The association of systemic inflammation and cognitive functions of pre-school aged children residing in a Schistosoma haematobium endemic area in Zimbabwe

• DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1139912
• Publication Date: 2023-04-18T05:28:01Z
• Authors: Maritha Kasambala; Samson Mukaratirwa; Arthur Vengesai; Tariro Mduluza-Jo...; Luxwell Jokonya; Herald Midzi; Rutendo Birri Makota; Arnold Mutemeri; Emmanuel Maziti; Bazondlile Dube-M...; Dixon Chibanda; Francisca Mutapi; Takafira Mduluza
• Keywords: Zimbabwe; cognitive functions; Immunology; hematological parameters; Schistosomiasis haematobia; 03 medical and health sciences; Cognition; Transforming Growth Factor beta; schistosomiasis; Animals; Humans; Child; systemic inflammation; Inflammation; 0303 health sciences; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-17; RC581-607; cytokines; 3. Good health; Interleukin-10; C-Reactive Protein; Child, Preschool; Schistosoma haematobium; Immunologic diseases. Allergy; pre-school aged children; Biomarkers

Background Cognitive function is negatively impacted by schistosomiasis and might be caused systemic inflammation which has been hypothesized to one of the mechanisms driving cognitive decline, This study explored association inflammatory biomarkers; interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, IL-17, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), tumor necrosis (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP) hematological parameters with performance preschool-aged children (PSAC) from an Schistosoma haematobium endemic area Methods The Griffith III tool was used measure 136 PSAC. Whole blood sera were collected quantify levels IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-17 A CRP using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay hematology analyzer. Spearman correlation analysis determine relationship between each biomarker performance. Multivariate logistic regression whether due S. infection affected in Results Higher TNF-α correlated lower Foundations Learning domain (r = -0.30; p < 0.001 r -0.26; 0.001), respectively. Low Eye-Hand-Coordination Domain observed PSAC high following biomarkers that showed negative correlations performance; IL-6 -0.29; IL-10 -0.18; 0.04), WBC neutrophils -0.21; 0.01) lymphocytes -0.25; 0.003) General Development -0.28; 0.001) 0.001). L-17A MXD had no significant any domains. overall general development infections (OR 7.6; 0.008) 5.6; 0.03) where higher Conclusion Systemic are associated function. We recommend inclusion into mass drug treatment programs.