Immunological Defense Mechanism Leaves Malaria Patients Vulnerable to Deadly Infection

Malaria patients are at a high risk for developing fatal bacterial infections, especially salmonella infections. While this has been believed to be a result of generalized immunosuppression by malaria, where the whole immune system becomes weakened and suppressed, researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine have for the first time found and explained a link between malaria and salmonella infections. They have discovered that the increased vulnerability to salmonella infections is a result of the body's attempts to protect itself from the malaria infection. Therefore, the body "fights one enemy but exposes itself to the other." The researchers' study demonstrates that increased susceptibility to salmonella infections is due to a very specific immunological effect that does not affect the entire immune system. In the study, it has been found that where the incidence of malaria decreases, so do salmonella infections. The finding is opening the way to more effective treatments.

Link to the article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111218150258.htm