Associations of IL13 gene polymorphisms and immune factors with Schistosoma haematobium infection in schoolchildren in four schistosomiasis-endemic communities in Ghana
Date
2021
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a major public health issue with over 90% of the prevalence rates
recorded in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, the relationships between different interleukin
gene polymorphisms (IL-13-591A/G, IL-13-1055C/T, IL-13-1258A/G) and Schistosoma
haematobium infection levels were evaluated; as well as the host plasma antibodies and
cytokine profiles associated with schistosomiasis infection.
A total of 469 school children aged 6 to 19 years from four schistosomiasis-endemic communities in Ghana were involved. Single urine and stool samples were obtained from each
pupil, processed via sedimentation and Kato-Katz, and examined via microscopy for Schistosoma and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) eggs. Next, venous blood samples were drawn
from 350 healthy pupils, and used to measure antibody and plasma cytokine levels by
ELISA. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL-13 gene were genotyped on 71 selected
blood samples using the Mass Array technique.
Principal findings and conclusion
The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 21.11%. Community-level preva lences were 17.12%, 32.11%, 20.80%, and 15.32% for Asempaneye, Barikumah, Eyan
Akotoguah, and Apewosika respectively. Generally, higher S. haematobium infection preva lence and intensity were recorded for participants with genotypes bearing the IL13-1055C allele, the IL13-591A, and the IL13-1258A alleles. Also, higher S. haematobium infection
prevalence was observed among participants in the 12-14-year age group with the IL13-
1055C, IL13-591A, and IL13-1258A alleles. Interestingly, higher STH prevalence was also
observed among participants with the IL13-1055C, IL13-591A, and IL13-1258A alleles. Fur thermore, the age-associated trends of measured antibodies and cytokines of S. haemato bium-infected school-children depicted a more pro-inflammatory immune profile for pupils
aged up to 1l years, and an increasingly anti-inflammatory profile for pupils aged 12 years
and above. This work provides insight into the influence of IL-13 gene polymorphisms on S.
haematobium, and STH infections, in school-aged children (SAC).
Description
Research Article