B cell analysis of ethnic groups in Mali with differential susceptibility to malaria.
Malar J
; 11: 162, 2012 May 11.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22577737
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Several studies indicate that people of the Fulani ethnic group are less susceptible to malaria compared to those of other ethnic groups living sympatrically in Africa, including the Dogon ethnic group. Although the mechanisms of this protection remain unclear, the Fulani are known to have higher levels of Plasmodium falciparum-specific antibodies of all Ig classes as compared to the Dogon. However, the proportions of B cell subsets in the Fulani and Dogon that may account for differences in the levels of Ig have not been characterized.METHODS:
In this cross-sectional study, venous blood was collected from asymptomatic Fulani (n = 25) and Dogon (n = 25) adults in Mali during the malaria season, and from P. falciparum-naïve adults in the U.S. (n = 8). At the time of the blood collection, P. falciparum infection was detected by blood-smear in 16% of the Fulani and 36% of the Dogon volunteers. Thawed lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry to quantify B cell subsets, including immature and naïve B cells; plasma cells; and classical, activated, and atypical memory B cells (MBCs).RESULTS:
The overall distribution of B cell subsets was similar between Fulani and Dogon adults, although the percentage of activated MBCs was higher in the Fulani group (Fulani 11.07% [95% CI 9.317 - 12.82]; Dogon 8.31% [95% CI 6.378 - 10.23]; P = 0.016). The percentage of atypical MBCs was similar between Fulani and Dogon adults (Fulani 28.3% [95% CI 22.73 - 34.88]; Dogon 29.3% [95% CI 25.06 - 33.55], but higher than U.S. adults (U.S. 3.0% [95% CI -0.21 - 6.164]; P < 0.001). Plasmodium falciparum infection was associated with a higher percentage of plasma cells among Fulani (Fulani infected 3.3% [95% CI 1.788 - 4.744]; Fulani uninfected 1.71% [95% CI 1.33 - 2.08]; P = 0.011), but not Dogon adults.CONCLUSION:
These data show that the malaria-resistant Fulani have a higher percentage of activated MBCs compared to the Dogon, and that P. falciparum infection is associated with a higher percentage of plasma cells in the Fulani compared to the Dogon, findings that may account for the higher levels of P. falciparum antibodies in the Fulani.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Plasmodium falciparum
/
Linfócitos B
/
Malária Falciparum
/
Suscetibilidade a Doenças
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Prevalence_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Africa
/
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Malar J
Assunto da revista:
MEDICINA TROPICAL
Ano de publicação:
2012
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos