Background.
Naturally acquired immunity to malaria develops over several years and can be compromised by concomitant infections. This study explored the influence of chronic schistosomiasis on clinical outcome and immunity to repeated malaria infection.
Methods.
Two groups of baboons (n=8 each), were infected with
Schistosoma mansoni
cercariae to establish chronic infections. One of the two groups was treated with Praziquantel to eliminate schistosome infection. The two groups plus a new malaria control group (n=8), were inoculated three times with
Plasmodium knowlesi
parasites at one-month intervals. Clinical data, IgG, IgG1, memory T-cells and monocyte levels were recorded.
Results.
We observed after three
P. knowlesi
infections; i) reduced clinical symptoms in all groups with each subsequent infection, ii) increase IgG and IgG1in the malaria control (Pk-only) group iii) increased IgG and IgG1, CD14
+
and CD14
-
CD16
+
in the Schistosoma treated (Schisto/PZQ+Pk) group and iv) significantly lower IgG and IgG1 levels compared to Pk-only, reduced CD4
+
CD45RO
+
and increased CD14
-
CD16
+
cells in the co-infected (Schisto+Pk) group.
Conclusion.
Chronic
S. mansoni
does not compromise establishment of clinical immunity after multiple malaria infections with non-classical monocytes seeming to play a role. Failure to develop robust antibody and memory T-cells may have a long-term impact on acquired immunity to malaria infection.
Editorial: Memory T Cells in Chronic Infections and Tumors