The Effects of Iron Treatment on Malaria and Measles Vaccine Response in Kenyan Infants With Iron Deficiency

The Effects of Iron Treatment on Malaria and Measles Vaccine Response in Kenyan Infants With Iron Deficiency

Malaria and iron deficiency cause a significant burden of disease in Africa. Iron deficiency (ID) might affect immune responses to vaccination.

In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, we aim to assess: (1) whether ID impairs R21/Matrix-M and measles (MR) vaccine response, (2) whether iron treatment at time of vaccination improves vaccine response.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subject's caregiver is willing and able to give informed consent
• Male or Female, 6 months (+/- 2 weeks) of age
• Mother at least ≥15 years of age
• Iron deficient (erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) >61 μmol/mol heme)
• With or without anemia (anemia defined by Hb <110 g/L)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severely anemic (Hb <70 g/L)
• Malaria vaccination prior to enrollment
• Medical condition that precludes study involvement
• Iron supplementation 2 weeks before enrollment
• Acute or chronic infection (e.g. HIV)
• Wasted (length for height z score of ≥-2) or underweight (weight for age z score ≥-2).