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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
ABO blood group phenotypes influence parity specific immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Malawian women
Malaria Journal, Volume 6, Article 102, Year 2007
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Description
Background. Blood group O has been significantly associated with increased placental malaria infection in primiparae and reduced risk of infection in multiparae in the Gambia, an area with markedly seasonal malaria transmission. This study analyses the association between ABO blood group phenotypes in relation to placental malaria pathology and birth outcomes in southern Malawi, an area with perennial malaria transmission. Methods. A cross-sectional study of 647 mother/child pairs delivering in Montfort Hospital, Chikwawa District between February-June 2004 and January-July 2005 was undertaken. Maternal peripheral and cord blood samples were obtained at delivery. Placental tissue was obtained and malaria histology classified as active, past or no malaria infection. Birth anthropometry was recorded. ABO blood group was measured by agglutination. Results. In primiparae, blood group O was significantly associated with increased risk of active placental infection (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.15-4.6, p = 0.02) and an increased foetal-placental weight ratio compared to non-O phenotypes (5.68 versus 5.45, p = 0.03) In multiparae blood group O was significantly associated with less frequent active placental infection (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.98, p = 0.04), and a higher newborn ponderal index compared to non-O phenotypes (2.65 versus 2.55, p = 0.007). In multivariate regression parity was independently associated with increased risk of placental malaria (active andpast infection) in primiparae with blood group O (p = 0.034) and reduced risk in multiparae with the same phenotype (p = 0.015). Conclusion. Parity related susceptibility to placental malaria is associated with the mothers ABO phenotype. This interaction influences foetal and placental growth and could be an important modifying factor for pregnancy outcomes. The biological explanation could relate to sialic acid dependent placental membrane differences which vary with ABO blood group. © 2007 Senga et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Senga, Edward L.
Malawi, Zomba
University of Malawi
Loscertales, María Paz
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Makwakwa, Keb
Malawi, Zomba
University of Malawi
Liomba, George N.
Malawi, Zomba
University of Malawi
Dzamalala, Charles P.
Malawi, Zomba
University of Malawi
Kazembe, Peter Nicholas
Malawi, Lilongwe
Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation Malawi
Brabin, Bernard J.
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Netherlands, Amsterdam
Universiteit Van Amsterdam
United Kingdom, Liverpool
Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Statistics
Citations: 31
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 5
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1475-2875-6-102
e-ISSN:
14752875
Research Areas
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Gambia
Malawi
Participants Gender
Female