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A model of parity-dependent immunity to placental malaria

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick G. T. Walker

    (MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place)

  • Jamie T. Griffin

    (MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place)

  • Matt Cairns

    (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)

  • Stephen J. Rogerson

    (University of Melbourne, 4th Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Parade)

  • Anna M. van Eijk

    (Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place
    Kenya Medical Research Institute—University of Oxford-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Kenyatta National Hospital Grounds PO BOX 54840—00200, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Feiko ter Kuile

    (Child and Reproductive Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place
    Kenya Medical Research Institute—University of Oxford-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Programme, Kenyatta National Hospital Grounds PO BOX 54840—00200, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Azra C. Ghani

    (MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place)

Abstract

Plasmodium falciparum placental infection during pregnancy is harmful for both mother and child. Protection from placental infection is parity-dependent, that is, acquired over consecutive pregnancies. However, the infection status of the placenta can only be assessed at delivery. Here, to better understand the mechanism underlying this parity-dependence, we fitted a model linking malaria dynamics within the general population to observed placental histology. Our results suggest that immunity resulting in less prolonged infection is a greater determinant of the parity-specific patterns than immunity that prevents placental sequestration. Our results also suggest the time when maternal blood first flows into the placenta is a high-risk period. Therefore, preventative strategies implementable before or early in pregnancy, such as insecticide-treated net usage in women of child-bearing age or any future vaccine, could substantially reduce the number of women who experience placental infection.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick G. T. Walker & Jamie T. Griffin & Matt Cairns & Stephen J. Rogerson & Anna M. van Eijk & Feiko ter Kuile & Azra C. Ghani, 2013. "A model of parity-dependent immunity to placental malaria," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2605
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2605
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