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.
Wakelin
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Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham, U.K.
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