Dr, Department of Microbiology, Nigerian University of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
Research
Specific Cytokine Assay for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Malaria in Adult
Patients in a Holoendemic Lagos, Nigeria
Author(s): Christian Azubike Enwurua*, Toyn Awoderua, Nkechi Veronica Enwurub, Samuel Nduagaa, Faustina Uloma Ezeamaramua, Samuel Akindelea, Morakinyo Bamikole Ajayia and Adeshna A. Adeigaa
Background: During Plasmodium falciparum infection, cytokines are said to be elevated in the
peripheral blood and may contribute to parasite clearance and also, likely to be responsible for many of
the symptoms and pathological changes observed during malaria disease.
Aim: this study evaluated specific cytokines as possible tool for diagnosis and prognosis of uncomplicated
malaria in adult patients.
Methods: Prospective 147 apparently malaria adult patients were microscopically screened and parasite
load quantified. Blood donors (n=30) were used as control group A (CA) and parasite negative patients
(n=26) as control group B (CB). The study took place between Aug. and Dec. 2014. The Cytokines (IL
12 and IL 18) levels were measured using ELIZA method. The data generated were analyzed us.. View more»