Comparison of cytokine plasma levels in human African trypanosomiasis.
BACKGROUND
Immunological studies suggest that human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is associated with inflammatory responses. A better understanding of the complex cytokine interactions regulating HAT infections is essential to elucidate the mechanisms of generalized immunosuppression.


METHODS
We determined levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma protein levels in plasma samples from three groups of individuals from the Democratic Republic of Congo: (i) HAT cases; (ii) seropositive individuals for whom parasite detection was negative and (ii) controls.


RESULTS
Plasma levels of six cytokines were significantly higher in HAT cases than in both controls (P<0.003) and seropositive individuals (P<0.016). IL-2 and IL-10 concentrations were significantly lower (P<0.02) in the seropositive group than in the control one.


CONCLUSIONS
Human African trypanosomiasis leads to the development of strong cytokine responses, indicating the potential involvement of IL-2 and IL-10 in the phenomenon of seropositivity without parasitological confirmation. This strongly suggests the involvement of immunity in this particular aspect of HAT epidemiology.
Courtin
David
D
Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Santé de la mère et de l'enfant en milieu tropical, Paris, France.
Jamonneau
Vincent
V
Mathieu
Jean-François
JF
Koffi
Mathurin
M
Milet
Jacqueline
J
Yeminanga
Claude Sese
CS
Kumeso
Victor Kande Betu
VK
Cuny
Gérard
G
Bilengue
Constantin Miaka Mia
CM
Garcia
André
A
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D015023:Democratic Republic of the Congo / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000097:blood; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000097:blood; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000097:blood; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D016014:Linear Models; D008118:Loiasis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D014347:Trypanosoma brucei gambiense / Q000276:immunology; D014353:Trypanosomiasis, African / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis
D016207:Cytokines; D007376:Interleukin-2; D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D016753:Interleukin-10; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma