Association of Haptoglobin Gene Polymorphism with Uncomplicated Malaria Cases in Elfasher, Northern Darfur State, Sudan

Background: Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites. Malaria was one of the major problems in Sudan, recently the emergence of malaria in Northern Darfur lead to the outbreak in the 2018 and 2019 high morbidity and mortality, the host parasites interaction may be one the reason.

Haptoglobin is an acute phase protein that binds haemoglobin, preventing iron loss and renal damage. It also serves as an antioxidant, has antibacterial activity, and modulates many aspects of the acute phase response.

Methodology: To determine polymorphism in Haptoglobin genes in malaria patients, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Elfasher city Northern Darfur State, durning the transmission season of August 2020 to December 2021.

A total of 142 individuals were included, 26.8% males and 73.2%females. (Data variables were demographic, clinical, parasitological and some hematological parameters), were reported using chi square test. Comparisons of continuous variables using the one-way analysis of variance ANOVA for parametric data and Kruskal Wallis test for non-parametric data. An alpha value of < 0.05 denoted a statistically significant difference in all statistical comparisms.

Results: Association of Hp genotypes and the risk of uncomplicated malaria were analyzed by age and gender. Hp1-1 genotype was most frequency (44.4%) compared to other genotypes. The Hp1-1, Hp2-1 and Hp2-2 genotypes were found in 88.9%%, 100% and 71.1% of female patients, respectively. None of age and gender factors revealed statistically significant association (P = 0.05).

The Hp2-2 genotype was higher with 89.2% on malaria patients with fever compared to other genotypes. It is possible that the Hp2-2 genotype protects against a range of malaria symptoms, but we did not find a significant association between Hp genotypes and malaria clinical symptoms (P = 0.05).

Conclusion: This research revealed that Hp 1–1 and Hp 2–1 genotypes each occur in nearly 4 in 10 children and the Hp 2–2 genotype occurs in 2 of 10 children. There was no correlation with the prevalence of uncomplicated malaria. To fully comprehend the significance of these genotypes in malaria protection, more research on the effects of haptoglobin genotypes on the severity of P. falciparum malaria is required.