Cytokine Profile and Demographic Characteristics in Plasmodium Falciparum Parasitaemia: A Hospital-based Study in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Ibiobelem Ann Jackreece *
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Applied Science, Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Orikomaba Obunge
Department of Medical Microbology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Roseanne Adah Ikpeama
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Pamo University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Uchechukwu Onyemaechi
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Emeji Roseline
School of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Nigeria.
Justina Egwuma Wenah-Emmanuel
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Onyemaechi Collins Micah
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Bridget Obofoni Ehiaghe-Shepherd
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Pamo University of Medical Sciences, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Imaobong Bassey Udoh
Department of Applied Behavior Analysis, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centres, Georgia, USA.
Ebilamunu Godlove
Department of Microbiology, Life is Beautiful Diagnostic, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where Plasmodium falciparum causes the majority of severe illness. This study characterized the demographic profile and evaluated plasma levels of IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-alpha across different parasitaemia groups at the University of Port Harcourt Primary Health Care Centre, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted between May and August 2020. Blood samples from 376 patients were screened using Rapid Diagnostic Tests and microscopy. For cytokine analysis, 69 samples were stratified into Negative (n = 49), Moderate (n = 6), and High (n = 14) parasitaemia groups. Plasma cytokine concentrations were quantified using ELISA. ANOVA and pearson correlation was used for comparison and relationship assessment respectively.
Results: Females were over-represented in the Moderate (83.33%) and High (71.42%) parasitaemia groups. The mean age decreased as parasite density increased, from 39.5 years in the Negative group to 26.8 years in the High group. IL-10 was significantly elevated in the High parasitaemia group (836.30 ±1144.06 pg/mL) compared to the Negative group (101.75±56.03 pg/mL; p = 0.001). Differences in TNF-α and IL-6 levels across groups were not statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation showed no significant association between parasite density and any studied cytokines.
Conclusion: IL-10 is significantly elevated in high parasitaemia, but no significant correlation with parasite density was observed. Larger studies are needed to assess its utility as a biomarker.
Keywords: Cytokines, ELISA, IL-10, IL-6, malaria, parasitaemia, Plasmodium falciparum, Port Harcourt, TNF-alpha