Language
English
Publication Date
3-31-2026
Journal
BMC Medicine
DOI
10.1186/s12916-026-04827-7
PMID
41918093
PMCID
PMC13037013
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
3-31-2026
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Background: Clearance of Plasmodium falciparum infection requires a TH1 immune response with production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IgG1, and IgG3 responses. In contrast, infections with helminths are dominated by TH2/Treg immune responses characterized by production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, IgE, and IgG4, which could potentially interfere with malaria outcomes and immune responses.
Methods: We recruited 441 malaria-symptomatic children aged 2-10 years attending two hospitals in the Manhiça District (Mozambique) and assessed infection by rapid antigen diagnostic test, microscopy, and/or quantitative PCR. Using Luminex, we measured concentrations of 30 cytokines and IgA, IgM, IgE, IgG, and IgG1-4 levels against 12 P. falciparum antigens and total IgE.
Results: Among 74 children diagnosed with malaria, 22% (16) were coinfected with STH, and 78% (58) had only P. falciparum. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) coinfection associated with lower P. falciparum density (P = 0.005) and fever (P = 0.047). Coinfected children also had lower concentrations of plasma pro-inflammatory (IL-8, TNF, IFNα, IP-10, MCP1, MIG, MIP1β, and GM-CSF) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-5, IL-10) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, antibody responses to a set of P. falciparum antigens, including SSP2 (IgG1, IgG4, IgG), PTRAMP (IgG3), MSP3 (IgG), RH5 (IgG1), and α-gal (IgG1), as well as total IgE, were elevated in STH coinfected children (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: STH infections were associated with decreased P. falciparum parasitemia, downregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced antibody responses, potentially resulting in milder malaria episodes, suggesting enhanced protective immunity.
Keywords
Humans, Child, Preschool, Male, Coinfection, Female, Child, Malaria, Falciparum, Cytokines, Helminthiasis, Mozambique, Plasmodium falciparum, Animals
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Cuamba, Inocência; Santano, Rebeca; Grau-Pujol, Berta; et al., "Helminth Coinfections Mitigate Clinical, Parasitological, and Immune Outcomes in Mozambican Children With Malaria" (2026). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 7005.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/7005