Imbalanced distribution of IgM and IgG antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum antigens and merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP1) in pregnancy.
In malaria endemic areas, pregnancy is assumed to be associated with a specific reduction in immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. To understand some of the mechanisms which underlie such a poor immunity, we have attempted to examine the frequency and distribution of IgM and IgG antibodies to a crude antigenic extract of parasitized erythrocytes and to the merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP1), in a population of mothers compared to control non-pregnant women, all living in Dakar and suburbs. Specifically, this work describes: (i) the responses of mothers and control women; (ii) the balance between IgM and IgG responses; and (iii) responses to malarial antigen and to MSP1. An unexpected balance between P. falciparum-specific IgM and IgG is shown, associated with a substantial increase in anti-MSP1 IgM, and a decrease in anti-MSP1 IgG in parturients.
Nambei
W S
WS
Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Institut Pasteur, Dakar, Senegal.
Goumbala
M
M
Spiegel
A
A
Dièye
A
A
Perraut
R
R
Garraud
O
O
D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000378:metabolism*; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000276:immunology*; D020066:Merozoite Surface Protein 1; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015597:Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic / Q000276:immunology*; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000276:immunology*; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D020066:Merozoite Surface Protein 1; D011498:Protein Precursors; D015800:Protozoan Proteins