Effective anthelmintic therapy of residents living in endemic area of high prevalence for Hookworm and Schistosoma mansoni infections enhances the levels of allergy risk factor anti-Der p1 IgE

Abstract

In this work were investigated the relationship between Hookworm/Schistosoma mansoni infections and allergy related risk factors in two endemic areas with distinct prevalence of infections and co-infection. The intensity of infections, eosinophilia, allergy risk factors, infections status and anti-Der p1 IgE levels before and 2 years (population 1) and 3 years (population 2) after anthelmintic treatment, were evaluated. It was observed that the population with lower prevalence and intensity of infection (population 2) had lower eosinophils counts (>600/mm3) and higher animal contact than the population with higher parasites intensity (population 1). After anthelmintic treatment the intensity of S. mansoni single infection decreased, but no changes were observed in Hookworm and co-infected individuals. The anthelmintic treatment also enhanced anti-Der p1 IgE optical density in ELISA on the subgroups that became negative for helminth infection regardless of their previous infection condition in population 1. Facing that, we evaluated the anti-Der p1 IgE reactivity index, and the ratio (after/before treatment) was significantly higher in patients co-infected before treatment. On the other hand, no association between anti-Der p1 IgE reactivity index and the intensity of infections were observed. In conclusion, effective anthelmintic therapy of subjects from endemic areas with high prevalence of Hookworm and S. mansoni infections enhances anti-Der p1 IgE levels.

Parasites and allergy: Observations from Brazil

“…This study demonstrated that, in the context of a population where the primary environmental stimulus for type 2 immune pathways (measured indirectly by total IgE) was helminth infection, the regulation of host immunity was also likely to be due to host genetic factors. A study of subjects coinfected with hookworm and S. mansoni has shown an increase in levels of anti‐Der p 1 IgE levels following chemotherapy, an effect that was independent of parasite burden …”

“…A study of subjects coinfected with hookworm and S. mansoni has shown an increase in levels of anti-Der p 1 IgE levels following chemotherapy, an effect that was independent of parasite burden. 87 Human lymphatic filariasis, still present in parts of northern Brazil, causes chronic infections in humans that may persist for many years, and is associated with a profound modulation of host antiparasite immune responses. 88,89 A study of individuals with lymphatic filariasis with and without antigenemia showed higher frequencies of IFNγ-and IL-4-producing CD4 + T cells among patients without evidence of circulating microfilariae in the blood, consistent with a downregulation of immune responses among patients with patent infections 90 observed previously in non-Brazilian populations.…”

Immunoregulation of multiple sclerosis by gut environmental factors

“…However, more recent studies have suggested a protective role for symbiotic infectious agents in immune disorders. Interestingly, the presence of helminth infections was shown to reduce allergic atopy or atopic dermatitis, but conversely, treatment of helminths increased immune reactivity . Furthermore, studies showed that a reduction in helminth infection was associated with an increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease .…”

“…Interestingly, the presence of helminth infections was shown to reduce allergic atopy or atopic dermatitis, but conversely, treatment of helminths increased immune reactivity. [18][19][20][21] Furthermore, studies showed that a reduction in helminth infection was associated with an increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease. 22 These studies raise the important question: how do these factors affect the immune system?…”

Schistosoma mansoni antigens alter activation markers and cytokine profile in lymphocytes of patients with asthma

“…Asthmatics individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni have less severe asthma symptoms as compared to uninfected patients. Moreover, the anthelmintic treatment against S. mansoni led to a worsening of asthma symptoms and to an increase in allergenspecific serum IgE (Almeida et al, 2012;Campolina et al, 2013;Medeiros et al, 2003;Van den Biggelaar et al, 2004). Furthermore, infection with S. mansoni has been associated with a reduced Th2 response in vitro and in murine model with an increase in regulatory mechanisms that may be associated with the control of inflammation and improvement in asthma symptoms (Araujo et al, 2004;Oliveira et al, 2009;Smits et al, 2007).…”