[Profile of cytokines associated with protection against malaria episodes during pregnancy in hypo-endemic area in Senegal].

BACKGROUND: Malarial infection in non immune pregnant women is a major risk factor for pregnancy failure. However in malaria endemic areas intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) have been adopted to prevent malaria in pregnancy women since 2003 in Senegal. The impact of IPT on the development of immunity is not very well documented. We conducted a prospective study at the Roi-Baudouin maternity hospital of Guediawaye in Senegal to assess IL10 IL12 TNFa and IFN cytokines production in pregnant women under IPTp. Cytokines were analyzed in 82 sera at inclusion and delivery. P. falciparum HRP2 antigen was detected in 17% of women included by rapid diagnostic test (RDT). At inclusion the mean of IL10 response was higher in P. falciparum negative women (8 UA) compare to RDT-positive women (7 UA) p=0.069 while in delivery the opposite was found p=0.014. Low production of inflammatory cytokines IL12 IFN and TNFa was noted in both groups. Between inclusion and delivery a significant increase of IL-10 production was noted while a decrease of IFN and TNFa cytokine was noted. Thus IL12 and IFN responses may synergistically associate as malaria immune response during pregnancy.