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Original ArticleOpen Access
Levels of Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Relation to Clinical Involvement and Treatment Among Thai Adults with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
Chuncharunee S 
,
Jootar S ,
Leelasiri A ,
Archararit N ,
Prayoonwiwat W ,
Mongkonsritragoon W ,
Polvicha P ,
Srichaikul T
,
Jootar S ,
Leelasiri A ,
Archararit N ,
Prayoonwiwat W ,
Mongkonsritragoon W ,
Polvicha P ,
Srichaikul T Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) in serum were measured in 17 Thai
men infected with Plasmodium falciparum malarial infections to determine whether they were
affected by severity of infections or exchange transfusions. Twelve patients were considered
having complicated malarial infections, eight of whom had cerebral malaria. Five patients had
uncomplicated malarial infections. The results showed that malarial infection markedly raised
TNF-a level above normal values (mean± SEM 406 ± 38 vs 15 ± 5, p = 0.004). In complicated
malaria, cerebral involvement appeared to significantly increase concentration of TNF-a when
compared to values in uncomplicated malaria (mean ± SEM 496 ± 64 vs 339 ± 12, p = 0.0 I).
Degree of parasitemia, intravenous quinine (day 0 value vs day 7 value) and exchange transfusion
did not significantly affect TNF-a levels.
Conclusion : Serum level of TNF-a is increased in Plasmodium falciparum malarial infections
and may be a useful index to predict severity of malarial infection, cerebral malaria in
particular.
men infected with Plasmodium falciparum malarial infections to determine whether they were
affected by severity of infections or exchange transfusions. Twelve patients were considered
having complicated malarial infections, eight of whom had cerebral malaria. Five patients had
uncomplicated malarial infections. The results showed that malarial infection markedly raised
TNF-a level above normal values (mean± SEM 406 ± 38 vs 15 ± 5, p = 0.004). In complicated
malaria, cerebral involvement appeared to significantly increase concentration of TNF-a when
compared to values in uncomplicated malaria (mean ± SEM 496 ± 64 vs 339 ± 12, p = 0.0 I).
Degree of parasitemia, intravenous quinine (day 0 value vs day 7 value) and exchange transfusion
did not significantly affect TNF-a levels.
Conclusion : Serum level of TNF-a is increased in Plasmodium falciparum malarial infections
and may be a useful index to predict severity of malarial infection, cerebral malaria in
particular.
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