Seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G and E among out-patients with malaria in Ikorodu LGA, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background. Global response to malaria has stalled, despite increased malaria control efforts worldwide. Antibodies are among the immune factors that play a role in mediating protection in malaria, although the mechanism remain unclear. The study evaluated profile of total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and E (IgE) among malaria cases. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional survey of individuals that presented with malaria symptoms and assessed diagnostic care at selected health facilities in Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State, Nigeria. Demographic information was recorded using structured questionnaire. Malaria diagnosis was done by microscopy, ELISA was used to evaluate plasma IgG and IgE profiles among malaria positive and control group. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: LgE plasma level (34760.63±2954.5 pg/ml, p=0.005) was significantly higher in malaria positive cases compared with negative control group (19912.12± 6762.6pg/ml, p<0.01). In contrast, no significant difference between IgG levels in malaria positive (4936.53±211.4 pg/ml) and negative cases (4861.64 498.8pg/ml; p =0.297). Age and IgG profile correlated (r = 0.192; p = 0.010); and negative correlation between IgE profile and age although not significant (r= -0.008; p= 0.911). LgE correlated negatively with parasite density, although not significant (r = -0.019; p =0.833). IgG levels correlated with PCV (r =-0.27; p = 0.001), while IgE did not correlate. Conclusion: This study demonstrated increased IgE in uncomplicated malaria cases, and suggests that malaria could be a key differential diagnosis in acutely febrile patients with abnormally elevated IgE levels in malaria endemic area.