Immunoglobulin levels in malaria infected Nigerians with and without abnormal haemoglobin

Abstract

Comparative studies were made between malarial parasitaemia in Nigerians with and without abnormal haemoglobins. The three main classes of immunoglobulins (i.e. IgG, A and M) were assayed in these groups of patients and the mean values were compared. Those with abnormal haemoglobins S or C (HbS or HbC) were compared with those with normal control haemoglobin A (HbA). HbSS malarial patients have the highest mean values of the 3 classes of immunoglobulins. This is followed by HbAS patients while patients with normal Hb have lowest mean values for IgG and IgM. The significance of the results is discussed.