Malaria remains a significant global health challenge,
predominantly caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It is
responsible for millions of deaths annually, with children being the most
affected group. The study was conducted in Minna, the capital of Niger State in
North Central Nigeria, with the objective of determining the seroprevalence of
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to P. falciparum in children. This
cross-sectional study involved 93 children aged 6 months to 17 years, recruited
from outpatient departments of selected healthcare facilities in Minna. Blood
samples were collected for malaria parasite detection and Enzyme-Linked
Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) testing. The results show a high seroprevalence of
IgG antibodies against P. falciparum antigens among children in Minna, indicating
widespread exposure to malaria rather than protective immunity. Additionally,
the presence of IgG antibodies in microscopically negative samples further
indicates the potential for submicroscopic infections, which were confirmed by
PCR. Parasite density did not significantly affect IgG responses, with
seroprevalence reflecting exposure intensity rather than infection severity.
Furthermore, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in antibody
responses across different age groups, suggesting that age does not play a
significant role in the development of anti-malarial IgG responses. However, a
significant difference (P<0.05) in seroprevalence was observed between males
and females, indicating unequal exposure to P. falciparum between the sexes. This
chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of IgG antibodies in
malaria immunity, highlighting the complex relationship between exposure,
antibody production, and protection in children from malaria-endemic regions.
The study emphasizes the importance of improving diagnostic tools and the need
for further research into the immune responses that could lead to better
control and prevention measures.
Author(s)details:-
Dr. Usman-Yamman
Hadijah
Department of Public Health, Newgate University Minna, Niger State,
Nigeria.
Dr. Eke S. Samuel
Department of Biology, Air Force Institute of Technology, Nigerian Airforce
Base, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Dr. Otuu A.
Chidiebere
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Federal University,
Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Prof. Omalu C. J.
Innocent
Department of Animal Biology, Federal University of Technology, Minna,
Niger State, Nigeria.
Prof. Abubakar
Abdulkadir
Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger
State, Nigeria.
Please See the book
here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/acmms/v5/2902
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