Cytokine Profile and Demographic Characteristics in Plasmodium Falciparum Parasitaemia: A Hospital-based Study in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where Plasmodium falciparum causes the majority of severe illness. This study characterized the demographic profile and evaluated plasma levels of IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-alpha across different parasitaemia groups at the University of Port Harcourt Primary Health Care Centre, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional, hospital-based study was conducted between May and August 2020. Blood samples from 376 patients were screened using Rapid Diagnostic Tests and microscopy. For cytokine analysis, 69 samples were stratified into Negative (n = 49), Moderate (n = 6), and High (n = 14) parasitaemia groups. Plasma cytokine concentrations were quantified using ELISA. ANOVA and pearson correlation was used for comparison and relationship assessment respectively. Results: Females were over-represented in the Moderate (83.33%) and High (71.42%) parasitaemia groups. The mean age decreased as parasite density increased, from 39.5 years in the Negative group to 26.8 years in the High group. IL-10 was significantly elevated in the High parasitaemia group (836.30 ±1144.06 pg/mL) compared to the Negative group (101.75±56.03 pg/mL; p = 0.001). Differences in TNF-α and IL-6 levels across groups were not statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation showed no significant association between parasite density and any studied cytokines. Conclusion: IL-10 is significantly elevated in high parasitaemia, but no significant correlation with parasite density was observed. Larger studies are needed to assess its utility as a biomarker.