Association of haptoglobin levels with age, parasite density, and haptoglobin genotype in a malaria-endemic area of Gabon.

Abstract

Haptoglobin (Hp) levels were investigated in relation to host genotype in a malaria-endemic area in Gabon. A cross-sectional study of 1-12-year-old children was conducted in the rainy season, a period of high malaria transmission, to examine this relationship. Variables that influenced Hp levels were Hp genotype, location, and age interacting with parasite density. At low parasite densities, there was a negative correlation between Hp levels and age. At higher densities, there was a positive correlation with age. This suggests that in the presence of greater parasite-induced hemolysis, older children are capable of increased production of Hp. Sickle cell trait and ABO blood group was not associated with Hp levels in this population.

• Authors: Freya J I Fowkes, Heather Imrie, Florence Migot-Nabias, Pascal Michon, Anita Justice, Phillipe Deloron, Adrian J F Luty, Karen P Day
• Journal: The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene (Am J Trop Med Hyg) Vol. 74 Issue 1 Pg. 26-30 (Jan 2006) ISSN: 0002-9637 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16407342 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Haptoglobins

Topics

• Aging (blood)
• Animals
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Female
• Gabon (epidemiology)
• Genotype
• Haptoglobins (analysis, genetics)
• Humans
• Infant
• Malaria (blood, epidemiology)
• Male
• Parasitemia (blood)
• Plasmodium falciparum (isolation & purification)
• Plasmodium malariae (isolation & purification)
• Sickle Cell Trait (genetics, metabolism)