How does Human Schistosomiasis Jeopardize the Testicular Immune Privilege?

Abstract

Human schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection that affects close to a quarter of a million people in 78 nations and the number of people at risk may be projected to 800 million. The disease is caused by Schistosoma parasites, which are blood flukes that infect humans through the skin when they come into contact with contaminated water. Schistosomiasis causes a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the urine. One of the less well-known effects of schistosomiasis is its impact on male reproductive features, germ cells and immune components in the testis. Despite the testicular cells are well equipped with innate and effective local defenses mechanisms against invading parasites. Various pathogens such as Schistosoma parasites, succeeded in hijacking the immune-privileged state of the testis and to evade systemic immune surveillance. Some pathogens can even remain in the testes for long periods of time, disrupting thus local immune homeostasis and affecting testicular function and male fertility. This article presents an overview of the Schistosoma parasites strategies used to jeopardize the testis immune priviledge.