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- Title
Comparison of cytokine plasma levels in human African trypanosomiasis.
- Authors
Courtin, David; Jamonneau, Vincent; Mathieu, Jean-François; Koffi, Mathurin; Milet, Jacqueline; Yeminanga, Claude Sese; Kumeso, Victor Kande Betu; Cuny, Gérard; Bilengue, Constantin Miaka Mia; Garcia, Andr
- Abstract
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. Method We determined levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- α and interferon (IFN)- γ 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. Conclusion 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.
- Subjects
CONGO (Democratic Republic); AFRICA; IMMUNOLOGY; TRYPANOSOMIASIS; CYTOKINES; IMMUNOSUPPRESSION; INTERLEUKIN-2; IMMUNITY
- Publication
Tropical Medicine & International Health, 2006, Vol 11, Issue 5, p647
- ISSN
1360-2276
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1365-3156.2006.01612.x