Autoimmunity

Background & Aim: Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous species of plasmodium parasites in terms of lethality and morbidity. In diff erent studies, polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene have been associated with increased susceptibility to mild malaria infection and severe malaria. Th e aim of this study was to determine the frequency of TNF-α-308 G > A gene polymorphism in P. falciparum malaria infected patients living in Dembiya Woreda, North Gondar, North West Ethiopia and to assess the eff ect of TNF-α-308 gene polymorphism and diff erent demographic factors on the risk of malaria infection.

 

Methods & Results:Two hundred blood samples were collected from November to December 2014 from clinically confirmed P. falciparum malaria patients (n=100) and from P. falciparum seronegative individuals (n=100) who live in the study area.TNF-α-308 G > A polymorphism was detected using PCR- RFLP techniques. Th e mean age of P. falciparum malaria patient study subjects was 23.2±8.36 years old. Age (P=0.000) and occupation (P=0.046) were associated risk factors for malaria infection at 95% CI. Th e allele frequency in malaria patient study subjects was 0.92 for TNF-α-308G (TNF-1) and 0.08 for TNF-α-308A (TNF-2). Th e distribution of TNF-α-308 genotypes in cases (P=0.065) and controls (P=0.677) were consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

 

Conclusion: There was no statistically signifi cant association between TNF-α-308 genotypes and malaria infection (P=0.616). Further studies with large number of sample size and assessment in diff erent malaria endemic areas of the country are warranted for generalization.