Suppression of T cell response is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Regulatory T cell (Treg) mediated immune-suppression is reported in animal models of Leishmania infection. However, their precise role among human patients still requires pathologic validation. The present study is aimed at understanding the frequency dynamics and function of Treg cells in the blood and bone marrow (BM) of VL patients. The study included 42 parasitologically confirmed patients, 17 healthy contact and 9 normal bone marrow specimens (NBM). We show i) the selective accumulation of Treg cells at one of the disease inflicted site(s), the BM, ii) their in vitro expansion in response to LD antigen and iii) persistence after successful chemotherapy. Results indicate that the Treg cells isolated from BM produces IL-10 and may inhibit T cell activation in IL-10 dependent manner. Moreover, we observed significantly higher levels of IL-10 among drug unresponsive patients, suggesting their critical role in suppression of immunity among VL patients. Our results suggest that IL-10 plays an important role in suppression of host immunity in human VL and possibly determines the efficacy of chemotherapy.

Objective:The study was conducted to determine the point prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients suffering from tuberculosis.Material and Methods:Total of 100 consecutive cases were included who were already diagnosed with tuberculosis after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Tools used were General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS).Result:Out of 100 cases, 74 cases found to be having psychiatric symptoms, in which 35 cases were suffering from depression and 39 were suffering from anxiety.Conclusion:Psychiatric morbidity was present in the diagnosed cases of tuberculosis. Proper psycho education, timely intervention in the form of proper diagnosis and specific treatment was required. It should also be evaluated further on a bigger target population.

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Aim Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by parasites belonging to genus Leishmania (L.) is classified as a category I disease by the TDR/WHO. The understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease was built from the findings of available experimental models. Among all available models, the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is the most suitable model for the experimental representation of VL. In this review, we have focused on the opportunities and challenges of using the hamster as an experimental model for visceral leishmaniasis. Methods The studies referenced in this review were based on searches in PubMed and Google Scholar without a specific timeline. We collected study results underlining the clinicopathological response, immunopathogenesis and factors determining the outcome of VL in hamsters. Particular emphasis was given in the context of developing new therapeutics and testing potential candidates for vaccine development. Conclusion Among all animal models, M. auratus is undoubtedly a better animal model for immunopathogenesis, drug discovery and vaccine development studies of VL infection. But, further optimization of this animal model is required to mimic human VL completely.

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Absence of an effective Th-1 response has been demonstrated as a major cause for the disease pathology among patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Defining strategies to prevent the development of Th-2 response and/or initiate/activate effective Th-1 response may be of help to reduce the growing incidence of drug unresponsiveness. Adenosine, which is considered as an endogenous anti-inflammatory agent is generated in injured/inflamed tissues by the enzymatic catabolism of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and it suppresses inflammatory responses of essentially all immune cells. The extracellular adenosine-producing pathway comprises two major enzymes CD39 (ATP → ADP → AMP) and CD73 (AMP → Adenosine). In contrast, the adenosine-degrading pathway contains only one major enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA). Our study shows high concentration of adenosine in diseased condition, varying expression of enzyme involved in adenosine-producing (CD73↓) and adenosine-degrading (ADA↑) pathways. These are less studied in infections like VL but are very important in terms of endogenous regulation of immune response among patients.

Background:Psychiatric morbidity in children and adolescents is a major concern as they become more complex and intense with children's transition into adolescence.Aim:The aim of this study is to assess and compare the prevalence of depression and anxiety among children residing in rural and suburban area of eastern Uttar Pradesh and understand the burden of these problems in our society.Materials and Methods:Children, in the age group 11–18 years, were divided into 2 groups: Group I – 100 children from rural area Tikri; Group II – 100 children from suburban area Sunderpur. Their sociodemographic details were recorded. Children's Depression Inventory and Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale were used to screen for depression and anxiety in children, respectively. The final diagnosis was done using present state examination in accordance with International Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders 10. Data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test.Results:The prevalence of depression was found to be 14.5% while that of anxiety disorder was found to be 15%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of depression or anxiety in rural and suburban areas (P > 0.05). Depression and anxiety were more prevalent in middle adolescence, in females, and in lower-middle socioeconomic group. Depression was more prevalent in the students of class 9th –12th, whereas anxiety was more in students of lower classes. Depression was more prevalent in joint families. These differences show some important trends regarding factors affecting these problems.Conclusion:This study yields useful information which could be of use in early management of psychiatric disorders present in the community and prevent their development into chronic disorders.