Immunology and genetics of zoonotic infections involving parasites.
Zoonoses involving parasites are both common and important, some causing serious diseases. The abilities of such parasites to pass between humans and a variety of vertebrates facilitates their use as experimental model systems. Much can be learned about the host-parasite relationships of zoonotic infections from laboratory-based studies, particularly where it is possible to make use of defined parasite isolates in a variety of host species or in genetically defined strains of a given host. This review focuses on our current understanding of the immunological influences upon host-parasite interactions involving zoonotic parasites and on how such influences are modified by the genetic variability found n populations of both hosts and parasites. Particular emphasis is given to data arising from work with the intestinal parasitic nematode Trichinella spiralis and other isolates of the genus Trichinella.
Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, U.K.
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Wakelin
D000818:Animals; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D010271:Parasites / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D017160:Trichinella spiralis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014235:Trichinellosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D014611:Vaccination; D015047:Zoonoses