title: Measurement of Th1, Th2 cytokines and white cell count in childhood haemoglobinopathies with uncomplicated malaria infection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The relative balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines appears crucial in the outcome of infections. We assayed the levels of some proinflammatory Th1 cytokines, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and anti-inflammatory Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10 in homozygous haemoglobin (Hb) AA, heterozygous HbAS-genotyped and sickle cell (HbSS) individuals with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines of 111 children aged 1-5 years with uncomplicated malaria and 89 healthy controls were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and haematological parameters were estimated using the automated Swelab counter (Boule Medical, Stockholm, Sweden).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Th1 and Th2 cytokine levels were significantly higher in HbAA and HbAS-genotyped patients compared to their respective healthy controls (P<0·05). IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-10 were significantly elevated in HbAA compared to HbAS and HbSS subjects (P<0·05). The mean haematological parameters (total white cell count and monocytes) of HbSS-infected children were significantly higher compared to those of HbAA and HbAS subjects (P<0·05); however, their mean packed cell volume was significantly lower compared to others (P<0·05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results showed a stronger Th1 cytokine response in HbAA than HbAS and HbSS individuals; this may suggest an immunocompetence of the HbAA individuals in early infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. youtchou@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Y M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Tatfeng
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Agbonlahor
authors.forename: O F
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Amegor
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D006453:Hemoglobinopathies / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines