Cells and mediators of inflammation (C-reactive protein, nitric oxide, platelets and neutrophils) in the acute and convalescent phases of uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum infection

• Published in: Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Vol. 107; no. 8; pp. 1035 - 1041
• Main Authors: Lima-Junior, Josué da Costa, Rodrigues-da-Silva, Rodrigo Nunes, Pereira, Virgínia Araújo, Storer, Fábio Luiz, Perce-da-Silva, Daiana de Souza, Fabrino, Daniela Leite, Santos, Fátima, Banic, Dalma Maria, Oliveira-Ferreira, Joseli de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde 01-12-2012; Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
• Subjects: Acute Disease; Adult; band neutrophils; Blood Platelets - immunology; C-reactive protein; C-Reactive Protein - analysis; Convalescence; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Inflammation Mediators - blood; malaria; Malaria, Falciparum - blood; Malaria, Falciparum - diagnosis; Malaria, Falciparum - immunology; Malaria, Vivax - blood; Malaria, Vivax - diagnosis; Malaria, Vivax - immunology; Male; Neutrophils - immunology; nitric oxide; Nitric Oxide - blood; PARASITOLOGY; TROPICAL MEDICINE; band neutrophils; nitric oxide; C-reactive protein; malaria
• ISSN: 0074-0276; 1678-8060; 1678-8060; 0074-0276
• DOI: 10.1590/S0074-02762012000800012

The haematological changes and release of soluble mediators, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP) and nitric oxide (NO), during uncomplicated malaria have not been well studied, especially in Brazilian areas in which the disease is endemic. Therefore, the present study examined these factors in acute (day 0) and convalescent phase (day 15) patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria in the Brazilian Amazon. Haematologic parameters were measured using automated cell counting, CRP levels were measured with ELISA and NO plasma levels were measured by the Griess reaction. Our data indicate that individuals with uncomplicated P. vivax and P. falciparum infection presented similar inflammatory profiles with respect to white blood cells, with high band cell production and a considerable degree of thrombocytopaenia during the acute phase of infection. Higher CRP levels were detected in acute P. vivax infection than in acute P. falciparum infection, while higher NO was detected in patients with acute and convalescent P. falciparum infections. Although changes in these mediators cannot predict malaria infection, the haematological aspects associated with malaria infection, especially the roles of platelets and band cells, need to be investigated further.