Serologic and Cytokine Profiles of Children with Concurrent Cerebral Malaria and Severe Malarial Anemia Are Distinct from Other Subtypes of Severe Malaria

We used a protein microarray featuring Plasmodium falciparum field variants of a merozoite surface antigen to examine malaria exposure in Malian children with different severe malaria syndromes. Unlike children with cerebral malaria alone or severe malarial anemia alone, those with concurrent cerebral malaria and severe malarial anemia had serologic responses demonstrating a broader prior parasite exposure pattern than matched controls with uncomplicated disease. Comparison of levels of malaria-related cytokines revealed that children with the concurrent phenotype had ele-vated levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10. Our results suggest that the pathophysiology of this severe subtype is unique and merits further investigation.

Automated summary

This study used a protein microarray to examine malaria exposure in Malian children with different severe malaria syndromes. Children with concurrent cerebral malaria and severe malarial anemia showed a broader prior parasite exposure pattern. Elevated levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were also observed in this group. The unique pathophysiology of this severe subtype deserves further investigation.