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In vitro cellular immunity in Chagas' disease.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|November 1, 1979
Summary
Delayed hypersensitivity in Chagas' disease patients was assessed. Chronic phase patients reacted to T. cruzi and heart antigens, while indeterminate phase patients showed limited reactivity, suggesting potential progression to chronic disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Chagas' disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, presents in chronic and indeterminate phases.
- Understanding immune responses is crucial for predicting disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate in vitro delayed hypersensitivity in Chagas' disease patients.
- To differentiate immune responses between chronic and indeterminate disease phases.
Main Methods:
- Leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) was employed.
- Antigens included extracts of T. cruzi culture forms and normal rat heart.
- Patients with chronic and indeterminate Chagas' disease were compared to healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Chronic phase patients showed significant reactivity to both T. cruzi and heart antigens.
- Indeterminate phase patients exhibited minimal reaction to heart antigen.
- Only 35% of indeterminate phase patients reacted to the T. cruzi antigen.
Conclusions:
- Limited immune response in the indeterminate phase may indicate early-stage disease.
- These findings suggest a potential transition to the chronic phase.
- Immune mechanisms influence the onset of chronic Chagas' disease.