Strongyloides stercoralis and the immune response.
The immune system is a highly evolved network of cells and molecules that can distinguish between invading pathogens and the body's own cells. But helminths, in their complex forms, are capable of down-regulating host immunity, protecting them from being eliminated and also minimizing severe pathology in the host. This review focuses on Strongyloides stercoralis and the immune responses in immunocompetent and/or immunocompromised individuals. It also highlights the implications for diagnosis/treatment and draws attention to an emerging public health disease. The solution to reducing the prevalence of strongyloidiasis remains on the effectiveness of pre-emptive measures in endemic communities, increased awareness, prompt early diagnosis as well as timely treatment.
Iriemenam
Nnaemeka C
NC
Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos, Idi-araba, PMB 12003 Lagos, Nigeria. iriemeka@yahoo.co.uk
Sanyaolu
Adekunle O
AO
Oyibo
Wellington A
WA
Fagbenro-Beyioku
Adetayo F
AF
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D017171:Strongyloides stercoralis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D013322:Strongyloidiasis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000469:parasitology