Histidine-rich protein 2 plasma levels predict progression to cerebral malaria in Malawian children with Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Abstract

Some children with uncomplicated malaria progress to cerebral malaria despite appropriate treatment; identifying them in advance might improve their care. The objective of this study was to determine if plasma concentrations of a malaria protein, HRP2 (histidine-rich protein 2) would serve this purpose. Cases and controls were children presenting with uncomplicated malaria; the cases (n = 25) developed cerebral malaria, and the controls (n = 125) did not. Mean plasma HRP2 concentrations were significantly higher in the cases, and an HRP2 cutoff was identified that could predict disease progression (sensitivity and specificity, 88% for each). Quantitative measurements of HRP2 may be a useful screening tool.

• Authors: Lindsay L Fox, Terrie E Taylor, Paul Pensulo, Alice Liomba, Ashley Mpakiza, Amanda Varela, Simon J Glover, Mathew J Reeves, Karl B Seydel
• Journal: The Journal of infectious diseases (J Infect Dis) Vol. 208 Issue 3 Pg. 500-3 (Aug 01 2013) ISSN: 1537-6613 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23630364 (Publication Type: Evaluation Study, Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Protozoan
• Biomarkers
• HRP-2 antigen, Plasmodium falciparum
• Protozoan Proteins

Topics

• Antigens, Protozoan (blood)
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Child
• Disease Progression
• Humans
• Malaria, Cerebral (diagnosis)
• Malaria, Falciparum (complications)
• Malawi
• Plasma (chemistry)
• Protozoan Proteins (blood)
• Sensitivity and Specificity