ABSTRACT
Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR) is the most common neurological form of Schistosoma mansoni infection. In this study we investigated the expression of chemokines and Th2 cytokines in serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of SMR patients. SMR patients presented increased serum levels of CCL11/eotaxin and CCL24/eotaxin-2 when compared to controls. SMR patients also had higher levels of IL-13 in CSF. Thus, SMR patients present enhancement of both IL-13 and CCR3 acting chemokines, both of which may facilitate the expression of a Th2 response and Th2-dependent damage to the spinal cord. As this cytokine is responsible for promoting Th2 responses, this finding is in accordance to the view that Th2 cells are important in the immunological process against the S. mansoni.
Subject(s)
Chemokines/blood , Chemokines/cerebrospinal fluid , Cytokines/blood , Cytokines/cerebrospinal fluid , Neuroschistosomiasis/immunology , Schistosoma mansoni/immunology , Th2 Cells/immunology , Adolescent , Adult , Animals , Female , Humans , Male , Neuroschistosomiasis/blood , Neuroschistosomiasis/cerebrospinal fluidABSTRACT
Child meningomyeloradiculitis is a rare complication form of schistosomiasis, even in hyperendemic area. Its diagnosis is very difficult, especially if there are not history or signs of Schistosoma mansoni or hematobium infections. It must be evocated in case of acute flask paralysis occurring in children living in Schistosoma infections endemic area. The authors report a 14-year-old boy's case and suggest etiopathogeny of the disease.
