Humoral immunity and haemoglobin F (HbF) status in steady state adult Nigerian sickle cell disease patients with asymptomatic malaria

Abstract

Aim: Nigeria, where malaria is prevalent, has the largest sickle cell gene pool in the world. To this end, there is a need for increased understanding of the pathophysiology of HbSS patients in a malaria endemic zone to reduce mortality. Haematology Department, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Materials and methods: The levels of HbF, IgG, IgA, IgM, transferin (TRF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and haptoglobin (HPT) were determined in 14 Nigerians having HbAA genotype with malaria parasitaemia (HbAA +MP), 17 Nigerians having haemoglobin AA genotype without malaria parasitaemia (HbAA -MP), 15 Nigerians having haemoglobin SS genotype without malaria parasitaemia (HbSS -MP), and 14 Nigerians having HbSS with malaria parasitaemia (HbSS +MP). Results: The levels of Ig classes were statistically similar in all the groups. CRP was significantly increased in HbSS -MP compared with HbAA +MP or HbAA -MP. The levels of TRF and HPT were significantly reduced in HbSS -MP or HbSS +MP compared with HbAA -MP. Also TRF and HPT were significantly reduced in HbSS +MP compared with HbSS -MP. Conclusion: These observations may be related to RBC haemolysis especially in HbSS +MP.