebral malaria?
Conclusion
A chronic gastro-intestinal helminth infection does not affect the development of cerebral malaria in a mouse model.
Supporting Evidence
- Mice with helminth infection showed similar malaria symptoms as those without.
- Both groups of mice developed cerebral malaria around the same time.
- Helminth infection did not change the levels of key inflammatory cytokines during malaria.
Takeaway
The study found that having a worm infection doesn't change how mice get sick from malaria.
Methodology
Mice were infected with a helminth and then with malaria, and their health was monitored.
Limitations
The study only used one type of helminth and one model of malaria.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice, aged six to eight weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website