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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology
A threshold concentration of anti-merozoite antibodies is required for protection from clinical episodes of malaria
Vaccine, Volume 31, No. 37, Year 2013
Notification
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Description
Antibodies to selected Plasmodium falciparum merozoite antigens are often reported to be associated with protection from malaria in one epidemiological cohort, but not in another. Here, we sought to understand this paradox by exploring the hypothesis that a threshold concentration of antibodies is necessary for protection. We analyzed data from two independent cohorts along the Kenyan coast, one in which antibodies to AMA1, MSP-2 and MSP-3 were associated with protection from malaria (Chonyi) and another in which this association was not observed (Junju). We used a malaria reference reagent to standardize antibody measurements across both cohorts, and applied statistical methods to derive the threshold concentration of antibodies against each antigen that best correlated with a reduced risk of malaria (the protective threshold), in the Chonyi cohort. We then tested whether antibodies in Junju reached the protective threshold concentrations observed in the Chonyi cohort. Except for children under 3 years, the age-matched proportions of children achieving protective threshold concentrations of antibodies against AMA1 and MSP-2 were significantly lower in Junju compared to Chonyi (Fishers exact test, P < 0.01). For MSP-3, this difference was significant only among 4-5 year olds. We conclude that although antibodies are commonly detected in malaria endemic populations, they may be present in concentrations that are insufficient for protection. Our results have implications for the analysis and interpretation of similar data from immuno-epidemiological studies. © 2013 The Authors.
Authors & Co-Authors
Murungi, Linda Muthoni
Kenya, Kilifi
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research
Kamuyu, Gathoni
Kenya, Kilifi
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research
Lowe, Brett S.
Kenya, Kilifi
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research
Bejon, Philip A.
Kenya, Kilifi
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research
United Kingdom, Oxford
Nuffield Department of Medicine
Theisen, Michael
Denmark, Copenhagen
Statens Serum Institut
Denmark, Copenhagen
Københavns Universitet
Kinyanjui, Sam Muchina
Kenya, Kilifi
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research
Marsh, Kevin
Kenya, Kilifi
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research
United Kingdom, Oxford
Nuffield Department of Medicine
Osier, Faith Hope Among In
Kenya, Kilifi
Centre for Geographic Medicine Research
Statistics
Citations: 75
Authors: 8
Affiliations: 4
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.06.042
ISSN:
0264410X
e-ISSN:
18732518
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Study Design
Cohort Study