IL-13 gene polymorphism at the -1055 locus and severe malaria – Is there a link?

Abstract Objective This research examined how the IL-13-1055C/T promoter polymorphism affects the likelihood of Sudanese children developing severe malaria. Method The research was carried out in 2020 and included 115 children with malaria and 49 healthy youngsters from Al Gadaref, Sudan. To analyze the IL-13 1055C/T SNP, the DNA product was digested by the restriction enzyme BstFNI. The ELISA Sandwich method was used to investigate serum IL-13 and IgE. Results The IL-13 gene1055C/T SNP differed significantly between malaria patients and healthy individuals. The results revealed a highly significant difference between various alleles of the IL-13 gene 1055C/T position and malaria severity groups (P-value < 0.001). The IL-13 SNP was found to be closely associated with the allele frequency in the healthy control group. (C: T% = 70.4:29.6), with a p-value < 0.001. The findings show a significant positive relationship between IL-13 and IgE levels in individuals with malaria. (r = 811; P value < 0.001). IL-13 levels differ significantly between malaria patients and healthy individuals, with a P value = 0.000. Malaria patients exhibited considerably greater IgE levels than healthy children, P value < 0.001. Conclusion Our findings revealed substantial relationships between the IL-13 gene polymorphism at the − 1055 locus and severe malaria anemia, uncomplicated malaria, and cerebral malaria cases, implying that the IL-13 gene could have a significant impact on the development of severe malaria.