Interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha: novel biomarkers for assessment of different grades of hepatic periportal fibrosis due to Schistosoma mansoni infestation

ABSTRACT

Background: Schistosomal hepatic periportal fibrosis, which affects 5-10% of individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni, is caused by the T-cell-dependent granuloma that develops around schistosome eggs. Experimental models of infection have shown that granuloma and fibrosis are tightly regulated by cytokines. However, it is unknown why advanced periportal fibrosis occurs only in certain individuals