Cytokine Profiles in Children with Severe Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in an Area of Unstable Malaria Transmission in Central Sudan

BACKGROUND: Few data exist concerning pathogenesis of severe malaria in areas of unstable malaria transmission. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted in Senga hospital, central Sudan, which is characterized by unstable malaria transmission to investigate the cytokine profiles in children with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the concentrations of three cytokines, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10, in sera of three groups of children (31 in each arm): those with one or more manifestations of severe malaria, those children with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria and healthy controls. RESULTS: The levels of both IFN-γ and IL-10 were significantly higher in patients with severe P. falciparum malaria. Medium positive correlations were observed between IFN-γ and IL-10. CONCLUSION: Thus, the high levels of both IFN-γ and IL-10 indicated their role in the pathogenesis of severe P. falciparum malaria.