Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: March | Volume: 10 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 134-144
Selected Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) and Lambda Free Light Chain Levels in Persons with HIV-Malaria Co-infection
Ndiokwere Cynthia Kelechi1, Ifeanyichukwu, Martin Ositadinma1, Nnatuanya Isaac N2, Ndiokwere Akaolisa Obumnaeme2, Chukwuanukwu Rebecca C1, Akosile Christopher O3, Osuafor Ogechi Christine1
1Department of Medical laboratory science, Faculty of health sciences and technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi campus, Anambra state, Nigeria.
2Department of Medical laboratory science, Faculty of health sciences, Madonna University Elele Campus, Rivers state, Nigeria.
3Department of Medical rehabilitation, Faculty of health sciences and technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Nnewi campus, Anambra state, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Ndiokwere Cynthia Kelechi
ABSTRACT
This study set out to evaluate immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgG, IgM) and Lambda light chains in HIV-malaria coinfection. One hundred and thirty four subjects stratified into 3 groups: HIV-malaria co-infected subjects (Group 1; n=40), HIV seropositive subjects without malaria (Group 2; n=54) and HIV seronegative subjects without malaria (Control subjects) (Group 3; n=40) were recruited. CD4 T-cells were counted using cyflowmetric technique; Immunoglobulin classes (IgA, IgG, IgM) were determined using immunoturbidimetric method while lambda light chains were determined using nephlometric method. Due to the current policy of test and treat, all the HIV seropositive subjects recruited were on antiretroviral treatment. (ART). The CD4 cell count showed no significant difference between HIV-malaria co-infected subjects and HIV seropositive subjects without malaria (P=0.918). The lambda light chains were significantly higher in the HIV seropositive patients (with or without malaria) when compared with the control group respectively (P=0.003, 0.04). There was significant difference in the mean IgG between the non-HIV group (Control group) and each of the HIV groups (P=0.013, 0.018). The mean IgA and IgM of HIV-malaria coinfected subjects were significantly higher when compared with that of HIV seropositive subjects without malaria (P=0.03, 0.01) respectively. The CD4 cell count correlated inversely with IgG (r = -0.559) and λ light chains (r = -0.598) While λ light chains correlated positively with IgG (r= 0.604). In conclusion, the levels of IgA and IgM are significantly higher in persons with HIV-malaria co-infection than in HIV seropositive individuals without malaria infection but CD4 cell counts, IgG and Lambda light chains are similar in persons with HIV either having malaria co-infection or not.
Key words: HIV-malaria co-infection, Immunoglobulins, Lambda lights chains.