Repeated treatments with albendazole enhance Th2 responses to Ascaris Lumbricoides, but not to aeroallergens, in children from rural communities in the Tropics.
Geohelminth infections are associated with modulation of immunity to parasite antigens and aeroallergens. To investigate the possibility that this modulation is affected by anthelmintic treatment, we compared cytokine responses in children who were treated with repeated doses of albendazole over 1 year versus those in children who had were not treated. Whole-blood samples were cultured with Ascaris antigen and house dust mite and cockroach allergens, and levels of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, interferon-gamma, and IL-10 were measured. Anthelmintic treatment was associated with enhanced production of Th2 cytokines in response to parasite antigen but did not affect responses to aeroallergens. The data indicate that long-term treatment may be associated with increased Th2 antiparasite immunity.
Cooper
Philip J
PJ
Centro de Investigaciónes FEPIS, Quinindé, Ecuador. pcooper@ecnet.ec
Moncayo
Ana Lucia
AL
Guadalupe
Irene
I
Benitez
Susana
S
Vaca
Maritza
M
Chico
Martha
M
Griffin
George E
GE
D015766:Albendazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology; D017164:Ascaris lumbricoides / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D003058:Cockroaches / Q000276:immunology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D004391:Dust / Q000276:immunology; D004484:Ecuador / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology; D012424:Rural Population; D012882:Skin Tests; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014329:Tropical Climate
D000485:Allergens; D000871:Anthelmintics; D016207:Cytokines; D004391:Dust; D015766:Albendazole