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
• 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, de Oliveira-Ferreira, Joseli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz 08-01-2013
• Subjects: malaria - C-reactive protein - nitric oxide - band neutrophils
• ISSN: 1678-8060

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.