Coincident helminth infection modulates systemic inflammation and immune activation in active pulmonary tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Helminth infections are known to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses in active and latent tuberculosis (TB). However, the role of helminth infections in modulating responses associated with inflammation and immune activation (reflecting disease activity and/or severity) in TB is not known.

Methodology

We measured markers of inflammation and immune activation in active pulmonary TB individuals (ATB) with co-incidental Strongyloides stercoralis (Ss) infection. These included systemic levels of acute phase proteins, matrix metalloproteinases and their endogenous inhibitors and immune activation markers. As a control, we measured the systemic levels of the same molecules in TB-uninfected individuals (NTB) with or without Ss infection.

Principal findings</

SUBMITTER: George PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4222842 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature