Quantities of total serum IgG antibodies against Circumsporozoite Protein among Postpartum Mothers attending Kawempe National Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.

Albert Olinga; Allan Lugaajju; Dr. Ivan Kimuli; Fatumah Namusoke

doi:10.51168/hbp18d27

Authors

Olinga Micheal Albert Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department Of Physiology
Dr. Allan Lugaajju Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department Of Physiology
Dr. Ivan Kimuli 3Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department Of Physiology
Dr. Fatuma Namusoke Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/hbp18d27

Keywords:

Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, Circumsporozoite protein, IgG antibodies, Postpartum mothers, Antibody titres

Abstract

Background:

The study aimed to determine the quantities of total serum IgG antibodies against CSP among Postpartum Mothers attending Kawempe National Referral Hospital.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional nested study was conducted using 194 archived serum samples randomly selected from 400 postpartum women who participated in a parent study at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Samples stored at −80°C were analyzed at Makerere University College of Health Sciences Medical Biochemistry Laboratory. Anti-CSP IgG levels were quantified using ELISA, while IgG affinity was assessed using an ammonium thiocyanate avidity assay. Data were analyzed in Stata 14.2 using descriptive and inferential statistics, with statistical significance set at p≤0.05.

Results:

Among 194 postpartum mothers, 100.00% attended ANC; married/cohabiting mothers comprised 90.72%, while 9.28% were single/separated. With 51.03% having <4 visits and 48.97% having ≥4 visits. Fansidar was received by 64.25%, while 35.75% did not receive it. HIV status was negative in 97.94%, positive in 0.52%, and unknown in 1.55%. Mosquito-net ownership was reported by 96.37%, while 3.63% did not own a net. Overall median serum IgG antibody titre was 0.09875 OD (IQR: 0.044–0.370). Median titres were 0.0840 OD (IQR: 0.0415–0.3875) among mothers with <4 ANC visits and 0.1050 OD (IQR: 0.04735–0.3545) among those with ≥4 visits (p = 0.9297). Fansidar recipients had a median titre of 0.1160 OD (IQR: 0.049175–0.3725) versus 0.0670 OD (IQR: 0.0345–0.370) among non-recipients (p = 0.2191). Net owners had 0.09875 OD (IQR: 0.04465–0.370) versus 0.1325 OD (IQR: 0.026–0.765) among non-owners (p = 0.7643).

Conclusion:

IgG antibody levels were modest, reflecting low recent malaria exposure likely due to effective malaria control interventions.

Recommendation:

The Ministry of Health should strengthen malaria surveillance and research to monitor serum IgG levels against CSP among postpartum mothers.

Author Biographies

Olinga Micheal Albert, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department Of Physiology

a student pursuing a Master of Science degree in Physiology at Makerere University
Dr. Allan Lugaajju, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department Of Physiology

research supervisor at Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology
Dr. Ivan Kimuli, 3Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department Of Physiology

research supervisor at Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology
Dr. Fatuma Namusoke, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

research supervisor at Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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