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Cellular immunity to Echinococcus granulosus cysts.
Japhet K. Magambo1, Zeyhle, Timothy M. Wachira
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
African Journal of Health Sciences
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Echinococcus granulosus infection persists due to immune evasion. Ultrastructural analysis of hydatid cysts reveals leukocytes, primarily macrophages and plasma cells, infiltrate the adventitial layer, impacting chronic infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Echinococcus granulosus infection is characterized by chronicity.
- Weak natural immunity and larval immune evasion contribute to persistent infection.
- Understanding the host cellular immune response is crucial for managing echinococcosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ultrastructural characteristics of the hydatid cyst adventitial layer.
- To identify the types of host cellular immune responses involved in Echinococcus granulosus infection.
Main Methods:
- Ultrastructural studies using transmission electron microscopy.
- Surgical removal and analysis of hydatid cysts from Turkana patients.
Main Results:
- The ectocyst (adventitial layer) comprises three distinct layers.
- The inner layer is rich in infiltrating mononuclear leukocytes.
- The middle layer contains inflammatory cells, predominantly plasma cells and fibroblasts, with scant neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes. Mast cells and basophils were absent.
- The adventitial layer is infiltrated by leukocytes, notably macrophages and plasma cells.
Conclusions:
- The host cellular immune response in Echinococcus granulosus infection involves significant infiltration of the adventitial layer by macrophages and plasma cells.
- These cellular infiltrates play a role in the chronicity of the infection.
- Further research into the specific functions of these cells within the hydatid cyst microenvironment is warranted.