Within MERIT - UMR_D 261, Mariama Souffou explored the cross-reactivities between Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum.
Mariama Souffou, chercheur·e au sein de MERIT - UMR_D 261 (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Médicament, toxicologie, chimie, imageries (Paris ; 2014-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Research on parasitic co-infections in West Africa is of urgent relevance for many reasons. Mariama Souffou, within MERIT - UMR_D 261, has conducted an in-depth study on the complex interactions between Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, two parasites that pose a major challenge to public health in this region. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, is endemic in many West African countries, while toxoplasmosis, often overlooked, also represents a significant risk, particularly for pregnant women and their newborns. The results of her work raise crucial questions about how an infection with T. gondii could influence susceptibility to other infections, including malaria, and how these interactions may affect the health of vulnerable populations.
Data collected during a sero-epidemiological study in Benin show that pregnant women who are seropositive for toxoplasmosis have fewer malaria infections. This finding is of paramount importance, as it suggests an immune protection mechanism that deserves further exploration. Indeed, pregnant women are particularly exposed to the risks associated with infections, and any discovery that could reduce this vulnerability is valuable. Souffou's research focuses on identifying the cross-reactivity mechanisms of specific IgG, which could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of co-infections. For example, if we could understand how antibodies against T. gondii can confer protection against P. falciparum, it would pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.
The importance of this research cannot be underestimated. In sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis is high, infants are particularly vulnerable. Complications related to congenital toxoplasmosis can be severe, ranging from congenital malformations to neurological disorders. Recommendations arising from this thesis include the development of polyvalent vaccines targeting shared antigens between the two parasites. This could not only improve diagnosis but also reduce complications in infants, with a significant impact on public health. Indeed, an effective vaccine could reduce the burden of infectious diseases in this region, thereby contributing to global health goals such as those set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The methodology adopted by Souffou, which includes a thorough analysis of immune responses and a review of IgG polymorphisms, is rigorous and promising. This approach allows for a better understanding of the complex immune interactions that occur during co-infections. Furthermore, the use of advanced techniques such as next-generation sequencing could provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity of the parasites and their impact on the host's immune response. This opens the door to innovative solutions to improve the management of congenital infections.
In summary, this research is a call to action for policymakers and public health actors. It is imperative to invest in integrated strategies to combat these co-infections in order to protect the most vulnerable populations. This could include awareness campaigns on the prevention of toxoplasmosis and malaria, as well as targeted screening and treatment programs for pregnant women. Additionally, collaboration among West African countries could strengthen research efforts and the development of effective treatments. In conclusion, Mariama Souffou's study represents a significant advancement in the understanding of parasitic co-infections and underscores the importance of a holistic approach to improving the health of populations in West Africa.
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Sources et accès
Mariama Souffou. Plasmodium falciparum et Toxoplasma gondii : exploration des réactivités croisées pour une caractérisation d'IgG spécifiques de toxoplasme dans un cadre d'infection congénitale. Immunologie. Université Paris Cité, 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024UNIP5260⟩. ⟨tel-05330499⟩