Measurement of some Th1, Th2 cytokines and white cell count in childhood haemoglobinopathies with uncomplicated malaria infection

Abstract

The relative balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines appears crucial in the outcome of infections. We assayed some Th1 cytokines (interleukin-2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (IFN-g) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in homozygous haemoglobin (Hb) AA, heterozygous HbAS genotyped and sickle cell (HbSS) individuals with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria to determine the group with the strongest cytokine response to P. falciparum malaria. Levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines of 111 children with uncomplicated malaria and 89 healthy controls were determined by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and haematological parameters were estimated using standard haematological techniques. Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels were significantly higher in HbAA, HbAS genotyped patients compared to their respective healthy controls (P<0.05). IFN ã, IL-2 and and IL-10 were significantly elevated in HbAA compared to HbAS and HbSS subjects (P<0.05). The mean haematological parameters (total white cell count, monocyte) of HbSS infected children were significantly higher compared to that of HbAA and HbAS subjects (P<0.05), however, their mean packed cell volume was significantly lower compared to others (P<0.05). Even though the role of cytokines in immune response is yet to be fully understood, these findings may suggest a stronger cytokine response in HbAA than HbAS and HbSS individuals when infected with malaria.