Purpose: To examine whether helminth infection during pregnancy alters Vitamin-D-metabolism and reactivity of the child's immune system Hypothesis: Helminth infection during pregnancy is associated with altered Vitamin D levels and Vitamin D receptor expression in the placenta and modified immune reactivity in the infant.
Objectives The primary objective of the proposed research project is to study the impact of helminth infection in general and particularly of infection with S. haematobium during pregnancy on Vitamin D metabolism and its related factors as well as the impact of maternal infection on infants developing immune system and health. Specific Objectives To assess the effect of maternal helminths infections on Vitamin D and vitamin-D-related factors in the serum of pregnant women and cord blood of their infants, To assess the effect of helminth infection on placental biology: Determine expression levels of VDR and inflammatory genes Investigate histologically the gestational age and other functional aspects of the placenta Determine the influence of helminth driven inflammation and helminth antigens on placental tissue by establishing a (co-)culture system using primary placental cells and a placental cell line To assess whether helminth infections influence the infant's peripheral immune system by analyzing composition, reactivity and lineage determination of fetal cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) in relation to the maternal and fetal immune and Vitamin D status. Current study focusing objectives In the present study the investigators explore if and how Vitamin D and its related signals are modulated by helminth infection and how helminth infection could thereby shape the developing immune system of the newborn by analyzing CBMCs.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
180
Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma.Schistosomiasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, especially in poor communities without access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.
Soil-transmitted helminth infections are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. They are transmitted by eggs present in human faeces which in turn contaminate soil in areas where sanitation is poor.
Josiane Y Honkpehedji
Lambaréné, Moyen-Ogooué Province, Gabon
Association between Schistosoma and helminth infection and Vitamin D levels.
Schistosoma hematobium in pregnancy is associated with vitamin D metabolism
Time frame: 48 Months
Association between Schistosoma infection and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (defined as birth weight below the 10th birth weight percentile), stillbirth and premature delivery.
Schistosoma hematobium infection during pregnancy is associated with a birth weight born child
Time frame: 48 Months
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