SHORT REPORT: ANALYSIS OF ANTI-MALARIA IMMUNE RESPONSE DURING HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION IN ADULTS IN KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Abstract

Co-infection of human immunodeficiency virus and malaria is not uncommon in people living in sub-Saharan Africa. Since HIV infection results in immune deficiency, it may alter the ability of HIV patients to mount proper immune responses against malaria parasites. We measured specific malaria antibodies in 47 specimens from 25 couples from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to their HIV status, and investigated probable interaction between malaria and HIV infection. Plasma samples were analyzed for HIV markers (western blot and viral load) and malaria parasite-specific antibody (antibody titer, pattern of antigen recognized by western blotting, and parasite neutralizing antibodies assayed by growth inhibition). No correlation was identified between measured HIV infection status and malaria-specific parameters.