CELLULAR IMMUNE-RESPONSES TO PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM ANTIGENS IN GAMBIAN CHILDREN DURING AND AFTER AN ACUTE ATTACK OF FALCIPARUM-MALARIA

  • 1 July 1988
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 73  (1) , 17-22
Abstract
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 63 Gambian children with acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria were examined for lymphoproliferation and interferon-.gamma. (IFN) production in response t stimulation by mitogens, malaria antigens and other soluble antigens. Mitogen or Candida-induced proliferation was not depressed during acute infection but was enhanced 2 to 4 weeks after treatment. Responses to partially purified soluble P. falciparum antigens were minimal or absent in all children in the acute phase but approximately 50% of the children responded by proliferation or IFN-.gamma. production during the 2 to 8 week convalescent period. These proliferative responses were severely depressed in the presence of the patient''s own serum. Nine children with significant convalescent phase proliferative responses were re-examined several months after acute infection. Of these, four remained responsive for at least 8 months in the probable absence of reinfection.