Malaria antibody and gamma-globulin levels in melanesian children in New Guinea

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Abstract
A correla-tion was attempted between serum gamma-globulin and malaria antibody levels in 2 groups of children living in coastal New Guinea, exposed to different intensities of malaria infection. Fewer children in the protected group possessed malaria antibody and the mean titres were lower than in the unprotected group. Only small differences could be detected between the gamma-globulin levels. As the protected group was still subject to the other endemic infections prevalent in coastal areas it was suggested that these tend to take up the share of the individual''s antibody-producing resources, which would otherwise be left idle in the absence of malaria.