IL-6 plays a pivotal role in favoring T-cell commitment toward a Th17 cell rather than Treg-cell phenotype, as established through in vitro model systems. We predicted that in the absence of IL-6, mice infected with the gastrointestinal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus would show reduced Th17-cell responses, but also enhanced Treg-cell activity and consequently greater susceptibility. Surpris...

Allergic diseases mediated by T helper type (Th) 2 cell immune responses are rising dramatically in most developed countries. Exaggerated Th2 cell reactivity could result, for example, from diminished exposure to Th1 cell-inducing microbial infections. Epidemiological studies, however, indicate that Th2 cell-stimulating helminth parasites may also counteract allergies, possibly by generating re...

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, strongly associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer development. Parasitic infections caused by helminths have been shown to modulate the host's immune response by releasing immunomodulatory molecules and inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs). This immunosuppressive state provoked in th...

BACKGROUND The poor correlation between allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (asIgE) and clinical signs of allergy in helminth infected populations suggests that helminth infections could protect against allergy by uncoupling asIgE from its effector mechanisms. We investigated this hypothesis in Ugandan schoolchildren coinfected with Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm. METHODS Skin prick test (SP...

SYNOPSIS. Some of the accumulated knowledge on the complex problems involved in the transmission of helminths of domestic animals in the USA is summarized. The lollowing conditions are usually necessary for the development outside the final hosts of infective stages of these helminths: moderate temperatures, adequate moisture, oxygen, and protection from freezing, desiccation and direct sunligh...

Dientamoeba fragilis is an inhabitant of the human bowel and is associated with gastrointestinal illness. Despite its discovery over a century ago, the details of Dientamoeba's life cycle are unclear and its mode of transmission is unknown. Several theories exist which attempt to explain how Dientamoeba may be transmitted. One theory suggests that animals are responsible for the transmission of...

Enterobius vermicularis is an intestinal nematode of humans and the most common helminth infection. Main transmission path is direct contact between infected and uninfected person meaning ingestion of the eggs. Human infections are usually asymptomatic or manifest as perianal itching. Although ectopic locations are uncommon, Enterobius can occasionally be detected in appendix, kidney, male urin...

Fallow deer in Poland is an alien species, with an ambiguous legal status. It is considered both, a game and a farm animal, which introductions in recent years led to a substantial increase of its population. As a representative of cervids, it shares with other free-ranging and domestic ruminants many of gastrointestinal helminths, among them an alien Ashworthius sidemi, the nematode of a high ...

background: the aim of this study was to compare superoxide dismutase (sod) activity in fasciola hepatica and fasciola gigantica parasites. materials: f. gigantica and f. hepatica helminths were collected from abattoir and cultured in buffer media for 4 h at 37 °c. excretory-secretory (es) products were collected, centrifuged and stored at - 20 ◦ c. e-s protein concentration was measured by bra...

environment conservation is the common concern at all levels from local to global. most of the recent environment problems and ill effects stem from ecological misappropriation and neglect to recognize the limits of ecosystem, its. rapid population growth, low income, lowest health facilities, poor sanitation, lack of education. personal and community hygiene poverty has enhanced the incidence ...