Lipid plasma levels and Plasmodium falciparum infection in Sao Tome

Changes in lipid plasma levels during malaria attacks have been proposed for use in diagnosis or to assess the severity of the disease. In order to analyse the plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDLC ef LDL-C, we compared, in an endemic area (Sao Tome island), two groups of patients children infected with Plasmodium falciparum (simple malaria attack and cerebral malaria) with a control group of asymptomatic children. No correlation between lipid plasma levels and disease severity was found. Correlations between lipids and parasitemia or anemia were analysed. The mechanism of plasma lipid changes during attack are discussed.