Differential var gene expression in children with malaria and antidromic effects on host gene expression

J Infect Dis. 2010 Jul 15;202(2):313-7. doi: 10.1086/653586.

Abstract

Among 62 children with mild malaria, cerebral malaria, or severe malarial anemia, we analyzed the transcription of different var gene types. There was no difference in parasitemia level or body temperature between groups. However, a significantly different expression pattern was observed in children with cerebral malaria, compared with that in patients in the other 2 groups: children with cerebral malaria had lower expression of the upsA subtype but higher expression of the upsB and upsC subtypes. Furthermore, expression of human genes responsive to tumor necrosis factor and hypoxia correlated with distinct ups types.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anemia / etiology
  • Anemia / microbiology
  • Base Sequence
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA Primers
  • Gabon
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Malaria, Cerebral / genetics*
  • Malaria, Falciparum / genetics*
  • Parasitemia / genetics
  • Plasmodium falciparum / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • erythrocyte membrane protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum