4th Pediatric Infectious Diseases Conference
 
 
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Specialist Answers
Question
Dear sir,how does sickle cell protect a person from severe malarial infection? Why is it that this is only possible for heterogenous not for those who are sickle cell anemia(homogenous)? Whats the mechanism? thank you.
Answer
The precise mechanism by which sickle cell trait imparts resistance to malaria is unknown. A number of factors likely are involved and contribute in varying degrees to the defense against malaria. Experiments carried out in vitro with sickle trait red cells showed that under low oxygen tension, cells infected with P. falciparum parasites sickle much more readily than do uninfected cells (Roth Jr., et al., 1978). Since sickle cells are removed from the circulation and destroyed in the reticuloendothelial system, selective sickling of infected sickle trait red cells would reduce the parasite burden in people with sickle trait. These people would be more likely to survive acute malarial infections.

Other investigations suggest that malaria parasites could be damaged or killed directly in sickle trait red cells.Other investigations suggest that oxygen radical formation in sickle trait erythrocytes retards growth and even kills the P. falciparum parasite.
 
 
 
Pedi Poll
Today's Poll
Should teicoplannin, colistin be used in case of neonatal sepsis where culture does not reveal any organism_?
No, it should be used only after drug sensitivity report
Yes, under guidance of an infectious disease expert
Educational Section
 
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