*Akpan, P. A., Asemota, E. A., and Etura, J. E.
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science,
University of Calabar, PMB 115, Calabar, Nigeria.
*Correspondence to: apu0520@unical.edu.ng; pecu0520@gmail.com; +2348027321305
ORCID: 0000-0002-4571-8804
Abstract:
Background: Malaria, tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remain issues of public health concern in Nigeria. This study assessed parameters of platelet immune function with a view to understanding their role in the immune response against malaria, TB and HIV infection at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and Dr Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
Methodology: Following ethical approval and informed consent, 180 participants (males and females) aged 1545 years were enrolled, comprising 90 malaria patients, 20 TB patients, 25 HIV patients, and 45 apparently healthy participants as control. Platelet indices were determined by haemocytometry. Platelet factor 4, P-selectin and cluster of differentiation 40 ligand (CD40L) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
One-way analysis of variance was used to analyse data, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The platelet count of the TB patients was significantly higher (p=0.017) than that of malaria and HIV patients, and the control. The mean platelet volume was significantly increased (p=0.001) for HIV patients compared to malaria and TB patients, and the control. Similarly, platelet distribution width was significantly higher for HIV patients (p=0.020) compared to the other groups. Platelet factor 4 and CD40L levels were higher for HIV patients, followed by malaria and TB patients, compared to the control (p=0.001). P-selectin values were also significantly higher for malaria, TB and HIV patients compared to the control participants (p=0.001).
Conclusion: This study shows significant association of immune effectors such as platelet factor 4, CD40L and P-selectin released by platelets, with malaria, TB and HIV infections. Targeting these immune effectors may open new pathways for therapeutic interventions against these diseases.
Keywords: Platelets, immune activation, malaria, tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus.
Download this Article in PDF format below