Association of haptoglobin levels with age, parasite density, and haptoglobin genotype in a malaria-endemic area of Gabon

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2006 Jan;74(1):26-30.

Abstract

Haptoglobin (Hp) levels were investigated in relation to host genotype in a malaria-endemic area in Gabon. A cross-sectional study of 1-12-year-old children was conducted in the rainy season, a period of high malaria transmission, to examine this relationship. Variables that influenced Hp levels were Hp genotype, location, and age interacting with parasite density. At low parasite densities, there was a negative correlation between Hp levels and age. At higher densities, there was a positive correlation with age. This suggests that in the presence of greater parasite-induced hemolysis, older children are capable of increased production of Hp. Sickle cell trait and ABO blood group was not associated with Hp levels in this population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / blood*
  • Animals
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Gabon / epidemiology
  • Genotype
  • Haptoglobins / analysis*
  • Haptoglobins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Malaria / blood*
  • Malaria / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Parasitemia / blood*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / isolation & purification
  • Plasmodium malariae / isolation & purification
  • Sickle Cell Trait / genetics
  • Sickle Cell Trait / metabolism

Substances

  • Haptoglobins