Suppressed T helper 2 immunity and prolonged survival of a nematode parasite in protein-malnourished mice

Morphometric study of Schistosoma mansoni adult worms recovered from undernourished infected mice

“…Interestingly, experimental malnutrition induced for a long-term (since lactation to adulthood) in mice has no detrimental effect on the infection (Simões et al 2002). Finally, it can be speculated that both host and schistosomes develop a certain degree of physiological adaptation to survive in a protein-deficient environment (Ing et al 2000).…”

Epidemiology of Hookworm Infection in Kintampo North Municipality, Ghana: Patterns of Malaria Coinfection, Anemia, and Albendazole Treatment Failure

“…There is a large body of evidence from animal studies of intestinal nematode infections, including hookworm, to suggest that micronutrient intake as well as underlying nutritional status can play a significant role in susceptibility and the host's capacity to control intensity of infection. [66][67][68][69][70][71] Several recent studies have followed infected children after deworming to determine the influence of nutritional factors on reinfection. Hagel and others 72 in Venezuela found that children aged 6-11 years with lower height for age z score (HAZ) and weight for age z score (WAZ) scores had significantly higher risks of reinfection with Ascaris 8 months after completing treatment .…”

Parasitological characteristics of Schistosoma mansoni infection in swiss mice with underlying malnutrition

“…Relatively few studies have examined the effects of malnutrition on the immune response in the parasite-infected host (Ing et al 2000, Scott & Koshi 2000. Nutrients have fundamental and regulatory influences on the immune response of the gastro intestinal tract and, therefore, on host defense (Cunningham-Rundles & Lin 1998).…”

“…In our study model, mice received free access to a protein-restricted diet throughout the experiment. It is probable that not only the host but the parasite also develop a certain degree of physiological adaptation to survive in a protein-deficient environment (Ing et al 2000).…”