E.V. (Erasto) Mbugi: “The study of nutrient deficiencies and ability of the body to confer protection against malaria in African children”

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14 Dec 2009 11:00
Unit: Cell Biology and Immunology Group
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr. H.F.J. Savelkoul (Cell Biology and Immunology)
Promotor: Prof.dr. J.F. Shao (Tumaini University and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania)
Co Promotor: Dr.ir. H. Verhoef

 This study have been carried in African children to assess the effect of nutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc, on immune function to protect against malaria infection. The studies proposed aim to determine the effects of supplementation with zinc and other multi-micronutrients on the health, development and well being of Tanzanian children. To achieve this we will measure, in children of 6-60 months of age receiving for a period of 26 w a daily oral supplement with either zinc or its placebo, and additionally a daily oral supplement with either multiple micronutrients other than zinc or their placebo, group differences in immunological parameters reflecting alterations in malaria-specific antibody formation, capacity for induction of total and malaria-specific T-cell subpopulations, and alterations in cytokine-mediated immune regulation. The study was carried in an area where both malaria and micronutrients deficiency co-exist. The community studied is poor with subsistence farming mainly growing maize as staple food. We anticipate that the results will provide useful information to policy makers that will help in future plans to assist this community to fight against infection through improved nutrition, particularly in children. This approach is more appropriate to the target community and the like whose economic status makes difficult to afford the costs of buying conventional drugs to cure the disease. The approach may be implemented together with future malaria vaccine intervention to strengthen the ability of the body to restrain malaria infection.

Title thesis: "Nutritional zinc deficiency, immune capacity and malaria: A study on mediators of immunity to malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in African children"

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