An Assessment of Endothelial Markers in Patients with Uncomplicated Malaria in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Malaria continues to be a life-threatening disease that affects people in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Endothelial cells play a key role in the pathogenicity and severity of malaria. This study aimed to assess circulating endothelial cell markers and their correlation with routine laboratory parameters and parasite density in malaria patients compared to matched healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This study included 34 patients with non-severe P. falciparum malaria and 34 matched-healthy controls from the Jazan region. Plasma levels of circulating endothelial markers, including (E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1], and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [VCAM-1]) were measured in the study cohort.

RESULTS

The findings revealed significantly elevated levels of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in malaria patients compared to controls. In addition, multivariable analysis indicated that age, hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, prothrombin time, and E-selectin levels were significantly associated with malaria infection, but no association was found between circulating endothelial markers and parasite density.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest a significant role for E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in the pathogenesis of malaria infection and their potential use alongside laboratory parameters as indicators of endothelial dysfunction in malaria.