Seropositivity for Ascariosis and Toxocariosis and Cytokine Expression Among the Indigenous People in the Venezuelan Delta Region

Abstract

The present study aimed at measuring seropositivities for infection by Ascaris suum and Toxocara canis using the excretory/secretory (E/S) antigens from Ascaris suum (AES) and Toxocara canis (TES) within an indigenous population. In addition, quantification of cytokine expressions in peripheral blood cells was determined. A total of 50 Warao indigenous were included; of which 43 were adults and seven children. In adults, 44.1% were seropositive for both parasites; whereas children had only seropositivity to one or the other helminth. For ascariosis, the percentage of AES seropositivity in adults and children was high; 23.3% and 57.1%, respectively. While that for toxocariosis, the percentage of TES seropositivity in adults and children was low; 9.3% and 14.3%, respectively. The percentage of seronegativity was comparable for AES and TES antigens in adults (27.9%) and children (28.6%). When positive sera were analyzed by Western blotting technique using AES antigens; three bands of 97.2, 193.6 and 200.2 kDas were mostly recognized. When the TES antigens were used, nine major bands were mostly identified; 47.4, 52.2, 84.9, 98.2, 119.1, 131.3, 175.6, 184.4 and 193.6 kDas. Stool examinations showed that Blastocystis hominis, Hymenolepis nana and Entamoeba coli were the most commonly observed intestinal parasites. Quantification of cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-4 expressions showed that there was only a significant increased expression of IL-4 in indigenous with TES seropositivity (p < 0.002). Ascaris and Toxocara seropositivity was prevalent among Warao indigenous.

Community Rates of IgG4 Antibodies to Ascaris Haemoglobin Reflect Changes in Community Egg Loads Following Mass Drug Administration

“…Most of these studies used crude somatic antigen preparations or excretion/secretion (E/S) products derived from larvae or adult parasites cultivated in vitro. These antigens are difficult to procure and generally lack specificity [ 11 – 15 ].…”

Показатели Цитокинов У Детей С Гепатобилиарной Патологией В Сочетании С Паразитозами

“…Особливий інтерес являють собою медіатори вродженого і адаптивного імунітету -цитокіни, однак необхідно враховувати, що їх секреція різниться в різні вікові періоди [6]. Інтерлейкін-4 (IL-4) є ключовим медіатором Th2-типу імунної відповіді, має протизапальні властивості, відіграє роль у протигельмінтному захисті, фактор некрозу пухлини альфа (TNF-α) має прозапальні властивості [7][8][9]. Вираженість і характер проявів при патології травної системи внаслідок ураження паразитами залежать від їх етіології, тривалості та ступеня інфікування [10].…”

A Phosphorylcholine-Containing Glycolipid-like Antigen Present on the Surface of Infective Stage Larvae of Ascaris spp. Is a Major Antibody Target in Infected Pigs and Humans

“…Serological tools detecting exposure to Ascaris might be more sensitive than egg based diagnostics for measuring prevalence or intensity of exposure in a human community [17]. Until now, only a handful of studies report the evaluation of antibody-based tests for ascariasis [18–23]. Recently, Vlaminck et al, [15, 17] showed that an ELISA detecting antibodies to Ascaris haemoglobin in plasma or serum samples appears to reflect general exposure to Ascaris on a community or herd level in humans and pigs, respectively.…”