Importance of cytokines production during Hymenolepis nana primary and challenge infection

ABSTRACT

The function of cytokines produced during Hymenolepis nana infection in mice in protective immunity against reinfection was studied. IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-4 in aqueous intestinal extracts were assayed during primary and challenge infection. The results showed that, after primary infection with H.nana eggs, the levels of all cytokines [IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-4] started to increase from days 3-5 post - infection when the parasites are thought to begin their luminal phase, while challenge infection, stimulates a significant increase in their levels. All the parasites derived from the primary infection were markedly decreased and the cysticercoids can't be observed after challenge infection