Histidine-rich protein 2 plasma levels predict progression to cerebral malaria in Malawian children with Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Fox, Lindsay L; Taylor, Terrie E; Pensulo, Paul; Liomba, Alice; Mpakiza, Ashley; Varela, Amanda; Glover, Simon J; Reeves, Mathew J et al. · J Infect Dis · 2013

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

Some children with uncomplicated malaria progress to cerebral malaria despite appropriate treatment; identifying them in advance might improve their care. The objective of this study was to determine if plasma concentrations of a malaria protein, HRP2 (histidine-rich protein 2) would serve this purpose. Cases and controls were children presenting with uncomplicated malaria; the cases (n = 25) developed cerebral malaria, and the controls (n = 125) did not. Mean plasma HRP2 concentrations were significantly higher in the cases, and an HRP2 cutoff was identified that could predict disease progression (sensitivity and specificity, 88% for each). Quantitative measurements of HRP2 may be a useful screening tool.

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