Detection of the levels of immune cytokines (IL4, IL5, TNF-α) in schoolage and preschoolers with an Ascaris lumbricoides infection
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Date
2024-03-25
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Journal of Parasitic Diseases
Abstract
Gastrointestinal parasite infections have been identified as a significant public health concern in regions with high humidity levels globally. Ascaris lumbricoides, a prevalent human pathogen, is widely distributed throughout several regions
globally. It is estimated that around 1.5 billion cases are attributed only to A. Lumbricoides. These types of disorders are
associated with a wide range of diseases. Several animal studies have demonstrated the significance of T helper cell type
2 responses to helminths in the digestive system, as well as the crucial role of specific interleukins (ILs), such as IL-4
and IL-5, in eliminating parasites and combating infections. However, there is a limited body of research examining the
response of human cytokines to gut helminths, particularly in relation to the cellular reactions to Ascariasis in populations
where it is prevalent. This is a case-control study and included 100 children suffering from Ascaris infection, aged between
4 and 15 years, and 50 healthy children as a control group. Samples were collected at Al-Habobbi Teaching Hospital after
ethical approval. The children were diagnosed by stool examination and the concentration method was performed. Five
milliliter of blood was collected from each participant, and the levels of interleukins 4, interleukins 5 and TNF-α were
measured by ELISA. The levels of TNF-α and IL-5 exhibited statistically significant variance between the preschool and
school-age groups at P=<0.01. The difference in the level of IL-4 was non-significant between preschool and school-age
groups at P>0.05. The difference in the levels of TNF-α and IL-5 was significant between control and moderate infection (P=<0.05), while that of IL-4 was non-significant (P>0.05). When comparing control, the modest groups showed
significantly higher IL-5 and IL-4 levels (P=>0.05). The difference in TNF-α, IL-5 and IL4 levels between mild and
control groups was significant (P<0.001), except for TNF-α which was not significant (P=0.86). The difference in levels of interleukins in children according to age group and severity of infection indicates the role of the cellular immune
response in the emergence and development of the disease and its severity in children
Description
This study explores the immune response in children infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, a widespread gastrointestinal parasite affecting approximately 1.5 billion people globally. Helminth infections, particularly in humid regions, pose a significant public health concern and are associated with a range of diseases. Previous research on animal models has highlighted the importance of T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses, particularly interleukins (IL-4 and IL-5), in parasite elimination. However, limited research exists on human cytokine responses to A. lumbricoides, especially in highly affected populations.
Methodology:
A case-control study was conducted involving 100 children with Ascaris infections (aged 4–15 years) and 50 healthy children as a control group. Samples were collected from Al-Habobbi Teaching Hospital after ethical approval. Diagnosis was confirmed through stool examination and the concentration method. Blood samples (5 mL per participant) were analyzed using ELISA to measure levels of TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-5.
Key Findings:
Age-Based Differences:
TNF-α and IL-5 levels varied significantly between preschool and school-age children (P ≤ 0.01).
IL-4 levels showed no significant difference between the two age groups (P > 0.05).
Infection Severity and Cytokine Response:
TNF-α and IL-5 levels were significantly different between control and moderate infections (P ≤ 0.05), while IL-4 levels showed no significant difference (P > 0.05).
Children with moderate infections exhibited significantly higher IL-5 and IL-4 levels compared to controls (P > 0.05).
TNF-α, IL-5, and IL-4 levels differed significantly between mild infections and controls (P < 0.001), except for TNF-α (P = 0.86).
Conclusion:
The study demonstrates that cytokine levels vary based on infection severity and age, indicating that the cellular immune response plays a key role in the progression and severity of Ascaris infections in children. The findings underscore the importance of further research into human immune responses to helminths, which could help in developing targeted treatment and prevention strategies.
Keywords
Citation
Hamad, A. A., Mustafa, H. M., & Mohsein, O. A. (2024). Detection of the levels of immune cytokines (IL4, IL5, TNF-α) in school-age and preschoolers with an Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Journal of Parasitic Diseases, 48(4), 782-787.