[Clinical and immunological consequences of the association between HTLV-1 and strongyloidiasis]

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2002 Nov-Dec;35(6):641-9. doi: 10.1590/s0037-86822002000600016. Epub 2003 Feb 26.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Strongyloidiasis is one of most important forms of helminthiasis in tropical countries and epidemiologic studies have shown the association of this parasitic disease with HTLV. It has been observed in regions where both these agents are endemic and coinfection may result in an increase in the disseminated forms of strongyloidiasis as well as recurrent strongyloidiasis. While HTLV-1 is related to a high production of IFN-gamma; and deviation of the immune response towards a Th1 response, the protection against helminths is associated with Th2 like immune response. Individuals infected with HTLV and S. stercoralis have a reduction in the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and parasitic IgE response, all of which are factors participating in the defense mechanism against S. stercoralis. These abnormalities are the basis for the occurrence of an increase in the severe forms of strongyloidiasis among patients infected with HTLV-1.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / immunology*
  • HTLV-I Infections / complications
  • HTLV-I Infections / immunology*
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interleukins / immunology
  • Strongyloides stercoralis / immunology
  • Strongyloidiasis / complications
  • Strongyloidiasis / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukins
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Interferon-gamma